CAMPAIGNERS have demanded Scotland’s politicians to show “genuine Budget bravery” in defence of public services and to fight poverty.

A coalition — including Oxfam Scotland, the Poverty Alliance, the Child Poverty Action Group, think tank IPPR Scotland, and the STUC — have written to all Scotland’s political leaders to demand action ahead of Tuesday’s Budget.

The SNP-Green Scottish government’s coffers face a £1.5 billion black hole — including the estimated £400 million price-tag to freeze council tax for the coming year.