CASH-STRAPPED councils cutting cleansing budgets have led to a “horrifying” rise in rat sightings, according to Scottish Labour.

Figures released to the party under freedom of information rules show councils received 19,752 complaints about rats last year, 35 per cent up on 2021-22. 

Drawing a link between the 34 per cent fall in spend on street cleaning since 2010-11, and  satisfaction with the service falling to 57 per cent — the lowest level on record — Labour local government spokesman Mark Griffin said: “There has been a horrifying rise in rat sightings as SNP cuts to councils hit cleansing budgets.

“The SNP is failing on the basics, leaving us with litter on the streets and rats running riot.

“People are sick and tired of seeing their communities run down by this incompetent SNP government.”

Branding the claims “incorrect,” Scottish public finance minister Ivan McKee hit back.

“Councils were given a record £15 billion this year to meet local needs,” he said.

“The local finance settlement is up by 50 per cent since 2013/14.

“Funding for council-run waste services is a matter for local authorities, not the Scottish government.”