FOLLOWING a protest against “savage” cuts at Clackmannanshire Council yesterday, MSP Keith Brown has hit-back at Scottish Labour.

As the Advertiser reported yesterday, around 20 people gathered outside the council chambers as elected members were getting ready to vote on the budget.

Regional list candidates for Mid-Scotland & Fife Craig Miller (Scottish Labour) and Bryan Quinn (RISE) had both called for the budget, which was ultimately passed, to be rejected.

Mr Miller also said that the SNP government should reconsider Labour's 1p tax rise, while Mr Quinn said councillors should be standing up for people, adding that RISE would scrap the council tax and replace it with a fairer, income-based levy.

Responding, SNP MSP Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government’s funding agreement for local government delivers a strong, but challenging financial settlement and 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.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

“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.

“Additional funding will also be provided to Clackmannanshire to improve educational attainment and to maintain the pupil-teacher ratio in our schools – ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.

“And with council tax bills frozen for a ninth consecutive year, meaning a total saving of more than £1500 for the average Band D household, this is a settlement that delivers a pay rise for people on low wages – not a tax rise.

“We know Labour’s plans to increase income tax could hit thousands of the people in Clackmannanshire - while the SNP want to give the lowest paid workers in Clackmannanshire a pay-rise, Labour want to give them a tax-rise.”

The budget was ultimately passed, the equivalent of around 107 full-time positions will be impacted this financial year.