Parking fines rise is just the ticket

HARD-UP councils can raise charges for parking infringements, John Swinney has announced.

-  CHRIS MCCALL

The Deputy First Minister said such a move would allow local authorities to raise more cash.

It comes as he revealed the Scottish Government will hand over an additional £100million in funding to the country's councils.

Swinney said yesterday the additional funding would help settle outstanding pay disputes with workers.

He was speaking before MSPs voted on the final stage of the Government's budget for the next financial year.

"The £100million is additional resources to what was announced last week," he said.