SCOTTISH Labour’s "toxic PFI disaster" is still costing Scotland billions, with councils across the country spending huge chunks of their education budget each year paying off extortionate contracts agreed by the previous government.

According to reports, last year councils across Scotland spent £461m on private finance initiatives (PFI) unitary charges, an average of 9% of council education budgets.

PFIs were used to help build new schools but billions continue to be spent on debt repayment and financing costs.

In 2016, it was revealed that the scheme would cost Scotland £30bn over 10 years.

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In Inverclyde, where Labour launched its local election manifesto, the council there spent the largest chunk of its education budget on PFI contracts, with 25% of its budget being spent on the upkeep of the contracts.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde Stuart McMillan said: “Across Scotland councils are still paying the cost of a Labour government, 15 years after they were last in office – a shocking indictment of the decisions made by Labour ministers that is still landing local authorities with bills worth millions.

“That is money that could be spent on ensuring our schools, hospitals and other services recover from the pandemic.

“My constituency of Greenock and Inverclyde is feeling the brunt of the mismanagement as it pays 25% of its education budget on servicing PFI unitary charges, a trend seen right across Scotland as millions are wasted from the legacy left by these dreadful deals.

“Labour leave a legacy behind of financial mismanagement and this is another demonstration of why the people of Scotland cannot trust the Labour party to protect public services.

“That is why on May 5 it must be a vote for the SNP as it is the only party that can be trusted to support and invest in Scotland’s local services.”

Scottish Labour have been contacted for comment.