THE SNP-Green Scottish government’s budget passed its final vote today despite widespread opposition inside and outside the chamber.

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison began her address to Parliament offering an olive branch to councils, who had earlier this month declared themselves “in dispute” with the Scottish government over the imposition of a council tax freeze.

Councils argued the £147m offered for acquiescence with the freeze fell short, and demanded flexibility to raise tax by 5 per cent while keeping the cash, and laying claim to an extra £62.7m in “Barnett consequentials” resulting from additional spend in England.