Glasgow City Council Agenda - 16 May 2024, 11:00 
A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 16 May 2024.
| Number | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minutes of Council meeting of 28th March 2024 (Print 1, pages 1 to 32). View Papers |
| 2 | Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (page 33 onwards). View Papers |
| 3 | Changes to committees etc. View Papers |
| 4 | Representation on outside bodies:- View Papers |
| (a) | National Association of Councillors - Remove Audrey Dempsey and appoint Soryia Siddique |
| 5 | Correspondence. |
| 6 | Questions. View Papers |
| 7 | Notice of motions. |
| (a) | Motion by Bailie Annette Christie:- "Council condemns the recent actions of both the UK Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition with their rash rejection of the proposal by the European Commission to open negotiations with the United Kingdom on an agreement to facilitate youth mobility, making it easier for young EU and UK citizens to study, work and live in the UK and the EU respectively. Council recognises that almost 67% of Glaswegians who voted in the 2016 referendum voted to remain in the EU and have had their European citizenship removed against their will. Council continues to oppose Brexit and Glaswegians loss of the Four Freedoms and the opportunities that go with this citizenship. Council recognises the immense social, economic and cultural contributions made by EU citizens to our city; along with those same contributions by Glaswegians to the European cities they called home, either permanently or temporarily - noting that this multilateral exchange between communities of some 600 million EU citizens added immeasurably to our common prosperity. As this free movement comes to an end therefore, Council mourns the bonds that will no longer be made across our continent: the easy access for Europeans to work, study, live and love in Glasgow, and the ability of Glaswegians to do the same in Europe. Council hopes that this act of cultural vandalism can one day be repaired. Council confirms Glasgow's place as a European city, as outlined in previous successful motions in May 2023 and last term and that Brexit continues to be a key source of the cost-of-living crisis, economic problems, and daily hardship for thousands of Glaswegian households. Council notes that independent, expert analysts who advise major supermarkets, wholesalers and the government on the impact of Brexit on trade, have recently reported the cost of new border controls will be £2.9 billion - almost ten times higher than the UK Governments estimates, which if the extra costs are passed on to consumers will see the average household monthly food shop continue to increase. Council further notes that their calculations are "conservative" and do not include the cost of "Safety and Security Declarations", which the UK Government wants hauliers to submit at the border later this year. Council reconfirms its commitment to active engagement with European partners, consolidating relationships, garnering accolades, and positioning itself as a lead European city as successfully demonstrated in 2023 as European Capital of Sport, the Burrell Collection securing a European Museum of the Year 2024 nomination, and Glasgow being recognised as the number one city for its foreign direct investment strategies in the European Cities & Regions of the Future 2024. Council notes that Glasgow's reign as 1990 European City of Culture, a world leading successful example of culture-led regeneration, was a key milestone since we last celebrated Glasgow's birthday in 1975, a period during which the people of Glasgow and Scotland also voted in another referendum to remain in Europe, and these events and our European citizens and connections, including our Twin Cities should be part of our Glasgow 850 celebrations in 2025. Council commends the work across the Council Family to promoting EU citizens' rights and contribution to Glasgow and commits to ongoing participation in key networks such as Eurocities which continue to provide opportunities for Glasgow to meet the Grand Challenges of our 2022-27 Strategic Plan. Council notes the recent achievements of successfully securing membership of the Horizon Europe Food Trails programme, and, chosen as one of 10 leading cities by the European Commission for cultural heritage in action, and the City's exemplar social, digital and environmental work in the Burrell Collection, Pollok Park and proposals for the People's Palace which have been recognised by our European peer cities. Council notes that since the successful Europe Day event celebrated in the City Chambers last year, the support given to Glasgow's EU citizens and community groups to establish an EU Citizens Forum and the ongoing collaboration to celebrate their contribution to the city. Council further notes the opportunity to work with the Forum and its members to take forward important Glasgow 850 anniversary themes in the city that are reflective of our past, present, and future such as Civic Participation, Communities, Culture, Migration and Business. Council also notes that another 850th anniversary theme is Education and Young People, and when a recent civic welcome was given by the Lord Provost, Leader of the Council and the Glasgow EU Citizens Forum to the EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano, on Friday 19 April, it was the same day that the European Commission had made the proposal which would have allowed a youth mobility programme between the UK and EU. Council again notes its extreme disappointment in the UK Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition with their refusal to accept this lifeline from the