The cost of resolving equal pay claims could put ‘unprecedented financial pressure' on council services in Glasgow, a spending watchdog has warned.

In a new report, the Accounts Commission said that while Glasgow City Council has made ‘steady progress' over the last decade the equal pay claims could significantly affect how the council delivers services.

The report warned the cost of meeting the claims was unlikely to be covered by traditional funding options such as the use of existing reserves or selling assets.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, Graham Sharp, said: ‘The council has made steady progress since our last report and has a good track record in making savings, but we are seriously concerned about the impact that resolving equal pay claims could have on how the council delivers public services.'

Council leader, Susan Aitken, said: ‘The challenge of resolving equal pay is substantial. However, it is a challenge we are committed to deal with and we are making substantial progress.'