Proposal to restore grass cutting across West Dunbartonshire
Published 13 August 2025
Additional grass cutting could be undertaken across West Dunbartonshire if plans to increase investment and seasonal staffing are approved.
A motion by Councillor David McBride at today’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development committee agreed steps which would restore grass cutting in the area to the level undertaken in 2024/25.
The proposal will now be considered at a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council and the Housing committee, both taking place later this month.
If approved, a one-off investment of £130,000 for 2025/26 will be used to fund additional grass cutting over the rest of the year, subject to available Greenspace operatives. A further £150,000 will allow for the retention of 10 seasonal workers who will begin work on cutting back areas with long grass over autumn and winter.
A further £400,000 would require to be invested from 2026/27 to fund and maintain the same level of grass cutting each year, as well as the reinstatement of twice yearly weed killing and retention of bedding plants in public parks.
Councillor McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “In the face of ongoing and significant financial pressure we had to make hugely difficult choices on savings in order to protect the vital services which our residents rely on most.
“However It is clear from feedback received that our communities value well-maintained open spaces. We have listened to our residents and in response are seeking to prioritise and enhance the level of grass cutting going forward.
“In this financial year the funding would be from the Council’s finite reserves and future funding would have to be considered as part of the Council’s budget decisions in March 2026.
“It’s important to be clear that if the motion is approved at subsequent committees, the budget is limited, as is operative capacity, and it may take time to see a difference locally.
“The stepped approach means next year our grass cutting service capacity will be restored to the levels we undertook in 2024 in a planned and achievable way, which focuses on priority open areas and high amenity green spaces.”
The motion recommends that the funding is provided from both the general fund and the housing revenue fund, with the IRED committee recommending to Housing Committee that they agree the proposals relating to the Housing Revenue Account, subject to confirmation from the WDTRO in respect of the 2026/27 costs and approval of the General Spending commitment at Council.