Aberdeen City Council 'faces £50m funding gap'

Aberdeen City Council has warned it could face a funding gap of up to £50m.

The local authority has blamed a lack of funding from the Scottish government for core services, and extra costs which could be incurred, including any pay rise for council staff.

The Scottish government has agreed to increase the amount of money given to councils across the country.

Leaders are due to meet unions, charities and community groups to outline their plans for the year.

In December, the council had warned that services and jobs could be at risk.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes said Aberdeen would receive £375.74m to fund local services in 2019-20.

She said: "Using their council tax powers they could also generate an additional £5.8m meaning a total of £381.55m to support the delivery of local services next year.

"This represents an increase of £21.2m or 5.89%."