Scotland’s finance secretary has urged local authorities to avoid big increases in council tax by giving them an extra £1 billion.

Shona Robison presented the Scottish Government’s draft budget to Holyrood on Wednesday.

Last year, Ms Robison announced a hastily arranged council tax freeze, angering local councils struggling with rising inflation.

“In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will increase funding for local authorities by more than £1 billion,” she told MPs.

“This will take their total funding to more than £15 billion, including £289 million to protect the general revenue grant in real terms.

“Although it will be up to councils to make their own decisions with record funding, there is no reason for large increases in council tax next year. »