Dundee City Council to make up £23m shortfall over next financial year

Previously, council chiefs had said that they would need to find £28m worth of savings spread over 2016/17 and 2017/18, however, the authority is now saying that £23m of cuts will come next year and that no further figures are available for the following year.

The position has changed following the announcement by the Scottish Government last month that Dundee would lose more than £11m from the grant it receives from Holyrood for next year.

Councillors on the policy and resources committee will hear on Monday of the position in a report considering the local government financial settlement 2016/17 and financial implications for the city council.

Administration finance spokesman, Councillor Willie Sawers, said: “This figure of £23m to be saved in one year is a significant challenge for the council.

“I would like to reassure people across Dundee that protecting frontline services is our priority.

“We are looking at ways to minimise the impact of these savings by restructuring the way we deliver services.

“The council is also investing in the future with an ambitious capital plan which is providing new schools and modern facilities across the city.”

The local authority will set its budget next month.