Edinburgh City Council could bring in private firms to carry out many of its services in a bid to save £90million.

Refuse collection, street cleaning, school meals and building maintenance are among the services which could be targeted under the review.

Jenny Dawe, leader of the local authority, admitted the council is facing an "unparalleled" situation.

She said: "The financial situation facing the council is unparalleled. The council must continue to provide maximum value for taxpayer's money, while delivering the quality frontline services that residents expect.

"We must therefore radically review the council's operations to transform customer service and secure real efficiencies. Proposals would only be progressed where a strong business case demonstrated."

If the services are re-tendered the council could make savings of between 10% and 30% in each area.

Seventeen services will be put up for the process and they will be grouped into three categories: corporate and transactional services, property and facilities management and environment services.

Companies will be able to bid for individual services or a whole group if the plans are backed by councillors next month.

Councillor Dawe added: "The council is committed to working constructively with the trade unions to explore and evaluate all of the options, and staff will be kept informed of any decisions."

Tom Aitchison, chief executive of the council, said: "A range of research studies have indentified that public sector organisations have typically achieved savings of between 10% and 30%.