Where could a council cut £30m from its spending?

Dumfries and Galloway Council is asking the public to help with its efforts to solve a financial conundrum.

The local authority says it faces a £30m funding gap over the next three years - meaning it needs to cut spending or increase its income.

The picture should become clearer when its support levels from the Scottish government are confirmed next month.

In the meantime, it has drawn up 48 budget savings options which it has put out to consultation.

One option on the list would be to end the council's support of the free Youth Beatz festival in Dumfries.

It has been estimated the local authority could save £160,000-a-year by stopping its backing of the event, aimed at young people aged between 16 and 25.

About 40,000 fans came to the festival this year across two days at Park Farm.

It has been staged in the region since 2009 and the council has, so far, resisted repeated calls to starting charging for tickets.

Education cuts are also on the list with a move to reduce the number of teachers and additional support for learning (ASL) teachers.

It has already generated concerns from teaching unions in the area.

A reduction of the schools estate has also been suggested with the potential of extending its current mothballing strategy.

At present when a roll drops below 10 pupils it is consider for temporary closure but that could be increased to 25 pupils or fewer.

Community facilities are also in the potential firing line.

The council could transfer the ownership or shut the remaining public toilets and community halls it still operates.

The closure of Castle Douglas Swimming Pool and reducing opening hours at other facilities could save about £200,000-a-year.

A reduction of the number of waste recycling centres could also be undertaken after a review of their location, usage and suitability.

A wide range of other provision could also find itself under threat.

An enhanced flu vaccination programme for staff within schools introduced as part of the pandemic response is another possible savings target.

So, too, is the closure of the local authority's in-house garden nursery which produces annual bedding plants for 40 flower beds throughout the region.

And the removal of school crossing patrols at sites which have automated crossings is another possible target.

As well as cutting costs, the council is looking at ways to boost its income.

Discounted rates for leisure and sport facilities could be removed alongside improved marketing and promotion of the sites.

A rise in fees for marriages and civil partnerships is another avenue being explored.

And a review of the opportunities to introduce parking charges could also generate funds to invest in the region's roads.

The full list of options being examined is available on the council's website.

Consultation on the plans is open until 6 December after which the local authority says it will use public opinion to help it decide how to make the savings.