SCOTTISH councils face a £96 million bill to cover the rise in employers’ National Insurance (NI) contributions, Cosla has warned. 

The local government association spoke out after Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced on Tuesday that her government would only meet 60 per cent of authorities’ extra costs.

Cosla resources spokeswoman Katie Hagmann said: “This leaves the remaining 40 per cent with no additional funding, leaving a gap of £96m.