A new report by the Accounts Commission highlighted that the council is serving its communities well by maintaining the quality of local services and customer satisfaction. This includes housing and education services.

Communities are also able to influence council decisions. Now, the report said, the key challenge is maintaining this in the face of a £52 million funding gap, with increasing demand for services and higher costs.

The Accounts Commission urged the council to significantly increase the scale and pace of service redesign if it is to secure services for the future in a financially sustainable way. It needs to show greater clarity and detail on how it will address budget gaps, including what can be achieved through redesigning or where services may need to be reduced. Continuing to rely on using money in reserves isn’t a sustainable solution, the Commission warned.

Andrew Burns, deputy chair of the Accounts Commission, said the council should also build and expand on its positive existing partnerships, locally and regionally, establishing arrangements that could deliver greater efficiency.

“West Dunbartonshire Council is well-governed and well-led, and its engagement with its communities is impressive,” he said. “There are significant opportunities for local people to have their voice heard, helping shape the future of their council and services. The council also has a strong culture of continuous improvement and track record of delivering change.”

“These strengths will be crucial as the council looks to address significant coming challenges, including continuing to include communities in shaping the future.”

Council leader Councillor Martin Rooney said: “We welcome this positive independent assessment, which highlights progress in a number of areas and acknowledges the work that has been undertaken to improve services and deliver for local people.

“It is particularly encouraging that auditors recognised our commitment to listening to communities and the positive outcomes being delivered as a result.

“We also recognise that there are challenges ahead, particularly in relation to the financial pressures facing local government, but we are committed to building on our many strengths and delivering the change required to ensure the Council remains sustainable and resilient into the future.”

Chief executive Peter Hessett added: “It is extremely encouraging that, despite the financial challenges facing the council, auditors recognised the resident-focused work underway to improve West Dunbartonshire.

“This positive report reflects the dedication of our officers, elected members and communities, whose commitment continues to drive improvement across the area.

“We will build on this strong foundation by continuing to work closely with residents, using the report’s findings to inform and strengthen our future planning and transformation work.”