The letter below is being circulated on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council
Dear Community Group member
West Dunbartonshire Council Budget 2024/25
As you may be aware, the Council continues to operate in an extremely challenging financial environment.
Rapidly reducing budgets mean the options available to us to continue to provide services in the same way are limited, and we must take action to save money while still delivering the vital services our residents rely on.
The income we receive – including funding from the Scottish Government – is significantly lower than the cost of delivering the services. In the current financial year, this shortfall meant we faced a £21million budget gap and we must address a further anticipated deficit of around £17million for 24/25 (as at the Council meeting in December 2023).
Elected members agreed a number of savings options in December and will meet again next month to discuss further action required to close the remaining gap.
I am writing to you today to ask you for your support, as a community organisation working with elderly or disabled residents, by sharing this update with your group.
One of the proposals which will be considered is removal of the Care of Garden service, which is a payable service to support over65s or those registered as disabled to maintain their gardens.
Members will also consider whether to continue paying out an Elderly Welfare Grant, which you may know is a £15 per year payment available to all residents over the age of 67.
Please be assured that the impact of any decision will be carefully considered however the financial position outlined above means it is impossible for us to maintain services at current levels.
Further detail on these two proposals and all others being considered at the meeting will be published on or around 22 February here:
No decision on this will be made until the Council meeting is held on Wednesday 6 March and I will keep you informed of the outcome.
Yours sincerely
Gail Macfarlane
Chief Officer- Roads and Neighbourhood
West Dunbartonshire Council
Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL
Email address: Gail.Macfarlane@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Laurence Slavin
Chief Officer- Resources
West Dunbartonshire Council
Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL
Direct Line: 01389 737801
Email address: laurence.slavin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Discover more from West Dunbartonshire CVS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
