A LARGS Labour councillor has accused a North Ayrshire MSP of making 'misleading claims' about the budget - then shirking a debate on the figures.

Councillor Alex Gallacher is calling out SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson for saying the budget would be increasing by 8.3 per cent.

Cllr Gallacher says that he needs to 'come out of hiding' and prove where the money is available.

He said: "This is one of the worst budgets I have ever seen and the effects locally are going to be brutal this year.

"We are already sucking at the marrow and there is nothing left.

"There are so many services already cut it is becoming critical, it would be great if there was extra money in the budget, but it is simply not there.

"The money which Mr Gibson refers to has been ringfenced for the flood prevention scheme in Millport.

"It's is not disposable cash for the council to use on services or in whatever way they want.

"It is essentially passing funds that we can't spend.

"I would like to see Mr Gibson come and explain his figures in public."

Mr Gibson has already declined council leader Joe Cullinane's offer to hold a public debate saying he should instead be debating with opposition leader Marie Burns.

Mr Cullinane says that the council is facing a revenue budget gap of £22.5million after a 2.3 per cent cut to its core revenue grant from Holyrood.

He offered to hold the public debate in the constituency before the council’s budget day on February 27, proposing an independent chair from the local trade unions.

Cllr Cullinane said: “This is the worst budget settlement that we have received in recent years and yet Kenneth Gibson MSP is trying to tell his constituents that the council’s budget is increasing by 8.3 per cent.

“The Scottish Parliament directly controls over 80 per cent of North Ayrshire Council’s revenue budget. It is time that MSP's were not only held accountable for the appalling underfunding of councils but were also challenged to stop misleading voters.”

Mr Gibson hit back, saying: “The Scottish Budget Bill Stage 1 includes additional funding and spending of £4.925 million for North Ayrshire.

"Neither Labour, nor the Tories submitted alternative budget proposals.

"I debate such matters with Labour colleagues in the Scottish Parliament on a regular basis, however, Cllr Cullinane should seek to debate Cllr Marie Burns, leader of the opposition at the council.

“The figures I quote are always accurate, precise and are provided independently by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre."