One of Scotland's largest local authorities is fighting a proposal to increase its number of councillors.
The Local Government Boundary Commission in Scotland is suggesting that North Lanarkshire should have 77 councillors instead of the present 70.
The commission has been conducting a review of the number of councillors and ward boundaries across Scotland.
North Lanarkshire said its existing structure was sufficient and any changes could increase costs.
The proposal from the commission would also mean the creation of one extra multi-member ward in North Lanarkshire.
The council has expressed concern that an additional seven councillors would not represent value to the public purse.
It has also said that easily identifiable boundaries were ignored by the proposals and that there was no evidence the new plan would assist in tackling deprivation.
Labour has a majority on North Lanarkshire Council. Since the introduction of proportional representation in local government elections, overall majorities have become far less commonplace.
However, the area voted Yes in the independence referendum and the SNP won all four Westminster constituencies in the area at the recent General Election.
