Funding from the Scottish Government to local government may be increasing by 6% in real terms this year, but as is the case in England, the pressures on councils are mounting. Local government in Scotland is getting £15.2bn in 2025-26.

But, as last month's report from the Accounts Commission on local government budgets points out, councils face recurring pressures in excess of funding uplifts. These include inflation, annual pay deals and growing demand for services, including social care, meaning councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647m this financial year.