SNP councillors lined up to blast the Labour administration’s budget, branding them as displaying “arrogance and contempt" for voters.

The minority party in West Dunbartonshire Council tabled a last-minute bid during Wednesday’s meeting to prevent any immediate cuts by asking for a public consultation.

The amendment was rejected as the Labour budget was passed, a move slammed by the SNP as one that will impact "every one of West Dunbartonshire’s 88,000 residents".

And, speaking after the meeting, SNP councillors worried the £6.88 million in cuts will target the most vulnerable in the community.

Opposition finance spokesperson Councillor Ian Dickson said: “The arrogance on display from Labour Party councillors at a time when we need compromise and cooperation to protect public services is unforgivable. 

“These draconian cuts impact every service area of the council including education, employability services, community facilities, roads, footpaths and so many more. 

“To cause such devastation without consulting the public is undemocratic and the public will not forget what Labour did here tonight.”

Opposition leader Councillor Karen Conaghan added: “This budget is going to have an adverse impact on everyone in West Dunbartonshire, young and old, and I can’t help but worry about how these service cuts will affect those most vulnerable in our communities; we can’t know what will happen because the Labour administration did not ask.

“Not one person was consulted on what services were most important to them or how proposed cuts would impact their lives.

"This will live long in the memory of local people and SNP councillors will now focus on doing everything we can to support people hurt by Labour’s uncaring budget.”