SHOCK REPORT'S WARNING - 1 in 4 Scottish councils face bankruptcy

Bosses admit they'll struggle to meet vital needs

- CHRIS McCALL

A QUARTER of local authorities in Scotland could go bust next year, a report has predicted.

The authors warned it's only a matter of time" before the first council declares effective bankruptcy.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) quizzed council bosses across the country about cash pressures facing them.

It found almost one in four fear they may not be able to meet their statutory responsibilities next year.

AIl 32 councils told the LGIU they are planning to slash spending in 2024/25.

Local authorities were also planning to hike council tax next year until First Minister Humza Yousaf's surprise announcement in October that it would be frozen.