Taking the rise out of skint Scots

THERE is never an excuse for intimidation and threats of violence against politicians.

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Police should treat any such behaviour directed at councillors with the utmost seriousness.

The fact that two MPs - Jo Cox and David Amess - have been murdered in recent years underlines why there can be no complacency.

It is however a PR disaster for council leaders to accept pay rises of up to 41 per cent on the same day council tax bills for households soar to record levels.

In recent weeks, Falkirk Council voted through a 15.6 per cent rise, Glasgow 7.5 per cent, Edinburgh eight per cent, and Clackmannanshire and East Dunbartonshire 13 per cent... the list goes on.