Committee Information

Glasgow City Council Agenda - 11 December 2025, 11:00

A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 11 December 2025.

Number	Item
1	Minutes of Council meeting of 30th October 2025 (Print 5, pages 1 to 88). View Papers
2	Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (Page 89 onwards).
3	Response to Climate Emergency Update - Report by Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability. View Papers
4	Proposed Changes to Scheme of Delegated Functions - Report by Director of Legal and Administration. View Papers
5	Changes to committees etc.
(a)	Planning Applications Committee - Remove Cecilia O'Lone and appoint Thomas Rannachan.
6	Representation on outside bodies.
7	Correspondence.
(a)	Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs. View Papers
8	Questions. View Papers
9	Notice of motions.
(a)	Motion by Councillor Richard Bell:- "Council notes with concern that the UK Labour Government Budget once again fails to deliver for Glasgow and Scotland, and that despite promises of prosperity, families face higher bills, rising unemployment, and stagnant growth. Council believes that public confidence in Westminster is broken. Council agrees with the Office for Budget Responsibility that the Budget will not boost growth, leaves the UK with unsustainable debt and record interest costs, that fiscal headroom is based on unrealistic assumptions and falls fall short of delivering meaningful reform. While Council welcomes the belated ending of the two child cap, Council notes that families have been pushed further into poverty during the year it was kept in place by Labour and that its retention has caused huge damage to the wellbeing of tens of thousands of children in Scotland. Council believes that the UK government is still failing to take meaningful action to reduce child and family poverty and must commit to matching the Scottish Government's investments in measures such as the Scottish Child Payment. Council further notes, for example, that although Scottish income tax rates remain unchanged, UK threshold freezes will push many already struggling households into poverty by bringing them into a tax-paying bracket for the first time, and that this comes on top of household energy bills now being an average £340 higher than when the government took office, despite its promises to the contrary. Council further notes that claims of record support for Scotland are misleading: that additional funding is modest and uncertain and does not cover even half the forecast cost to the Scottish Government of the rise in Employer's National Insurance contributions, and that UK threshold freezes are among measures that will further reduce Scotland's devolved budget. Council further notes that while English regions receive multi-year settlements, the Chancellor yet again missed the opportunity to provide parity for cities in devolved nations, including Glasgow, further disadvantaging them and creating risk of falling behind in investment and growth. Council agrees with the UK Core Cities that this continued inequity for city regions in the devolved nations is unfair and unsustainable and supports calls for parity of capital funding. In contrast, Council warmly welcomes the announcement by the First Minister at the annual State of the City Region Economy conference, committing to bring forward enabling legislation to allow Scotland's city regions - beginning with the Glasgow City Region - to seek legal status and devolution of powers and resource relating to, for example, skills, enterprise, business growth, inward investment, transport, development and land use, and believes that this has genuinely transformational potential for people and places across the region. Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor to call for her to deliver genuine fiscal reform to secure sustainable funding for public services; to urgently provide for parity of funding between the Glasgow City Region and English metro regions; and to address policies harming Glasgow's communities and economy."
(b)	Motion by Councillor Rashid Hussain:- "Council notes the UK Labour Government's Autumn Budget announced on 26 November 2025, which sets out measures aimed at reducing the cost of living, tackling child poverty, and supporting economic growth. Key announcements include the abolition of the two-child benefit cap from April 2026, expected to lift approximately 450,000 children out of poverty nationally; a rise in the National Minimum Wage to £12.71 for over-21s from April 2026; energy bill reductions through reform of renewable subsidy funding and an additional £1.5 billion investment in the Warm Homes Plan; and continued freeze on fuel duty alongside new investment in health services. Council further notes that these measures will have significant implications for Glasgow residents and for the Council's own financial planning and service delivery. Glasgow currently faces child poverty rates of around 36%, and fuel poverty remains a major challenge, particularly in older housing stock. These changes align with Glasgow's Strategic Plan priorities on tackling poverty and inequality, delivering a fairer economy. Council notes that the Budget provides an additional £820 million for the Scottish Government, which will flow through the Scottish block grant to support devolved services such as health, education, and housing. Council further notes that this is on top of £9.1 billion already committed during the recent Spending Review by the UK Labour Government, bringing total additional funding for Scotland to nearly £10 billion. Council emphasises the importance of these resources being used effectively and calls for a fair allocation to ensure Glasgow receives an equitable share. Council resolves to; - Write to the Scottish Government requesting a detailed breakdown of the allocation of funds received from the UK Labour Government, to ensure Glasgow receives an equitable share. - Agree to engage with COSLA and other Scottish councils to ensure fair distribution of resources and to advocate for local government's role in delivering national priorities. - Reaffirms Glasgow City Council's commitment to tackling child poverty, supporting fair work, and to ensure that local strategies reflect the opportunities and challenges arising from the Autumn Budget."
