ANAS Sarwar has called on the Scottish Government to fund councils properly to avoid the need for big council tax rises next year.

The Scottish Labour leader, campaigning in Glasgow ahead of the Partick East/Kelvindale council by-election, said he didn’t support a council tax freeze.

Shona Robison, Finance Secretary will deliver the Scottish Government’s draft Budget today.

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Glasgow City Council is in the midst of a spending gap of more than £100m over three years and could hike council tax to help make up for the deficit.

Sarwar, said: “I don't think a council tax freeze would be appropriate this year.

“I do have a concern though that we need to make sure we are proportionate in terms of any proposed Council tax increases.

“But the way we can stop the need for exponentially high Council Tax increases across the country is if the SNP government actually gives a fair funding deal because that's what's going to decide for our councils, whether they need to make savings in their budget or they need to raise additional revenue.”

Sarwar said there is adequate cash from the UK Government following the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves budget to fund services.

He added: “Now that we have £5billion of additional money, the SNP needs to stop the imposition of cuts on local authorities, so local authorities can have a proportionate Council tax increase.

“Rather than what we've seen over the last number of years, which is the SNP cutting the budget year after year after year and at the same time imposing a Council tax freeze which meant local services being cut and actually those that need support most not getting it in local authorities.”

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Shona Robison, Finance Secretary, said ahead of the budget statement The SNP would improve public services.

She said: “The First Minister has made clear his focus on delivering on people’s priorities – eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, improving public services like our NHS, and tackling the climate emergency.

“Unlike the UK Government’s Budget which treated Scotland like an afterthought, today we will publish a Budget that puts the people of Scotland first.

“We have listened carefully to the needs and priorities of organisations and businesses, and the people of Scotland.

“This is a budget that will deliver for them by building on the positive change we’ve delivered for Scotland, creating more jobs, and putting more money in people’s pockets.”