TEACHER CUTS BATTLE LOOMS

Town hall bosses & government in rammy as massive losses expected in budget fears

- PAUL HUTCHEON

MASSIVE cuts to teacher numbers are on the table over a standoff between councils and the SNP minority Government.

Town hall chiefs fear they will lose out on £145.5million of funding after they refused to sign statements promising to maintain teacher levels. A council source said: "We are having to borrow money to pay some teachers."

Ministers have in recent years provided funding so that local authorities can protect teacher numbers.

But £145.5million this year is conditional and the government wants guarantees on it being spent in this area. Councils believe sticking to a specific number ties their hands on a £3.5billion payroll bill when their finances are tight.

They believe singling out teacher numbers will force councils into deeper cuts on other services for young people, such as social work.

Councils also believe the policy is a blunt tool in parts of Scotland where pupil rolls are falling.