COUNCIL and union leaders in Inverclyde have joined forces to call for a fair funding settlement from the UK and Scottish governments.

Local authority umbrella body Cosla has launched a 10-page document making the case for public services to be properly funded.

The report, entitled ‘Fair Funding for Essential Services’, has been published ahead of the chancellor’s budget statement next week and the Scottish Government funding settlement offer to councils in December.

Cosla yesterday launched the #essentialservices campaign online with local councillors and union officials lending their support.

Inverclyde Council leader, Stephen McCabe, said: “Councils across Scotland deliver essential services to their communities but Cosla figures show they would need a revenue increase of £545m just to maintain those services next year.

“In Inverclyde a range of savings proposals have been prepared by officers.

“All councillors agree that none of these should be implemented until we hear the views of local residents but we would rather not have to make these savings in the first place.

“A real solution is for local government in Scotland to receive a fair budget settlement so that essential services in Inverclyde and across Scotland can be protected.”

The council faces a funding gap of around £13m over the next two years and in September joined trade unions in calling for an end to austerity.

Robin Taggart, UNISON branch secretary, said: “It is the responsibility and duty of both UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that public services are properly funded.”