The SNP has formally launched its bid to take control of Scotland's largest council.

The party's pledges should it take over Glasgow City Council in May 3 local election calls on voters to swap a "complacent" Labour administration for "new, ambitious leadership".

It is hoping to win Glasgow in the elections after the Labour party lost its majority at last month after seven councillors resigned from the party once they were told they would not be selected to stand again.

On Thursday, the SNP unveiled similar headline pledges to those made by Labour in its manifesto earlier this week. These included guaranteeing everyone aged 16 to 24 a place in work or training, to refurbish schools and to maintain the council tax freeze until 2016.

The SNP promises to "focus on the basics" such as maintaining roads, cleaning streets and cracking down on dog fouling and fly tipping.

Children aged three to four will be "guaranteed" at least 600 hours of free, flexible nursery.Other pledges include faster assessment and better integrated delivery of care across health and social work, new green energy schemes and improved recycling rates, more open governance and a commitment to a "living wage".

Nicola Sturgeon, SNP deputy leader and MSP for Glasgow Southside, said: "Glasgow has been run by Labour for decades and they have become tired, divided and complacent. It's time for new and ambitious leadership in the city and that is what the SNP offers.

"We have a great team and good ideas. Last year we won the Scottish Parliament election in Glasgow. Over the next few weeks we will work tirelessly to win the trust of Glasgow voters so that we can deliver real change for this great city."

Councillor Allison Hunter, leader of the SNP group in Glasgow, added: "The SNP will never take the people of Glasgow for granted. That's why we have spoken to thousands of Glaswegians and heard their priorities. And this manifesto is the result, with its focus on protecting family budgets, delivering more help for young families and creating jobs and opportunities through education."

Ms Hunter was criticised by Labour for previously suggesting the election will be a stepping stone to the referendum on independence.

Gordon Matheson, the Labour council leader, unveiled his party's 100-point manifesto earlier this week. He said: "With Labour, there will be guaranteed jobs and apprenticeships for youngsters. Labour won't make people wait until after the referendum for extra childcare. We are doing it right here, right now."

IN DETAIL

• Labour unveils manifesto in fight to retain power in Glasgow
• Battle for Glasgow City Council begins
• Labour lose Glasgow City Council majority
• Glasgow City Council election candidate list

More About Local elections 2012

• Scotland’s councillors get back to work as the dust settles on elections
• New coalition in Edinburgh sets out promises for next five years
• SNP fury as Labour and Tories strike coalition deal to run Stirling Council
• Voters go to the polls a week late to elect final three councillors
• Councils in Lothians strike deals after days of negotiations
• Councils across Scotland starting to take shape after days of negotiations
• Negotiations across the Lothians in the wake of local government elections