Committing £18 million to supporting the elderly, adults with disabilities and children at risk was highlighted as the first of eight ways the joint SNP/Lib Dem rulers plan to spend Fife's three-year £794 million budget.

Plans were revealed ahead of today's (Thursday) full Council meeting where Fife's political groups will meet to decide how money will be distributed.

Administration leader Peter Grant insisted his opponents were in general 'agreement' over his eight priority areas, but said he expected 'debate' over finite figures.

He said: "I do not know what their amendments will be, but in relative terms, the money will be small."

Mr Grant openly admitted he had 'adopted' proposals from his rivals, stating he was happy to 'steal' ideas if they were good.

The administration intends to pump £9.6 million into improving education across Fife by investing in resources, the reduction of class sizes and increased IT support.

A £3 million investment is proposed for the region's roads following a damning Government report highlighting faults with Fife's infrastructure.

Improving recycling and waste handling will come through a £10 million injection and £15 million will be spent on Fife Council's housing stock.

Each electoral ward across Fife could be appointed an additional police officer if proposals to increase the force's budget by £8 million - allowing the deployment of 30 extra officers - are passed.

Sport, leisure and cultural opportunities will also benefit from a £50 million investment, if the administration gets its way.

And in the final 'Big 8' priority, the SNP/Lib Dems have introduced an efficiency savings programme to slash £13 million from current Council expenditure.

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