Budget battle

SCOTTISH council leaders have vented their fury at Derek Mackay’s “smoke and mirrors” budget.

The Finance Secretary outlined a £327m package of cuts to services during his budget unveiling last month. Mr Mackay is now at loggerheads with Labour’s local authority leaders, with seven writing to him.

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader said: “Labour will table amendments to the budget to stop these cuts that will do huge damage to our public services, and we would urge Mr Mackay to think again.”