The usual targets and few surprises

Increased burial charges, volunteers in libraries and rationalised council offices are some the ideas thrown up by the drive to close the £5.2m funding gap.

The 50-plus pages which went before the council’s Partnership and Resource Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel contained dozens of suggestions, many of which identified no savings.

There are also the usual targets, as well as some surprises .

West Lothian has one of the lowest charges for burial costs. At 28th out of 32, the national average is £1467 and in west Lothian to lair burial cost is £ 1.090. A proposed increase of 30 per cent taking the cost to £1417 would potentially save £ 150,000 yet still keep costs below national average.

On public transport a five per cent increased in bus fares could generate £100,000 over four years.

The concessionary rail fares scheme could increase costs by 50p per single journey and £ 1 return which could save £25,000.

Introducing a flat £5 daily fee charge at the county’s nine electric car charging points could raise £16,000.

There is also the potential to install additional charging points with potential Scottish Government grant funding.

One of the biggest savings identified is in the reduction of council admin buildings which, along with the closure of some cemetery buildings and the withdrawal of the current automated public convenience contract could save £475,000.

Improvements in use of wind turbine, solar panels and increased use of reflective window film could save another £ 20,000, while closure of all non-essential buildings over the festive period would save £2000.

Other potential savings, yet to be costed, but up for consideration include the increased use of volunteers to maintain services such as library provision.

A spokesman for the council said: “All suggestions will be further explored by officers before final decisions are taken.”