EU. Council instructs the Chief Executive of the Council to write to the UK Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, underlining that it is clearer than ever that Brexit has failed, and their ongoing policies and recent rejection of a youth visa with Europe are inflicting misery and limiting life chances and opportunities for young people and our wider communities in Glasgow. Council further instructs the Chief Executive to also write to the EU Ambassador to the UK noting this correspondence and content, and to invite the Ambassador again to visit Glasgow, noting we are city that is open for economic, social, and cultural collaboration, eager to discuss opportunities like Horizon Europe and to further our engagement, alongside welcoming the Ambassador to our 850th anniversary celebrations which will have Glasgow's place in Europe at its heart." View Papers |
| (b) | Motion by Councillor Jill Pidgeon:- "Council expresses its deep concern over the reduction in teacher numbers and potential consequences of the ongoing review of MCR Pathways, as a result of the latest City Administration Budget. Council recognises the indispensable role teachers play in shaping the future of our children and communities, as well as closing the attainment gap across the city. Council emphasises that any decision leading to a decrease in classroom teachers within our city's schools will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on the children of the city, as well as the city of Glasgow itself. Council notes that the inadequate funding provided by the Scottish Government means that essential services provided by the Council are being impacted, with education being hardest hit. Council also notes the ongoing review of MCR Pathways, a vital support system for vulnerable students. This review must not impede the educational journey of these students, many of whom are care experienced. Council notes that the delivery model for MCR Pathways is currently being reviewed and emphasises that it is of the utmost importance that this review should focus on continuing to provide support for these vulnerable students and recognises the need for additional funding to be found. Council vehemently asserts that education must remain a top priority for the Administration and the Scottish Government. Cuts to teacher numbers and essential student support programmes are unacceptable and must be urgently addressed. Glasgow Labour stands committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of students and educators across our communities and will continue to hold this City Administration to account for its actions that have a detrimental impact to education. The Glasgow Labour Group affirms its dedication to safeguarding the future of Glasgow's education and ensuring that every student can thrive. Council asks the Leader of The Council to urgently write to the Scottish Government to seek additional funding." View Papers |
| (c) | Motion by Councillor Jon Molyneux:- "Council recalls its previous decisions supporting increased regulation of fireworks and their misuse, noting in particular their impact on pets and other animals, people with sensory disorders, people dealing with anxiety and certain kinds of trauma, older people, and other vulnerable groups, as well as the impact that the misuse of fireworks has on over-stretched emergency and council services, who work hard to keep people safe. Council welcomes the new powers available to it to designate certain areas as Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ), in which it becomes an offence to let off fireworks at agreed times, other than at organised displays or in other exempted circumstances. Council further welcomes the interest shown by some communities in using these powers locally and highlights the 12 June deadline for such community requests to be made in time for 5 November this year. Council notes that the guidance provided for councils to designate areas as FCZs says that the measures "have not been designed … to cover a whole local authority area, or to cover extensive parts of a local authority area" however also notes that the legislation "does not set out any minimum or maximum geographic size or area that can be covered by a firework control zone, or the cumulative area that a local authority may designate as a firework control zone(s) within its boundaries". Council recognises that the types of groups most likely to be adversely affected by fireworks are dispersed across the population and not confined to one or more areas. Council also considers there is a risk that that smaller, localised FCZs may displace problems to other areas. Council therefore believes there is a case for developing a FCZ covering the entire Glasgow city area. Council understands that it would need to be able to evidence this as being necessary and proportionate. Council therefore instructs the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability, in developing proposals for consultation, to consider whether there is evidence to support a whole council area approach being taken, and to consult with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and charities including Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Cat Protection League, PDSA, Guide Dogs Scotland, Sight Scotland, OneKind, Age Scotland, Autism Scotland, and groups representing veterans and others likely to have experienced trauma on this proposal. Council considers that restrictions on public sales will be the most effective means of reducing fireworks-related harms, and therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write (i) to the Scottish Government urging it to accelerate progress on implementation of new Licensing powers and (ii) to the UK Government, urging it to use its overarching powers to end the general public sale of most categories of fireworks. Council also reiterates its support for organised public fireworks displays and calls on Glasgow Life to reconsider its indefinite suspension of a large-scale organised display at Glasgow Green." View Papers |
