LOCAL authority leader Stephen McCabe has complained to First Minister Humza Yousaf over his controversial council tax freeze - and warned him it could lead to cuts in Inverclyde.

Mr McCabe has raised a series of concerns over the proposed move in a letter to Mr Yousaf which questions the logic of his policy at a time when local government finances are under pressure.

Mr McCabe has also called on the FM to ensure that if he goes ahead with a freeze then it is fully funded by the Scottish Government.

He has also criticised a lack of consultation with councils over the move.

In his letter Cllr McCabe says: 'I appreciate that in the intervening period there has been engagement between yourself and the Deputy First Minister with political group leaders through COSLA, who sought clarification on a range of matters, however, the elected members of Inverclyde Council wish me to raise our own significant concerns around both the announcement and the implications it has for the council’s budget and the residents of Inverclyde.'

Mr McCabe goes on to warn that a tax freeze could result in more cuts to services in Inverclyde.

The Labour politician says he wants the council to be able to set its own rates.

Cllr McCabe said: 'We believe that locally elected councillors should have the freedom to balance local tax raising decisions and levels of local service delivery.

'Council tax is the main income raising tool available to councils and, in the case of Inverclyde, it raises approximately 10 times more income than all the fees and charges combined.

'By removing our ability to raise council tax the only option for the council to balance its budget in a sustainable manner is further cuts to council services.'

Mr McCabe has also argued with Mr Yousaf that a freeze is unfair, as it benefits those in higher banded properties who 'generally have more disposable income than those in lower banded properties'.

His letter says approximately 25 per cent of council taxpayers here will not benefit from the freeze and it calls for fundamental reform of the system, or a complete replacement of council tax.

The government insists it will fully fund the freeze to ensure councils can maintain their services.

It has also said it is working on longer term reforms to the council tax system and that the freeze 'will benefit every council tax-payer in Scotland at a time when rising prices are putting significant strain on household finances'.