The group is set for around an extra £8 million a year in costs from April’s higher national insurance contributions and minimum wage rise.

Strike action by drivers at Stagecoach West Scotland will be suspended from 3pm on Wednesday while a new pay offer is put to an all-members ballot.

David Bateman, of Mount Road, Chatham, was arrested the following day and has since been charged with theft. The 51-year-old has also been charged with attempting to burgle a bicycle storage area in ...