DUNFERMLINE MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has called on Fife Council to urgently support her constituents - after the local authority predicted a £10 million budget underspend.

The politician said the underspend was largely thanks to funding from the Scottish Government and money the local authority set aside in the first quarter of last year for non-teaching pay awards.

The report will be discussed by councillors tomorrow (Thursday) when Fife Council's cabinet committee meet.

Ms Somerville said: "After months of complaining about not having enough resources, we now find out the Labour/Tory coalition in charge at Fife Council have discovered an extra £10 million.

"That is quite the oversight and certainly raises questions about how the local authority are managing their budget.

"People across Dunfermline and West Fife will now rightly expect that this money will be invested in their communities, which are continuing to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

"However, the money must be spent during this financial year so it is crucial the Council acts quickly to ensure this £10 million can be used effectively.

"I will therefore be writing to the local authority and asking for further information on their plans."