| (d) | Motion by Bailie Thomas Kerr:- "Council acknowledges the huge role that Glasgow's hospitality trade and night-time industry plays to our city's economy and culture. And recognise the huge strains put on both sectors following the global pandemic. Council agrees that it's vital we support these sectors in their recovery to protect jobs in the industry and to bolster the city centre's overall recovery. Council commends the role that the Glasgow Licensing Board has played over the years in developing policy that supports hospitality, including a 4am night-club terminal and the new pilot of 1am for bars in the city centre. Councils put on record it's thanks to the Clerk to the Licensing Board and the entire Glasgow Licensing Board team for being so supportive and adaptive to the trade over the covid pandemic. Council agrees that as budgets continue to be strained from national government, our role in supporting this vital industry is becoming increasingly difficult. As such, believes we need a strategic lead to engage and support our night-time economy and work in partnership with the council and the private sector. As such, Council agrees to reiterate its support for a "night tsar" as outlined by the Council Leader back in 2019. Council calls for a cross-party working group to be set up to look at the role and remit with final recommendations to come before City Administration Committee by the end of this year." View Papers |
| (e) | Motion by Councillor Laura Doherty:- "Council recognises the Barrowland Ballroom is a world-famous music venue, beloved by musicians, their audiences, locals and the people of Glasgow. Council agrees with industry experts that 'the Barrowland' is authentic, committed to promoting good music and emerging acts, has excellent sound quality, and energetic crowds that create the legendary Barrowland bounce on its sprung floor. Council notes that earlier this year Pollstar, the global live entertainment industry's leading trade publication, named the Barrowland as #1 in the UK "club" venues in terms of grosses and ticket sales in the Global 100", and more recently as the second most successful "club venue" in Europe, with the city's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut coming in eighth place, one of only two other UK venues in the top 10. Council recognises the contribution of the Barrowland, its staff, visiting bands and gig goers to Glasgow's creative and cultural economy, which is the engine of Scotland. Council notes this dynamic musical heritage is so important that in 2008 it was designated the U.K.'s first City of Music by UNESCO, and Glasgow is now celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of this accolade. Council further notes the affection for the Barrowland by bands, the local community, and wider Glaswegians and should be celebrated during the UNESCO Creative City of Music anniversary and in the run up to Glasgow's 850th birthday. Council notes that Barrowland Park contains shortlisted 2005 Turner Prize nominee Jim Lambie's "Album Pathway" - a paved walkway that pays tribute to all the musical acts that have played at Glasgow's famous Barrowland concert venue. Council welcomes the report going to the Economy, Housing, Transport and Regeneration City Policy Committee later this year regarding a long term vision for the temporary green space developed as a Stalled Spaces initiative by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with the Calton Barras Action Plan and Glasgow Life. Council believes that until recently the Calton was overlooked and since then millions in investment is ending 40 years of blight in the East End, delivering new housing and revitalised neighbourhoods in the Calton, transforming the Meat Market area and protecting and preserving the Peoples Palace & Winter Gardens. Council instructs Officers to engage with the Barrowland Ballroom, other music venues, and local community assets to investigate collaboration on a programme of events and activities celebrating our UNESCO Creative City of Music status in the run up to, including and beyond our 850th anniversary in 2025, and ensure that curation of the themes of Culture, Communities and neighbourhoods and others reflect the distinct contribution of the Barrowland Ballroom to the people of the Calton and Glasgow." View Papers |
| (f) | Motion by Councillor John Carson:- "Council recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the imbalance of power in the workplace that trade unions have long sought to rectify. Meanwhile, wages have stagnated for over a decade, and work is becoming increasingly insecure. Council notes that since the UK Conservative Government came to power 14 years ago, in-work poverty, low pay, and financial insecurity have become rampant. Incomes have stagnated and many workers have experienced real terms pay decline. In-work poverty has hit new highs, with one in six working households in poverty. Wages have suffered a decade of stagnation - the worst in over a century. Council believes that restrictive anti-trade union laws, most recently the Trade Union Act, have made it harder for unions to organise and stand up for their members. These restrictions mean workers are denied their fair share of the wealth they create, whilst a lack of collective representation has led to a race to the bottom. The right of unions to operate