LOCAL AUTHORITY CHIEFS' WARNING- Brutal cuts..or big hikes in council tax

Cosla fears over vital services

- PAUL HUTCHEON

LOCAL authority chiefs have warned of "massive" council tax rises if the Scottish Government blocks cuts to teacher numbers.

Umbrella group Cosla also claimed funding for libraries, leisure facilities and roads would be "decimated" if classroom savings closed off a s were an option.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin said: "The decision to maintain funding levels in education should not result in other areas of the budget being completely depleted.

"The SNP must properly fund the services we all rely on." The SNP/Green Government and councils are engaged in a bitter row over how town halls. should balance their budgets.

As revealed by the Record, Glasgow council drew up plans to shed 800 teaching jobs, a strategy proposed by other councils.