Thousands of council jobs and public services could be axed and local tax raised as Scotland grinds to a halt over soaring energy bills. Senior officials warned they will be forced to close pools, libraries and cut more than 10,000 posts as budgets are stretched to breaking point.
An investigation by the Sunday Mail has found that: tens of thousands of staff could be laid off; council tax could rise by at least 10 per cent; councils face budget black holes of millions as energy bills rise by at least £100million; libraries and swimming pools could shut to save money; and road and street repairs could be scaled back.
Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said he is facing a £20million budget shortfall and predicted “tens of thousands” of jobs would have to be axed across Scotland to balance the books.
