A PACKAGE the SNP claims will “protect vital public services” will instead put councils on a “cliff edge” with more cuts and job losses, unions and council leaders warned yesterday.

Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay announced that local government funding would rise by more than £210 million, with overall Scottish government support to local authorities at £11.1 billion.

“The Scottish government has continued to ensure that our partners in local government receive a fair funding settlement despite further cuts to the Scottish Budget from the UK government,” Mr Mackay said.