More teachers and classroom staff 1700 kids to get free school meals and clothing grants But jobs to go in £15m cuts

The magic number for the SNP is 33 unless there are abstentions or absences. Cllr Ross insists the budget being put forward is “investing in communities” across South Lanarkshire and will provide a boost for the young, older people and the most vulnerable.

He said: “There are still significant financial challenges but our position is better than we initially prepared for, partly because our Scottish Government grant is better than anticipated.

“I am especially proud that we are going to do away with the obstacles that seem to prevent 1200 pupils from getting free school meals and 1700 from getting clothing grants. These children will now automatically be able to get the hot meals and warm clothes that are a basic right and should help them focus on their studies.”

South Lanarkshire would be one of the first councils in the country to move to automatic enrolment – and it is also proposed that the clothing grant will rise by 50 per cent to £75.

Cllr Ross added: “While just a few months ago we expected to have to find much more in savings than we now face having to make, it still has taken a great deal of hard work and difficult choices by the administration and council officers to get to this point. “However, I believe this is a good budget which invests in our communities and I am pleased to say that I have had constructive talks with other political groups, for which I am grateful.”