The 2021/22 budget reflects the significant impact of the pandemic and details of spending for the coming year included investment in additional community empowerment officers to assist residents and groups to shape recovery plans and enhance their areas.

In addition, there is funding to support victims of domestic abuse with £40,000 for two local Women’s Aid refuges.

A further £152,000 is being spent on accelerating maintenance and repairs to buildings including schools, early learning and childcare centres and community centres which had to be put on hold due to pandemic restrictions, with £200,000 invested in improving pavements in the area to enhance walking routes.

A number of key projects will be progressed in the coming 12 months including the opening of a new education campus in Renton and completion of a new gym, changing facility and running track in Dumbarton.

There will be investment in the Antonine Wall Heritage Fund which is delivering a project to bring the history of the World Heritage Site back to life as an interactive attraction including Roman themed playparks along the length of the structure. Funding has also been committed to improve the Dennystoun Forge Gypsy Traveller Site in Dumbarton.

Taxi and private hire car drivers will have their current single year licences extended to cover two years at no additional cost reflecting the impact of the pandemic on the trade.

It was agreed at a previous council meeting in February that Council Tax levels would be frozen for 2021/22.