THE Scottish Greens say they've secured up to £3.5 million more for essential council services in Argyll and Bute as part of a deal to back the SNP's budget plans at the Scottish Parliament.

Green MSPs at Holyrood said they had reached agreement with SNP ministers for "a significant package of immediate budget changes and bold long-terms reforms to boost funding for local services such as schools, social care and libraries".

A 'stage one' vote on the budget plans prepared by Scotland's finance secretary Derek Mackay takes place in the parliament chamber at 5pm on Thursday.

The Greens say that they've secured agreement for a total package of £186.5m across Scotland's 32 local authorities, for councils to spend as they see fit.

The party says it has also agreed a timescale with the minority SNP administration for the replacement of the "broken, unfair" council tax system, and to give councils more fund-raising powers, including the ability to charge a visitor levy or 'tourist tax'.

Ross Greer, Green MSP for the West of Scotland said: "Everyone relies on local services like schools and social care, and local facilities such as sports centres and libraries.

"Today's Green budget deal means that Argyll and Bute Council now has £3.5million more than expected to protect these services and the jobs of front line workers.

"It's welcome that after consistent Green pressure the SNP Government have seen sense and committed to our demand for both immediate action and longer-term reform.

"The Greens will always be firm but constructive in these situations. Scrapping the Tories' council tax is a historic victory. All parties now have an opportunity to help bring about a fairer system of funding essential local services.

"On top of recent progressive reforms to income tax, today's deal shows yet again that Scottish Greens are leading the change, making Scotland the fairer country we know we can be."