Vital health and social care services in West Dunbartonshire have been protected thanks to a £1.8million funding gap being closed.

West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (WDHSCP) has protected frontline services in its budget for 2019/20.

The partnership accepted significant funding from both West Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure they could continue to focus on primary care, mental health and community based services, said bosses.

A total of £67.8m was invested by the council, while NHSGGC is contributing £91.1m, pending approval from the health board next month.

Members were told in February they faced funding gaps in social care of £1.81m but due to the enhanced budget contribution from the council, as well as applying management savings and recommended increases to social care charges, this was reduced to £700,000.

In health care, a range of contributions mean the funding gap has been closed and £63,000 of funding is available for investment.

Allan Macleod, chair of the WDHSCP, said: “As a partnership we are fully committed to providing effective and efficient health and social care services to the people of West Dunbartonshire.”

Councillor Marie McNair, vice chair of WDHSCP, said: “I am delighted to deliver this no cuts budget to our residents - many of whom rely on the services we provide.

Beth Culshaw, chief officer of WDHSCP, added: “The services we provide to the people of West Dunbartonshire are vital, and so I am pleased that we have agreed a budget which shows our continued commitment to investing in primary care, mental health and community based services."

Members also approved the partnership’s strategic plan for the years 2019-2022.