COUNCIL officers are to conduct a review of two key service departments in Argyll and Bute as the authority faces a budget gap of more than £6.4 million.
Savings options have been published for the first time ahead of the council setting its budget for the 2025/26 financial year in February.
Among the listings are a review of roads and infrastructure services, and education services, which it is estimated will save £300,000 and £200,000 next year respectively.
The number of posts at risk is listed only as ‘to be confirmed’, and no further details are given as to what the reviews involve.
It is also being proposed that the authority removes £20,000 of funding split equally between the Camanachd Association (shinty’s governing body) and Scottish Rugby.
The details were in a report before the council’s policy and resources committee at its meeting on Thursday, December 5.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “A review of roads and infrastructure is currently being carried out. Stage one was reported to [the environment, development and infrastructure committee] in June and stages three-four are progressing.
“Savings are expected to be identified and members will be asked to agree each saving option when it is identified. The savings figure represents a target level of savings.
“Education service are about to commence a review of the service, in a similar way to roads and infrastructure.
“The savings figure represents a target level of savings for year one only at this stage, as the review progresses, further savings will be identified.”
Various management/operational savings options, which would not result in any jobs being lost, are also listed in the report.
Ms Flanagan added: “In the mid-range scenario, the budget gap estimated over the five-year period 2025/26 to 2029/30 is £27.718m with a gap of £6.448m in 2025/26.
“Council officers are continuing to explore further savings options and these will be presented to members within the budget pack.
“This is a very challenging budget outlook position and the level of Scottish Government grant and the pay award are two assumptions that could alter the figures significantly.
