Council takes first steps to close £9.2million budget gap
Published 18 December 2025
A range of savings and adjustments have been agreed by councillors last night in the first steps taken towards closing a £9.2m budget gap for 2026/27.
The budget process is undertaken in two phases with a view to agreeing a balanced budget and assisting with future projected gaps.
At a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council, members were told how the difference between the council’s income and cost of delivering services, compounded by increased costs across the board, has led to the shortfall and an ongoing financial challenge.
They considered a range of savings options to help address this, including political options which require their approval and management adjustments, which can be implemented as part of normal business and have no frontline service impact.
Some options agreed will involve the council investing to save, including introducing additional mini buses to support ASN school transport; upgrades to CCTV at Council depots; and the purchase of a new vehicle for gully cleaning.
A proposal about the rotation of temporary accommodation was excluded, subject to it being revisited as part of the budget setting meeting in March.
Adjustments going forward include a review of Non-Domestic Rates budgets; the introduction of a centralised, in-house Portable Appliance Testing service; and participation in an HMRC pilot scheme to reduce unpaid Council Tax.
The total savings generated by the option and adjustments is around £1.5m, meaning the funding still required to close the 2026/27 budget gap will be approximately £7.5m.
The full report detailing all options and adjustments is available on the CMIS section of the Council website.
Delays to the UK Autumn Budget mean the Council will not be told of Scottish Government funding until after their budget is set on January 13.
A second tranche of savings options is currently under development and will be presented at a meeting on 4 March 2026, when elected members will consider the best path to delivering a balanced budget.
Council Leader, Councillor Martin Rooney, said: "We are determined to protect vital services, and while we don’t want to see reductions or changes, taking these smaller steps now is essential to safeguard the future of our Council services.
“After years of financial uncertainty, the options for savings are limited. However, our priority remains clear: to protect the services our communities rely on most.
“As we work towards closing the budget gap by March, confirmation of Scottish Government funding will give us a clearer picture of what further action is required.”
Deputy Council Leader, Councillor David McBride, added: “Bridging a £9.2 million gap is a significant challenge, but the decisions taken at this Council meeting show we are moving in the right direction.
“The road ahead will not be easy, but we are focused on making the necessary changes to deliver a balanced budget while continuing to provide the essential services our residents depend on the most."