Glasgow City Council Agenda - 28 March 2024, 11:00 
A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 28 March 2024.
| Number | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minutes of Council meeting of 15th February 2024 (Print 7, pages 1 to 34) View Papers |
| 2 | Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (page 35 onwards). View Papers |
| 3 | Local Government By-Election - Election of Councillor for Electoral Ward 11 (Hillhead) - Report by Returning Officer. View Papers |
| 4 | Changes to committees etc. View Papers |
| 5 | Representation on outside bodies View Papers |
| 6 | Correspondence - Letter from First Minister of Scotland. View Papers |
| 7 | Questions. View Papers |
| 8 | Notice of motions. |
| (a) | Motion by Councillor Alex Kerr:- "Council deplores the systemic economic mismanagement of the Scottish economy by successive UK Governments which has resulted in a falling standard of living; a decade of cuts to public services; and the loss of access to the European single market and all the benefits that come with that to both Scottish citizens and Scottish businesses. Council notes with deep concern the increasing number of Councils in England, of all political persuasions, which have filed for effective bankruptcy due to over a decade of austerity caused by adhering to the "fiscal rules" imposed by the UK Government and backed by both major UK parties. Council notes with particular concern the financial situation of Labour-run Birmingham Council which has been forced into effective bankruptcy due to underfunding from the UK Government and by failing timeously to settle an Equal Pay dispute. Council recognises a similar situation narrowly was avoided here in Glasgow through the early settlement of a similar Equal Pay dispute by the SNP Administration when it took office in 2017. It must be of the utmost concern that Birmingham, the biggest local authority in Europe, has ended up in effective insolvency, recently resulting to approving plans to increase council tax by 21% over the next two years and £300m of cuts to services including dimming the city's lights. Council further recognises that since 2018, eight English Councils have declared themselves in effect bankrupt , including three others in the past 15 months, those being Nottingham, Thurrock and Woking. Council considers these English Councils to be the "canary in the coal mine" warning of disaster, given that continued UK Government reduction in funding for English Councils' will lead to a consequential reduction in Treasury funding to the Scottish Government and therefore in money available to fund Scotland's local authorities. Council supports the representations made by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Local Government Association (England), to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as part of its Spring Budget lobbying campaign, to emphasise the extreme pressures being placed on Local Government across these islands. Council resolves to join COSLA's calls for fair local government funding at a UK level to maximise the funding available for our communities. Council firmly believes that the UK political system has proven itself incapable of delivering economic prosperity, increased living standards for its Scottish Citizens and protecting the public services upon which all rely. Council further believes that Scottish Independence presents an exciting opportunity for a new model of Government for our country far better placed to deliver for those living and working in Scotland. Council notes the considerable number of mandates already given for a further referendum on Scotland's constitutional arrangements and deplores the continuing undemocratic denial by successive UK Governments and political parties of the clearly expressed desire of the people of Scotland to be able to decide their own future. Council requests that the Chief Executive writes on behalf of the Council to the Prime Minister, Chancellor, Leader of the Opposition, and the Shadow Chancellor to make clear our support for COSLA and the other Local Government Associations across these islands in their calls for a fair funding settlement for Local Authorities at a UK level. These letters also should make clear this Council's continued opposition to the undemocratic refusals by successive UK Prime Ministers to recognise the mandates in favour of a new referendum on Independence for Scotland and request a commitment now to respect the democratic wishes of the Scottish electorate. Council further requests that the Chief Executive writes also to the President of COSLA to advise her of these communications and of our support of COSLA's joint campaign with the other Local Government Associations across these islands." View Papers |
| (b) | Motion by Bailie Soryia Siddique:- "The empowerment and inclusion of women in political decision-making processes is an essential part of any democracy. It is also integral for achieving gender equality and inclusive governance and ensures that the views of women are listened to and considered. Council acknowledges the important role that many women have played in the social advancements seen in our city over the past 150 years. Such individuals, like Helen Crawford and Mary Barbour, campaigned against the egregious rent rises during the First World War, culminating in the Rent Restriction Act in 1915. Mary Barbour went on to become a Ballie and Magistrate in Glasgow, and always championed for working class women. Agnes Hardie is also an important woman in the history of our city, as she became the first female member of the Glasgow Trades Council in 1909. She also served as an MP from 1937-45 and vehemently opposed conscription during the Second World War. Despite this, Council recognises that women remain underrepresented in politics today and face many barriers that their male colleagues do not. Council also