The Scottish Government has offered funds to local authorities since 2007 in return for them freezing their council tax level.

Mr Swinney said he was "delighted that council tax payments have been frozen across Scotland for yet another year".

He said: "This demonstrates the strength of the partnership that the Scottish Government established in 2007 with local government continues to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland in the design and delivery of public services in their localities. This is excellent news for communities."

The Government's deal with local authorities includes a commitment to maintain teacher numbers in line with the number of pupils and for places to be found for all probationer teachers, allowing them to spend a year in the classroom.

Councils will also receive an additional £23 million from the Scottish Government to help reduce the impact of council tax benefit changes.

The Finance Secretary added: "In the face of the biggest reduction in public spending imposed by Westminster on any Scottish Government, the local government funding package for next year is the best possible outcome and will benefit households across Scotland."