The range of measures announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney also includes £38 million to fully mitigate Westminster’s Bedroom Tax and a range of measures for early years and schools including £54 million to give all children in p1 to p3 access to free school meals.

East Ayrshire Council will receive a total of £217.052million for 2014 – 15 rising to £220.664m for 2015 – 16.

Mr Ingram said: “Confirmation from Finance Secretary John Swinney that the council tax freeze will be maintained for the eighth year in a row is very welcome indeed.

“It makes perfect sense that in return for this progressive package of resources – with a focus on helping young families, schools and the most vulnerable in society - local authorities will require delivering the freeze for the eighth consecutive year.

“The council tax freeze is continuing to offer real help to families across East Ayrshire – with the average Band D household in line to save £1,200 by the end of this Parliamentary term.

“At a time of unprecedented budget cuts being passed down from Westminster, this policy is protecting hard-pressed family budgets and making a difference to communities across Scotland.

“While the Tory government at Westminster continue their attack on the poor - and Labour commit to commit to more cuts - the Scottish Government is doing the best it can with the powers we currently have to protect family budgets “At the general election in May Scotland needs as many SNP MPs returned as possible to deliver a strong voice at Westminster. Only the SNP will stand up for Scotland, holding the Westminster parties to account to deliver the powers we need to grow the economy and deliver real social justice.”