effectively in the workplace, in each sector of the economy, is vital for achieving fairness, dignity and democracy at work for all. Council believes Labour's New Deal for Working People, launched by Angela Rayner and drawn up in partnership with the trade union movement, is a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of working people by strengthening individual and collective rights - repealing anti-trade union laws, including the Trade Union Act, and introducing new rights to help unions bargain, recruit, organise and win a better deal for their members. Council in particular welcomes that this plan will be written into law within 100 days of the election of a UK Labour Government which would: - strengthen rights at work for all workers, from day one on the job. - end fire and rehire. - make work more family-friendly, and make it easier to balance work with home, community and family life. - ban zero-hours contracts and ensure everyone has the right to regular hours they can rely on. - strengthen trade union rights, raising pay and conditions. - bring in Fair Pay Agreements to drive up pay and conditions for all workers, using sectoral collective bargaining." View Papers |
| (g) | Motion by Councillor Holly Bruce:- "Council recalls its emergency motion of 26th October 2023 which condemned acts of terrorism in Israel and collective punishment in Gaza and called for a ceasefire in the region. Council recalls its motion of 28th of March 2024 which acknowledged Glasgow City Council's part in ensuring that organisations contracted and procured by the Council are not linked to breaching international law. Council reaffirms its solidarity with all victims, their families and communities of the on-going siege of Gaza and related violence. Council understands that Glasgow will be hosting the Israel women's national football team at Hampden Park, Scotland's National Stadium, on the 31st of May 2024. Council acknowledges that the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council have been vocal in calling for an immediate ceasefire and Council agrees that hosting Israel at Hampden Park would not align with this standpoint until all conflict ends. Council commends the work of the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee on their Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card campaign which has highlighted the gross injustices faced by Palestinians in football and which is calling for sporting bodies to take action. Council notes that during the 2022 Men's World Cup, FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian clubs and national teams from participating amid their invasion of Ukraine. Council agrees that for FIFA and UEFA to ignore the current situation in Israel and Palestine is hugely hypocritical and amounts to sportswashing. Council also notes the urgency for similar action to be taken against Israel has been emphasised by twelve nations who've called on FIFA to ban them from the international football stage until there is a ceasefire. Council also believes the growth of women's football in Scotland and the Scottish women's national team has gone from strength to strength, with the Scottish FA confirming that girls and women's football participation has continued its upward trend achieving record numbers for the second consecutive year. Council notes that the Scottish women's football team are currently second, only by goal difference, in their qualifying table and applauds their dedication, resilience and sporting excellence, and wishes them the best of luck in qualifying for the Women's Euros 2025 hosted in Switzerland. Therefore, Council instructs that the Council Leader takes action and writes on behalf of Council to FIFA and UEFA requesting Israel to be suspended from taking part in the Women's Euros Qualifiers, as was the Russian Football Union after their invasion of Ukraine. Council requests that the Council Leader also writes to the Scottish FA, Hampden Park and Greater Glasgow Police seeking assurance that Glaswegians who wish to protest on the 31st of May will be treated fairly and proportionally and that spectators and footballers wishing to show solidarity with Palestine on the 31st of May are able to do so peacefully." View Papers |
| (h) | 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 will submit a response to the consultation on the electoral reform bill going through the Scottish Parliament calling 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 also proposes that this submission also involve consideration of i-voting (internet) known as electronic voting. Council recognises that the learning available from Estonia, a pioneer in electronic voting, one of several channels offered to Estonian voters, with voters able to vote over the internet since the 2005 municipal elections. Council notes that although only 3% of voters voted online in 2007 (the first national e-elections anywhere in the world), that number had reached 44% by the last election in 2019. Such voting is made possible by Estonia's smart ID cards. 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 |
