The SNP Government is planning an overhaul of funding for pupils from deprived areas, according to a leaked paper.

A document revealed proposals for a “redistribution” of cash currently earmarked for a minority of councils to all 32 local authorities.

Michael Marra, Scottish Labour education spokesman, said: “It beggars belief that the SNP would choose this moment to make callous cuts to the poorest children’s education.

“If this move goes ahead it would end any pretence that the SNP care about Scotland’s young people and recovery in their education.”