To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Fife Council and what issues were discussed. (S1O-2366)

My colleague Jack McConnell, the Minister for Finance, met the leader of the administration of Fife Council on 13 September. They discussed a range of issues relating to local government finance.

Does the minister share my concern about the projected £3.8 million overspend in Fife Council's education budget this year? Does he share my dismay that pupils, parents and teachers in Fife are having to pay for the administration's financial incompetence with cuts in secondary school budgets and the doubling of charges for musical instrument tuition?

I do not agree with Mr Harding's portrayal of Fife Council. It is for the council to determine its own priorities. Like councils across Scotland, Fife Council has welcomed the substantial increases in resources that are now available for local government. The increases match the figure that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities submitted to the Executive. Resources will increase by more than 10.5 per cent over the next three years.

Does the minister agree that the overspend that Mr Harding refers to is more or less a carry-over from last year's overspend? Fife Council is addressing the issue by redistributing money within its education budget. Cuts will not impact on pupils.

I am delighted to hear that from a local member who knows the situation much more accurately. It is for the local council to determine, within its budget, how best to deal with any situations that arise. It is good to hear that the council is addressing those matters. It will have the opportunity to do so over the next three years. For the benefit of those who are hard of hearing, I repeat that there will be substantial increases in local government spending over the next three years.