Dumfries and Galloway Council aims for cuts of £50m over three years

Dumfries and Galloway councillors will be asked to approve the cuts this week, starting with 21.8 million for next year.

Subsequent cuts will raise the target to 36.6m in 2012-13 and 51.4m the following year.

A report by officials to councillors said they "must have plans and strategies in place" to deliver cuts dealing with the impact of the UK government Budget.

However, the figures could change when the Scottish Government announces the local authority financial settlement at the end of the year.

The advice follows similar moves on public finances across Scotland's 32 local authorities.

Elaine Murray, Labour MSP for Dumfries, said: "The scale of the cuts is obscene and there is no doubt that they will impact on the local economy and public services which the people of Dumfries and Galloway rely on.

"It is clear that the financial squeeze imposed by the UK and Scottish governments is putting cash-strapped local authorities under greater pressure."

South Ayrshire Council is facing a 56m funding shortfall over the next three years, while Glasgow City Council is paving the way for 180m of savings over the same period.

Argyll and Bute Council is seeking voluntary redundancies to help meet a 15 per cent savings target, and Renfrewshire Council has warned 700 jobs could go by next March - one-tenth of its non-teaching workforce.

Public spending watchdog Audit Scotland said last month that all authorities will be expected to make savings.

And the Accounts Commission said earlier this year that councils should prepare for the "extremely challenging combination" of reduced funds and increased demand for some services.

Dumfries and Galloway councillors will discuss their report on Friday.