| (i) | Motion by Councillor Stephen Docherty:- "Council acknowledges the importance of reducing emissions as a crucial step in addressing the climate emergency, thereby ensuring a sustainable Scotland for future generations. Council notes that achieving the Scottish Governments 2030 Net Zero target would bring numerous benefits to Glasgow, such as improved air quality, enhanced public health, job creation in renewable energy sectors and opportunities for economic growth. Council recognises many of the positive steps Glasgow has taken to combat the ongoing climate emergency, but notes more action and investment is still required. Council acknowledges that insufficient funding for renewable projects is one of the biggest barriers Glasgow faces in the fight against the climate emergency. Council expresses its deep concern that the Climate Change Committee has suggested that the Scottish Governments target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% is beyond achievable. This failure will have adverse impacts on the people of Glasgow, and Scotland as a whole. Council acknowledges that this failure will lead to heightened climate change impacts, economic instability, and the erosion of Scotland's reputation as a global leader in climate action. Council encourages the Leader of the Council to urge the Scottish Government to reassess its climate policies and take bold, decisive action to address the barriers hindering progress towards Scotland's Net Zero 2030 target. Council also asks that the Leader of the Council liaises with the relevant Minister to seek increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Council expresses is strong support for local initiatives and partnerships aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability within Glasgow. In our Local Government 2022 Manifesto, Glasgow Labour committed to: - Plans for an integrated and affordable public transport, which would encourage more people to travel via public transport. - To support local, renewable energy projects and cooperatives. - Help build community heat networks with all new social housing where possible. - Reduce emissions across council infrastructure, by ensuring new and existing council buildings are energy efficient - Install zero carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and biomass boilers. Council emphasises the urgent need for decisive action to mitigate the climate crisis, protect vulnerable communities and secure a sustainable future for Scotland." View Papers |
| (j) | Motion by Councillor Martha Wardrop:- "Council notes that our colleges are enabling people across Glasgow to develop their skills and individuals gain support for lifelong learning. The wide range of college courses improves the life chances of young people and adults, particularly those from more disadvantaged areas, and helps them to make a valuable contribution to society. Council recognises that College lecturers are vital in helping their students to realise their potential. Further education delivered by colleges is supporting our local economic development and local employers seeking a qualified workforce to fill their vacancies. The importance of college lecturers in delivering vocational or academic courses, and supported flexible learning for a fair, green and growing economy is endorsed. Council acknowledges the Audit Scotland's "Scottish Colleges 2023 Briefing Paper which stated "The Scottish Government's funding for the sector has reduced by 8.5 per cent in real terms between 2021/22 and 2023/24, while the sector's costs have increased. Effective, affordable workforce planning is now a greater than ever priority and challenge for colleges." Council notes that there are lecturers in our Colleges taking industrial action as they consider a pay offer from College Employers Scotland as being lower than the current rate of inflation and thus, a real-terms pay cut. Council understands that despite ongoing discussions, the representatives of college employers have yet to make any progress towards an improved offer on pay to college lecturers, and note with disappointment occurrences when some College management have fallen short of the spirit of the Fair Work Framework in their response to staff. Council agrees that the Leader of the Council writes to the Minister for Further and Higher Education at the Scottish Government to highlight the need to work with college leadership teams to provide a fair pay settlement for college lecturers. Whilst there are unprecedented financial pressures, Council calls for Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council to urgently support colleges to plan and make funding available to support staff and students in their work and education, so as not to compromise the confidence of those providing the education and ensure students receive a sustainable high quality education in the future. Council believes that good governance and scrutiny is important to ensuring colleges spend money wisely and avoid unnecessary expenditure, noting recent media coverage of college principals' salaries and expenses. Council welcomes the national change in policy, secured by Greens and delivered by the Scottish Government, which allows for the addition of trade union representatives to college boards, and believes that local councillors should also sit on college boards to provide external scrutiny. In advance of any potential national change to this effect, Council asks the relevant Convenor to write to the colleges in Glasgow to request the addition of councillors to relevant boards. Council additionally believes that college principals should be brought within the Scottish Government's Chief Executives Framework for public sector pay. Council recognises the important role that colleges play in terms of education, skills and economic development, and further believes that there is a key role for the council to play in bringing together public, private, educational and economic partners in a forum which allows for cooperation and planning. Additionally, noting financial pressures on colleges, councils and governments, Council believes that this forum should consider ways in which those who financially benefit from the skilled workforces coming out of colleges should directly financially contribute to their work." View Papers |