Every council finance director in the country has warned the Scottish Government services may be stopped over a £1bn funding crisis.

In an “unprecedented” letter, they also claimed there is not a “path” for local authorities to deliver balanced budgets next year.

Acting Finance Secretary John Swinney will this month deliver what is expected to be one of the most difficult budgets in the history of devolution due to rising inflation and funding staff salary rises.

In a letter to Swinney signed by all 32 council finance directors, they flagged up the “significant and concerning” financial picture.

They said the current year was difficult enough due to pay deals and other factors, but warned 2023/24 would be even tougher.

“Such considerations include those relating to schools, waste, roads, family support, public health, and social care.

“The choices come down to reducing services, stopping services and ultimately, reducing the number of jobs. This is bad news for individuals, families, communities and economies across Scotland.”

Want to see more SNP fails? – Politics Matters