Commenting on confirmation today (Thursday) that council tax in England will increase by an average of 3% compared to Scotland where it is frozen, SNP MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, pointed to the difference as an example of how the SNP Government is delivering for Scotland whilst Labour fails south of the border.

Estimates based on calculations by CIPFA, the organisation of local government accountants, shows that typical families were paying £726 more in council tax – an increase of 105% - since Labour came to power in 1997.

Commenting Mr Mason said: "This news highlights Labour's lack of answers when it comes to helping people in these hard economic times. It also stands as an example of how things could have been if Labour were still in power in Scotland.

"Thankfully we have an SNP Government delivering a continued council tax freeze for the people of Scotland. A freeze that will help hard-pressed households keep more of their own money in these uncertain economic times.

"Since the SNP came in to Government we have seen council tax frozen after years of increases under Labour. The SNP has confirmed that it will fund a council tax freeze to 2012, with people paying the same in 2012 as they were at the 2007 election.

"This news just shows the benefits voting SNP has brought to people in Scotland and that Labour is out of touch."