acknowledges that women in politics face various systemic, cultural and institutional challenges today which limits access to opportunities and progression. As well as these challenges, Council notes the late Jo Cox who was murdered, or the ongoing abuse and the recent repugnant comments allegedly hurled at Diane Abbott. Council condemns all forms of gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination directed at women in politics. Council recognises that women from our city's BAME community have and will continue to pay a pivotal role in our society. BAME women can experience sexism, racism, and faith-based discrimination - we must do more to tackle the ongoing issues they encounter to encourage more to become involved in all levels of government and political processes. Council recognises that increasing the representation of women will better reflect the diversity of our population, enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of local governance. Council notes that addressing these challenges is vital in achieving gender equality, inclusive governance and strengthening democracy. This motion reaffirms my Group's and Glasgow City Council's commitment to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the political decision-making process, building a more equitable and fairer society for all. Council supports the Making it Happen 2027 campaign and we propose that Council: 1. Adopt the COSLA voluntary guidance on Family Leave for Councillors. 2. Take action on working practices with gendered impact (eg hours of business). 3. Council to develop clear and responsive pathways for complaints, better workplace HR-style support, and take action on abuse, bullying, racism and harassment in all forms." View Papers |
| (c) | Motion by Bailie Leòdhas Massie:- "Council recalls its emergency motion of 26th October which condemned acts of terrorism in Israel and collective punishment in Gaza and called for a ceasefire in the region. Council stands in solidarity with all of the victims, their families and communities of the on-going siege of Gaza and related violence. Council renews its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and reiterates its condemnation of the Israeli Government and Defence Forces and Hamas. Council notes the interim verdict of the International Court for Justice in the case brought by South Africa against Israel, which places six binding actions on Israel, including to do all it can to prevent genocide, refraining from harming or killing Palestinians, urgently getting basic aid to Gaza, and to punish any incitement to genocide. Council further notes that Israel is not enacting these measures and genocide by way of the unjust killing of Palestinian civilians, particularly children, and a growing humanitarian aid crisis have continued uninterrupted, observed by NGO's such as Amnesty International and Gisha. Council continues to stand wholeheartedly against genocide. Council believes the ICJ's ruling places moral obligations on institutions in the UK, including at all levels of Government, to ensure they are not at risk of directly or indirectly supporting genocide. Council commits to widening the present human rights due diligence process when making contract awards decisions by bringing a report to the City Administration Committee detailing actions that the council can lawfully take to assure itself of supply chains that do not conflict with international humanitarian law and seek legal expertise where necessary to advise this. Council would also ask that in the procurement process, organisations seeking to contract with Glasgow City Council are required to provide an assurance of best practice in relation to their operations to satisfy the Council that they are not engaging in grave professional misconduct by operating in a manner that breaches the human rights of those directly and indirectly involved or affected by the organisations' operations. Council further requests that this report outlines an assessment of current Council procurement contracts which include goods or services which have been wholly or partly manufactured, assembled or operated by companies operating in the occupied territories, as per the updated United Nations database of business enterprises in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This initial assessment would seek to provide a base understanding of the Council supply chain, acknowledging that the aforementioned database is continuously changing. Council also agrees that similar commitments should be made by the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments. Council endorses the Scottish Government's call for an arms embargo on Israel and instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Foreign Secretary to request that the UK Government introduces such an embargo, takes additional steps as required to ensure the UK is not at risk of directly or indirectly supporting genocide, and to encourage him to join Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Malaysia, The Maldives, Namibia, Pakistan, Turkey as well as the memberships of The Arab League and The Organisation of Islamic Countries in supporting the South African case in the International Court of Justice. Council also supports comments made by the Foreign Secretary that he is considering recognising Palestine as a state and will ensure this view is reflected in this letter. Additionally, the Council instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the First Minister to encourage him to act in all possible capacities to prevent the production and transfer of weapons and weapon components from arms companies in Scotland to Israel or their allies. Council commends the work of numerous organisations in Glasgow campaigning for divestment from the arms trade, particularly noting the work of the Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels campaign