STRIKE CASH TAKEN FROM POORER KIDS

Scots Government gives councils the green light to tap into second fund

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE SNP Government has allowed councils to use a £30million fund for poorer school pupils to finance a pay offer for striking staff.

The Record can reveal the sum is the biggest part of an £80million pot to settle a damaging pay dispute that has led to school closures.

Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy said: "The SNP has failed to make any substantial progress on the attainment gap, and now they're raiding the pockets of poor pupils to try and mask 10 years of local government cuts."

School staff will complete their three-day strike today after councils and the trade union Unison failed to reach an agreement on pay.