Dundee’s finance chief has admitted it’s “not looking good” for the city council as it prepares for another winter of budget-setting.
The local authority will reveal full plans for next year’s spending in February, but work will start before then to identify where savings can be made.
It is predicted that at least £22 million will have to be cut from the council’s budget in the next two years.
Willie Sawers the council’s finance spokesman said cuts on the cards could top the £7m slashed from services in the last budget process.
He added: “We’re looking across the council about how we can deliver services in a cost effective manner.
“It will result in both efficiencies to the public and cost saving to the Government, but it is far too early to speculate how we might arrive at the savings.”
“As far as is practicable, we will be looking to have a minimal effect on front-line services.”
Lib Dem councillor Fraser Macpherson warned Dundonians to brace themselves for another difficult year.
He said: “There is no doubt that the council will be forced to make yet more savings for the umpteenth year in a row.”
“We’re hugely dependent on the financial support given to us by John Swinney.
“It makes up a far greater percentage of expenditure than council tax brings in.
“Until we know that, it is impossible to predict where we are going.
“The annual local authority expenditure is well in excess of £300m, but £1m either way for individual departments can make a huge difference.”
Mr Sawers confirmed a report is due to be presented to councillors shortly.