who are calling on the University of Glasgow to divest its funds from the arms trade. Council asks elected members who sit on the boards, courts or senates of universities and other educational trusts and funds to use their position to advocate for divestment from arms. Council especially shares its solidarity with our twin city of Bethlehem in the West Bank, which while not at the core of the current violence, has been the target of raids and a very long occupation. Council requests that the Lord Provost shares a message of solidarity and condolence with the Mayor of Bethlehem. Council also requests that the Lord Provost adds to the flag policy the Palestinian flag to be flown on the 29th November each year for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as is observed by the United Nations. Council requests a paper be brought to CAC to explore the financial relief that Glasgow could offer Palestinians in Gaza by way of Medical Aid for Palestine, similar to the financial relief offered to Ukraine in a meeting on 10th March 2022. Council acknowledges that as this situation continues to escalate, that antisemitism towards Jewish people continues to be on the increase. Council condemns antisemitism and agrees that all Jewish people deserve to live without harassment and discrimination. Council notes that the Jerusalem Declaration of Antisemitism was developed by a cross-community group of academics to sit alongside the previously-adopted International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA) definition on antisemitism, to give a much clearer definition of what is and is not antisemitic when discussing Zionism and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Council agrees to engage with Jewish representative groups including Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and Na'amod to consider the adoption of the Jerusalem Declaration and other actions that can address antisemitism in this context." View Papers |
| (d) | Motion by Councillor Malcolm Mitchell:- "Council welcomes the recommendation from SPT's draft Regional Bus Strategy, approved by the SPT Board meeting of 15 March, that Local Bus Services Franchising 'would have the most beneficial effects for the delivery of enhanced service provision, more affordable fares and quality'. Council regrets the legacy of deregulation and privatisation of Glasgow's bus network, flowing from the Thatcherite Transport Act 1985, which has coincided with a steady erosion of bus patronage in recent decades. Council recalls its previously approved Bus Governance Route Map which sets out the Council's support for exploring bus franchising; further notes that exploring public control of transport was a manifesto commitment from the SNP's 2017 and 2022 Glasgow City Council elections manifestos; and notes that this commitment of working towards "local bus franchising to deliver a more comprehensive, accessible network for communities" is able to be delivered because of Scottish Government's Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. Council further notes that bringing bus services into greater public control could deliver opportunities to enhance the multi-modal integration of Glasgow's public transport network, including through alignment with a new Clyde Metro scheme. Council acknowledges the public campaigns over the years for an integrated, sustainable and publicly-controlled network, most notably recently by Better Buses for Strathclyde and Get Glasgow Moving; that ongoing public engagement is critical to any success; and the commencement of public consultation on the SPT recommendations should happen as soon as possible. Council further notes cross-party support for exploring franchising, with 83 out of 85 councillors at the Glasgow City Council elections in 2022 being elected on manifesto commitments to explore greater public control of Glasgow's bus network. Council recognises the importance of sound due diligence and legal process in advancing any exploration of bus governance reform in Greater Glasgow, and appreciates that a necessarily robust process of business case development will be required. Council notes that evidence from other UK cities which have embarked upon developing franchising schemes suggests that it may take 5-7 years before franchising could be introduced across the Greater Glasgow area, and considers that while such business case development work is ongoing it is important that local authorities and SPT continue to work in partnership with bus operators to secure improvements to Glasgow's bus network in the here and now. Council recognises the value of ongoing engagement with bus operators in pursuing opportunities aligned to the Bus Partnership Fund and recognises the potential role a time-limited Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP) could play as a bridging mechanism towards an effective franchise regime, as acknowledged within the Bus Governance Route Map agreed by the City Administration Committee (CAC) in November 2022. Council further notes that exploring franchising is likely to require very significant public investment, with updated estimates that the cost of carrying the franchise process to implementation could be around £15million and that operating a regional franchising scheme itself could require an indicative additional £45million - £85million in public subsidy per annum. Council agrees to work with SPT and interested parties in making the case for this transformational investment in Glasgow's public transport network, and as such requests that the City Convenor for Climate, Glasgow Green Deal, Transport & City Centre Recovery write to both UK and Scottish Governments to outline the Council's support for exploring bus franchising in Greater Glasgow and to seek their financial support for the franchising exploration process." View Papers |
