SCOTTISH Labour yesterday branded the budget deal between the SNP and Greens a “disappointment” as proposals passed the first stage of scrutiny in Holyrood.

MSPs discussed financial plans put forward following the announcement of a £158 million agreement between the two parties.

The deal marks the fourth year in a row in which the Greens have partnered the SNP on the budget.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes revealed a series of changes to the SNP’s draft budget as a result, despite earlier claiming that all money in the Scottish purse had been allocated.

In return, work will be done on assessing the legality of free bus travel for under-19s, which could be put in place as early as next year.

The deal also includes the addition of £95m for local authorities, an increase of £18m for Police Scotland and a £45m package to tackle climate change.

Despite the concessions, Labour MSPs described the changes as “smoke and mirrors” with Sarah Boyack saying that tough decisions would still need to be made across the country.

Ms Boyack added: “This budget does not deliver the transformational change Scotland needs.

“It doesn’t go far enough and passes on cuts to local communities. Scotland deserves better.”

Labour’s local government spokeswoman also said her party was disappointed with the “timid” commitment to bus travel, which they would have extended to those under 25.

Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said that while the budget deal “does not achieve perfection,” it would make a real substantial difference to people across Scotland.

He added: “This budget agreement sets important steps forward for young people accessing public transport, as well as putting investment in the other climate-emergency priorities the Greens have set out.”