Suzy Douglas, the council’s head of finance, informed the Executive Committee of the “significant budget pressures”. She reported that adult services are the primary driver, accounting for £3m of the deficit due to increased demand and rising care costs, The Herald reports.

“What I’m reporting is that the council is spending more resources than it has available to it,” Ms Douglas stated. She confirmed the council is now seeking ways to cut spending or “maximise income opportunities” across its services.

Councillor Simon Mountford questioned the lack of a clear strategy, asking: “What you are saying is the savings will be delivered but you don’t know how?”