MSP welcomes funding deal

She claims it will deliver a wage rise for social care workers, the protection of the pupil-teacher ratio, action on education attainment and the continuation of the council tax freeze.

She said: “After revelations that the Council failed to spend £2.4m of Scottish Government grants last year, and much grand-standing from the Council leader, I am glad he has seen sense and agreed to this fair budget deal.

“This agreement will ensure that despite unprecedented pressure placed on the Scottish budget by Tory austerity cuts, the public’s priorities will continue to be delivered at a national and local level.

“The local government settlement will deliver a Living Wage for social care workers and will make additional funding available to support the biggest reform in our health service since 1948 by integrating health and social care.

“With council tax bills frozen for a ninth consecutive year, meaning a total saving of more than £1,500 for the average band D household, this is a settlement that delivers a pay rise for people on low wages – not a tax rise.”