Council tax is rising across Scotland and public services are being slashed as local authorities attempt to plug multi-million pound holes in their budgets.

Ministers say they have given a fair settlement to councils in challenging circumstances – stating that funding will increase by £570m in cash terms next year.

But Cosla, the umbrella body representing Scotland’s 32 local authorities, said this drops to just £71m when ring-fenced funding set aside for Scottish Government priorities is taken into account.

A report released by the Accounts Commission earlier this year warned soaring levels of debt and a £400m funding gap could force some Scottish councils to dip into cash reserves.

The watchdog said total debt had increased by £300m to £19bn across the country’s 32 local authorities, while 16% were considering council tax increases in order to make up for the deficit following the emergence from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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