THE SNP and Greens have agreed a deal on the 2019/20 budget, just hours ahead of the first parliamentary vote on the £34bn package.

The agreement, the third in which the Greens have supported the minority administration, was announced via Twitter.

SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Pleased to have reached agreement with the Scottish Green Party to deliver a Scottish Budget that invests in health, education, our economy and supports local services. I look forward to setting out details to Parliament.”

READ MORE: Greens edge closer to deal on Scottish budget

Green MSP Patrick Harvie added: “Finally, after months of hard work and Green pressure for local tax reform and protection of local services, we have reached a budget agreement. This is what constructive politics looks like. #leadingthechange.”

The deal followed days of intense discussions between the two pro-independence parties over funding for councils and longer-term commitments to overhaul local taxation.