Last week the SNP hit Clydebank residents with a nearly 5 per cent council tax increase across all bands.

Every SNP councillor voted for this increase, and every Labour councillor voted against.

This increase will come as a shock to hardworking Clydebank residents because the SNP did not consult with anyone on their proposal to force through such a massive council tax increase.

This is the SNP’s third council tax rise in a row. At the same time they have cut essential services since taking control in 2017 to balance the books because of cuts imposed on from their own SNP government. This has absolutely nothing to do with Westminster Tory austerity.

Where do they think Clydebank residents will find this extra money? Enough is enough. My Labour council maintained a council tax freeze during each and every year we were in office between 2012 and 2017. Unfortunately, we have another two years of this to go before we can vote the SNP out at the next council elections in 2022.

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Over the last year my Labour colleague, Councillor Lawrence O’Neill and I have raised the unacceptable conditions at Edinbarnet Primary and the state of the buildings at St Joseph’s Primary, and the Skypoint Community Centre are not much better.

The children and community of Faifley deserve high-quality 21st century learning environments which are modern, efficient, well-located and fit for purpose. West Dunbartonshire Council has announced its intention to develop a project for a new co-located campus.

It is essential that we consult with the entire Faifley community with the parent council, parents and staff from both primary schools, our churches, and our community organisations in Faifley. As a council, we must ask them what they want for Faifley, if they want this so-called super campus and where it should be located.

At this rate it could be another 10 years before we see any work to improve the schools estate in Faifley. There needs to be a greater sense of urgency. It is unacceptable to send children into schools in Faifley over the winter months and tell them to keep on their outside clothing because the heating has failed again. I and my Labour colleagues will continue to push the council for urgent action now for Faifley and not 10 years from now.