It is living within our means.. not austerity

Labour blamed for Scottish finances

- NEIL POORAN

JOHN Swinney has denied the Scottish Government's efforts to close a budget black hole amount to "SNP austerity", saying it is instead just "living within its means".

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is expected to announce a £600million cut to public spending when Holyrood returns today.

And the government will also set out its position on council tax during the budget process.

Swinney has already warned there are "tough decisions" ahead on the public finances as the government attempts to close a budget gap.