| (e) | Motion by Councillor Elaine McDougall:- "Council acknowledges that Scotland is facing a significant and ever-increasing crisis of addiction, with drug related deaths reaching unprecedented levels in recent years. This has been further compounded by the latest statistics that show the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland increased by 105, when compared to 2022. Council also recognises the escalating crisis in the Greater Glasgow Region, which reflect the broader trends seen in Scotland on a larger scale. Council notes that the latest figures of drug-related deaths throughout Scotland and the City Region are an indication of the urgent need for enhanced support, intervention, and prevention strategies to address the complex nature and factors which contribute to addiction and substance abuse. Addiction is often an issue with deep-rooted social, economic and health factors and it requires an extensive and collaborative approach to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. This is a public health issue and should be treated with the utmost importance. Too many individuals and families in our communities are having to deal with losing loved ones due to addictions. Therefore, we call on Council to: 1. Acknowledge the severity of the addiction crisis and the rising number of drug-related deaths that plague our communities, with the view of taking a proactive approach to address these issues. 2. Urge the Scottish Government to provide increased funding and resources for addiction treatment, harm reduction services and mental health support. 3. Collaborate with local healthcare providers, third-sector partners, community organisations, as well as individuals with lived experiences to develop and implement prevention, intervention, and recovery programmes. 4. Commit to advocate for policy change at a national level that looks at prioritising harm reduction strategies and evidence-based treatment approaches. 5. Undertake a comprehensive review of current GCC drug policies and strategies, with a focus towards a public health approach. 6. Advocate for policies and funding that address the underlying social factors of addiction, as well as creating a more inclusive and supporting environment for all individuals struggling with addiction." View Papers |
| (f) | Motion by Councillor Dan Hutchison:- "Council agrees that its current flag protocol does not adequately reflect the progressive and internationally minded city of the modern day. Council agrees that adopting flags such as the Transgender Flag and the Red Flag signifies support for both Glasgow's Transgender community and Workers, in a similar vein as the current protocol does with International Women's Day and IDHBT. Council also agrees that Glasgow is an international city, with a rich history of migration, and with a vibrant twin city scheme, as such: Council resolves to add the following dates to the City Chambers Flag Flying Protocol: 1st Monday in May - Mayday - Red Flag 25th April - Liberation Day - Italian Flag 14th July - Bastille Day - French Flag 14th August - Independence Day - Pakistani Flag 23rd August - Independence Day - Ukrainian Flag 3rd October - Reunification Day - German Flag 10th October - Cuban Independence Day - Cuban Flag 20th November - Trans Remembrance Day - Transgender Flag 29th November - International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People - Palestine Flag Council also agrees that a flag should be flown to celebrate Lunar New Year and our twinning with Dalian, however, due to specific political sensitivities regarding the Chinese states treatment of the Uyghurs, as well as the on-going occupation of Tibet, the Council will undertake consultation to determine the best way to celebrate Lunar New Year while extending our solidarity with the aforementioned groups. Council also resolves to remove the following dates from the City Chambers Flag Flying Protocol: 9th January - Birthday of HRH The Princess of Wales - Union 20th January - Countess of Wessex - Union 10th March - Birthday of HRH Earl of Wessex - Union 2nd Monday of March - Commonwealth Day - Commonwealth 21st June - Birthday of HRH Prince of Wales - Union 17th July - Birthday of HM The Queen Consort - Union 15th August - Birthday of HRH Princess Anne - Union 14th November - Birthday of HM The King - Union https://glasgow.gov.uk/article/22005/City-Chambers-Flag-Flying-Protocol " View Papers |
| (g) | Motion by Councillor Alex Kerr:- "Council firmly believes that a strong democracy is the foundation stone on which the most prosperous and free societies that have existed throughout history have been built. Council further believes that ensuring the largest proportion of citizens possible are able to take part in the democratic process, known as "democratic well-being" is crucial to ensuring the long-term strength of any democratic system. Council understands the additional barriers that those from more deprived backgrounds face in engaging with the democratic process with the Fraser of Allander institute finding a significant gap in participation between individuals that considered themselves in good health and those that considered themselves in bad health. Council deplores the introduction of voter ID legislation by the UK Government which requires those taking part in Westminster elections to show photographic identification to vote in a polling station. Council notes the Electoral Commissions report into the May 2023 Local Elections in England which took place under the voter ID rules which found hundreds of thousands of people could be excluded from voting in a UK general election because of new rules. Council further notes the reports finding that this would have a disproportionate impact on poorer people, those with disabilities and from minority ethnic backgrounds. Council understands that legislation is being consulted on by the Welsh Government which would allow Local Authorities to