COMMUNITY groups and charities could be facing cuts to their council funding as the SNP propose their first draft budget.

The administration has put forward more than £1 million in savings they’d make based on a list compiled by West Dunbartonshire Council officers.

One of those favoured by the SNP and council bosses is £150,000 in savings from a total of £1.2m for “strategic partner organisations”.

The SNP launched last Wednesday’s full council meeting by pledging to confirm stable funding for the next three years for both Dumbarton Women’s Aid and Clydebank Women’s Aid.

But when they later put forward their draft budget, the SNP proposed cutting money from groups and charities, without providing a list.

It was only when pressed by Labour members that council officers listed off the groups and charities that benefit from the £1.2m each year.

Those include the Independent Resource Centre, West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau, Victim Support, Shopmobility, Y Sort It and others.

Potential groups getting cuts could also include Clydebank Asbestos Group, who were honoured at a civic ceremony (pictured) just weeks ago by councillors for 25 years of work.

Under repeated questions from Councillor Douglas McAllister over the £50,000 to Antonine Sports Centre, finance convener Cllr Ian Dickson added it to the protections for women’s aid.

Cllr McAllister said: “I want to know the list of organisations affected and the level of cuts. Will you exclude Antonine Sports Centre? Are there any other organisations you’re willing to exclude?”

But referring to the SNP draft budget, council leader Councillor Jonathan McColl then added: “It says we will provide figures for the next three years. We don’t say what the figures will be.”

Cllr McAllister asked if there were any talks with Antonine or Clydebank Asbestos Group.

Cllr Dickson replied: “I cannot confirm or deny.”

Joyce White, chief executive of the council, interjected: “I’m not aware of any detailed discussions with any of those organisations at this time.”