Scottish ministers have announced a seventh successive council tax freeze for 2014/15 covering all 32 local authorities.

Under the package of measures agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) as part of an overall £10.6bn settlement for local services, Scotland's councils will get a flat cash settlement next year.

However, Scottish authorities will also receive extra cash for additional responsibilities such as extra £20m funding the so-called ‘bedroom tax', £343m for council tax benefit and £50m for childcare provision.

The Scottish Government will also be providing £15m funding for freee school meals in 2014/15 and £13m for childcare expansion.

Finance secretary John Swinney said: ‘The partnership approach with local government is delivering real benefits for the people of Scotland in the face of the biggest reduction in public spending imposed by Westminster on any Scottish government.'