pilot automatic enrolment of voters to the electoral register. Council considers this would meet the aims of increasing democratic well-being by widening the pool of those eligible to vote and removing unnecessary barriers from participation in the democratic process to some of the most deprived communities. Council further believes the success of such pilots would highlight the benefits of taking an approach which opens up democracy, as opposed to inadvertently closing routes into participation through implementation of unnecessary voter ID legislation which creates barriers to participation. Council instructs the Elections and Democratic Services Manager to write to the Scottish Parliament Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee who are considering the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, noting Council's appetite for work to be undertaken to establish the possibility of similar policies being pursued at a Scottish level with a view to widening participation at Scottish and Local levels. Council notes Glasgow City Council's success in the area of using data to increase participation - particularly with Glasgow's pilot canvass which was cited by the Electoral Commission as best practice with findings being used to inform UK wide changes to the canvass. Council believes that given this track-record of success that Glasgow City Council should volunteer as the lead pilot location in the aforementioned submission and for any proposals that come forward from the Scottish Government." View Papers |
| (h) | Motion by Councillor Jill Pidgeon:- "In recent times, violence in the workplace has been increasing. Violence in the workplace severely impacts the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, damages morale and impacts productivity and effectiveness. Council recognises that all individuals have the right to work in an environment that is free from violence, intimidation, bullying and harassment, irrespective of their job role or position. Council acknowledges that to combat violence in the workplace, effective policies, proactiveness and a commitment to creating a culture of respect, openness and safety is essential. Council recognises that we have a responsibility to lead by example, in preventing and addressing workplace violence and promoting best practice with partners and key stakeholders. Council also recognises the need for a zero-tolerance policy. Glasgow City Council should be striving to halt all forms of workplace violence, in all sectors that our workforce are employed in, whether that be teaching staff, care staff, support staff or management. To achieve this, we must hold those responsible to account, through fair investigation and the appropriate disciplinary measures, and if necessary, legal action." View Papers |
| (i) | Motion by Councillor Dan Hutchison:- "Council acknowledges the UK Government's anti-worker and anti-democratic legislation in the form of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. Council agrees that the right to remove one's labour is an essential tenet of democracy and that forcing workers to work degrades the strength of our democracy. Council acknowledges the First Minister's statement that the Scottish Government will not issue work notices under the legislation in Scotland. Council agrees that this is a good decision and hope that future Scottish Governments maintain this position. Council finally agrees that should a Scottish Government renege on this position, that Glasgow City Council will at no time use the legislation to force its staff to work and continues to recognise workers rights to remove their labour when in dispute with employers." View Papers |
| (j) | Emergency motion by Councillor Anne McTaggart:- "Council notes the UK Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has confirmed in a recent report that WASPI women are due compensation in relation to the injustice they have suffered, and this marks a critical juncture in this long-standing campaign. Council further notes that the report stated there had been maladministration by the DWP as they did not take action to ensure there was clear communications about the state pension age change to the women affected. Council recognises that an estimated 355,910 Scottish women have been impacted by the Waspi pensions scandal; and have been betrayed and badly let down by Westminster. Council further recognises that an estimated 240,000 women have already passed away without ever receiving any apology, any justice, or any compensation, and a further 40,000 women impacted sadly pass away each year. Council believes that the sheer scale of this scandal demands a clear and compassionate response from all those tasked with political leadership. Council acknowledges that this was not solely an injustice inflicted upon them in the past, it is an enduring injustice impacting upon their daily lives. Council further believes that the report and its conclusions - compiled over five years - couldn't be clearer, and there is a responsibility to act swiftly is paramount if justice is to be delivered. Council is appalled that since the PHSO report was published, both the UK government and the Labour Party have deliberately failed to answer and fully guarantee that full justice and fair compensation will be delivered to the Waspi women. Council believes that it is the responsibility of Westminster to provide these 3.6m women with the justice, apology, and compensation they deserve, and that the women deserve to know that current and future UK governments will finally deliver justice for all the Waspi women. Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt MP and Labour shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to demand a cast-iron guarantee that Waspi women will receive full compensation and that immediate action is taken in Westminster to right this wrong." View Papers |