THE Scottish budget must set about “tackling the root causes” of poverty, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) demanded today.

A fortnight after they warned that councils across Scotland stand on the brink of bankruptcy without substantial new cash, Cosla argued that investment in town halls in the Scottish budget is not only good for local authorities and their workers, but a key plank in tackling poverty.

As Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison prepares to present her first draft budget to Parliament on Tuesday, Cosla’s children and young people spokesman, Councillor Tony Buchanan, made a final plea to back councils with cash to battle want in communities across Scotland.

He said: “If Scotland is to make progress towards alleviating and eradicating poverty, this year’s Scottish budget must focus on tackling the root causes, with a greater prioritisation of local prevention and early-intervention work — and councils are key to this.

“For too long now, the financial settlement for local government has meant that councils have had to cut spend to services which are needed to tackle poverty — whether they are youth work, social work support or breakfast clubs.

“This year’s budget presents the opportunity to reverse this trend, to invest in communities and realise our ambitions to tackle poverty in Scotland.

“Without a fair settlement for councils in tomorrow’s budget, the poverty gap in Scotland will continue to grow.

“Investing in local government is key to a fairer Scotland.”

Ms Robison said: “Tackling poverty and inequality is a key mission for the Scottish government and a shared priority with local government under the Verity House Agreement.

“In the face of the most challenging budget settlement since devolution, we are doing everything within our powers to tackle poverty and target resources at those most in need.”