A new report published this week states that of the 91 key performance areas set out by the independent body, such as revenue and service costs, community care, housing, education and waste management only 56 per cent were met.

The council set out its targets and summarised their performance for 2013/14 in the online report.

One of the missed aims was the time in which child protection cases should be handled.

More positively, however, the authority has created 1,000 jobs, apprenticeships and training places and secured nearly £1 million of funding for youth employment.

Councillor Martin Rooney, leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Creating new jobs is the most significant thing we can do to transform the lives of our residents and help secure a positive future for this area. I’m delighted the annual report shows we have been very successful on this front.

“Our vision is to create a prosperous West Dunbartonshire that is recognised as a dynamic area within a successful Scotland.

“The achievements listed in the annual report provide evidence that the council and its employees are working hard to achieve this.” The authority has approved plans to deliver 350 new affordable social houses by 2017, and is on track to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015.

Working with housing partner, the Wheatley Group, they plan to deliver an additional 400 houses in the area, the building of these will create additional employment opportunities.

Funding has also been secured from the Scottish Government to assist with the preparation of a master plan for the area around Dumbarton Rock and Castle.

Development of new homes and town centre work in the Vale of Leven has been confirmed, which includes a new civic square in Alexandria and improvements to the Vale of Leven industrial estate, and a planned hotel and independent brewhouse in Balloch.

Joyce White, chief executive, said: “We are achieving significant progress in many areas of council service such as helping people into work, providing apprenticeships and improving the quality of education for children and young people in the area.

“This is an exciting time for West Dunbartonshire. Many of our plans for delivery of the 2017 strategic vision are now in place and we are starting to see the results from these.” The 2013/14 annual report is available at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/performance-and-spending/public-performance-reporting.