Read Robbie Dinwoodie's New Year's blog entry here

Labour leader Wendy Alexander was accused of being "isolated" within her own party as the SNP hit back over claims vulnerable children and major events were being put at risk by changes to the way local councils get money from the Scottish Government.

The Herald revealed yesterday how charities have raised concerns that support services for young people were at risk because of the SNP administration's decision to end so-called "ring-fencing", where councils are told how some of the money they receive should be spent.

Malcolm Chisholm, Labour Shadow Culture Minister, also warned that events such as Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations were under threat for the same reason.

Removing ring-fencing was a central plank of the concordat agreed between the government and Cosla, the local authority umbrella body, in November.

Kenny Gibson, the SNP backbencher, yesterday pointed out that ministers' decision to give councils greater freedom on where to spend their money had been welcomed by Pat Watters, the president of Cosla and a Labour councillor in North Lanarkshire.

Mr Gibson also said an agreement struck between the Westminster Government and councils in England was similar to the one now in place north of the border.

The Cunninghame North MSP said: "It is wrong of opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament to scaremonger over the future of funding for vulnerable groups or special projects. The money is there and Cosla confirmed nearly a month ago that spending on those areas will continue.

"The new relationship with local authorities in Scotland is being replicated by Labour in London and applauded by local authorities of all persuasions.

"The only people who won't work constructively with local government are Labour's Scottish Parliament leadership.

"It seems the isolation of Wendy Alexander is spreading - she is at odds with the UK Government, with Scottish Labour MPs and with Scotland's local authorities.

"Let's hope the New Year brings a more constructive approach to Scotland's new politics from Ms Alexander and her parliamentary friends."

But Andy Kerr, Labour's Shadow Secretary for Public Services, insisted the previous executive's policy had guaranteed funding for vital projects.

He said: "The last executive ring-fenced money for national priorities and we fully funded them."