Work has been ongoing over recent years to reduce spending and increase income, while protecting jobs and the services residents rely on most.

But due to the difference between the funding received by the council – including the settlement from the Scottish Government – and the cost of delivering vital services, further savings are necessary.

The council’s current budget gap of £5.6m could increase to almost £7.7m based on what level of funding is agreed to support services delivered by West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP), West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and the Valuation Joint Board.

In addition, WDHSCP has an estimated minimum budget gap of £5.6m.

Councillors will meet on Wednesday 5 March to consider options to ensure they meet their legal obligation to set a balanced budget.

A report published last week outlines the different options to be considered at the meeting, where elected members will also set the Council Tax level for 2025/26.

They include the removal of funding for the Highland Games and the closure or reduction in opening hours of Dalmuir Golf Course, which the council pays more than £100,000 each year to subsidise running costs for, while memberships continue to decline.

Elected members will also consider a reduction or removal of footway gritting in the area; a reduction in the number of school crossing patrollers in the area; reduced levels of funding to external organisations including Women’s Aid, Y Sort It and Clyde Shopmobility; and ending the Care of Garden scheme.

Other options included are a reduction in the council contact centre and the removal of staffed citizen services support at the Church Street office; a review of school transport to bring it in line with statutory requirements; the introduction of a small charge for pupil music tuition; the removal of automated public toilet provision; a reduction in park maintenance; and closure of a civic amenity site, retaining one for the area.

Proposals also include the removal of the £15 per year Elderly Welfare Grant for residents over the age of 67; the merging of six bowling clubs with two sites retained; removal of secondary school registration time; and a reduction in modern apprenticeship investment.

In addition, savings have been proposed from a number of council teams, including ICT, Asset Management and Organisational Development.

No decision will be made on any option until the budget meeting.

Peter Hessett, council chief executive, said: “The financial outlook for our organisation remains extremely challenging but we are firmly focused on taking steps to ensure West Dunbartonshire Council remains sustainable now and in the future.

“We know our residents rely on the services we provide, and it goes without saying that we are doing all we can to protect them, as well as jobs.

“The fact remains that the cost of delivering those services greatly exceeds the income we receive from the Scottish Government and other sources. This means there is no option other than looking to reduce spending.

“I have no doubt that many of these potential savings will be difficult to hear, both for the communities we serve and colleagues across the council. Please be assured that we remain committed to delivering the best service we possibly can for residents with the resources available to us.”