Local authority officers have drawn up an exhaustive list of services predicted to exceed their budgets for the 2008/09 financial year.

Total overspend is thought to be in excess of £5million - a worst case scenario if a series of cost-cutting measures are not met.

Falling property prices, meanwhile, look set to curtail the borough's multi-million pound capital programme - although council bosses insist that the proposed new £300m Civic and Cultural Quarter will not be affected.

A financial management report due to be discussed by mayor Martin Winter and his cabinet meeting next Wednesday reveals that the authority will actually underspend by £562k this financial year - but only if EVERY single saving suggestion proves successful.

The document reveals that the borough's Communities and Schools Social Work Service (CSSWS) could overspend by as much as £1.6m.

A deficit of more than £500k could result from providing accommodation for the town's vulnerable young people, while school support services for travellers and ethnic minorities could cost £247k more than expected.

Within the neighbourhoods and communities department, the highways service is forecast to overspend by £280k, leisure centres are potentially causing a financial pressure of up to £239k and customer services are projected to go £613k over budget.

The report adds that an income shortfall of £275k is projected by the car parking service, while there may be a £400k shortfall on the Schools Catering Budget.

Pressure to meet this year's budget has increased speculation that Mr Winter will raise council tax by 4.9 per cent next year.

Councillor Garth Oxby, leader of the Alliance of Independent Members, said: "That's the figure (4.9 per cent] that has been put around but in the current climate I don't think it's enough.

"I don't like saying that - but it really depends on how and what savings can be affected.

"When you talk about savings you're talking about services. We're very worried about services and what's happening in various departments - particularly childrens and adult services, and highways.

"We've got to move away from the selling of assets and the capital projects and battle to get services in order," he added.

A progress report on the borough's capital investment programme, which this year has included the completion of two new park and ride sites and a reorganisation of special schools, will also be discussed on Wednesday.

The document states that urgent input will be needed from members to provide direction on which ongoing projects can be postponed.

Falling property prices mean Doncaster Council may have to delay the sale of unwanted assets - meaning less funds are available for capital projects.