(c)	Motion by Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell:- "Council expresses deep concern over the continuous funding cuts to mental health services in Glasgow, leaving the Council, HSCP, Education, third sector and other partners without the adequate resources to respond to the mental health crisis the city is facing. With the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board (IJB) facing another significant projected deficit in the 2026-2027 budget, more must be done to ensure there is a coordinated approach and sufficient funding for Glaswegians to receive the mental health support they require. Council recalls that the Scottish Government directly cut the IJBs 'Enhanced mental health framework' settlement by 5% at the end of 2024. This reduced capacity in both children's and adult services, at a time where referrals are significant, particularly in terms of those seeking support via the neurodevelopmental pathway. Council notes the recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland calling for a new nationwide approach to dealing with severe waitlists, reported as over four years in Glasgow for the neurodevelopmental pathway. Not only is this detrimental to the mental health and wellbeing of citizens but the report also highlighted the significant economic cost of the lack of support for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. Council further notes that the Scottish Government settlement via the Glasgow City Council and the NHS Board led to significant cuts to mental health services in the IJB's budget for 2025-2026. This included cuts to a range of services including the Sandyford Counselling Service, Lifelink Counselling, the Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service and more, leading to increasing waitlists and those with severe mental illness facing serious delays in support. The reductions in capacity are resulting in those who may have normally met the requirement for referral in both adult and children's services, no longer able to seek support via community, primary care or specialist mental health services. Council regrets the recent closure of the Sandyford Counselling Service, despite the demand that was clearly demonstrated by the service's wait list of 431 people as well as broader statistics around need for counselling support for a range of issues including sexual trauma, health, pregnancy and gender identity. Council agrees that the redirection of such patients to other mental health services, facing their own large waitlists, is unacceptable. Council notes that in November 2025, the IJB reported a significant overspend in Mental Health services, particularly in acute services, indicating that the reductions in specialist, community and preventative services are simply shifting pressures elsewhere. Council therefore believes there is a need to increase funding for community and specialist services. Council commends the work that is ongoing in early intervention and prevention, across the HSCP, Council and third sector in our city. In particular, it highlights the role of community links workers (CLWs) who provide support for those who are facing poor physical and mental health due to social, emotional and economic hardship that may result in support with housing, debt, domestic violence, social prescribing and more. Council highlights that current funding for community links workers and mental health within the 2023-2026 primary care strategy is sitting at less than 50% of what is required to meet the outcomes of the strategy. The impact of poverty on mental health is significant with people from less wealthy areas 2.5 times more likely to take their own life than those from wealthier areas, demonstrating the vital role of financial inclusion within primary care as supported by CLWs and the family wellbeing support streams. Council welcomes the ongoing efforts to improve mental health support directly within schools and the upcoming conference for young men in January, aiming to tackle the typically low uptake of mental health resources amongst young men. Council recognises the important role of in-school counselling and mental health support in preventing escalation and exacerbation of mental ill-health and relieving pressure on acute services. As we enter into the festive season and Glasgow's population within temporary accommodation sits at over 4000, Council recognises the severe impact of homelessness on mental health and the importance of services such as the Trauma and Homelessness Team in supporting people over the age of 16 affected by complex trauma, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have significant mental health difficulties. In summary, Council believes that the system is not sufficiently resourced to meet the demand in Glasgow, and that mental health services should be protected. Council also believes there is work to be done to increase partnership and coordination across the city in the face of severe cuts in recent years. Council believes that further action should be taken by both the Scottish Government and UK Government to respond to the scale of the mental health crisis in Glasgow. Therefore Council requests that the Convener for Health, Care & Caring and Older People writes to both the Scottish and UK Governments to outline the growing demands facing the IJB and mental health provision in Glasgow; the particular needs of Glasgow and its population in terms of mental health care provision; the importance of funding preemptive and preventative care as well as specialist services for children, young people and adults. This should also include a request for an urgent review on the funding streams for mental health and associated services; a request to immediately reinstate funding for the Enhanced Mental Health Framework and a commitment to sustaining and increasing the capacity within mental health services within Glasgow in both the short and long term, and reiterating Glasgow's support for the reintroduction of a non domestic rates Public Health Supplement for large retailers, with the option of ringfencing this revenue for prevention-based and community services. Council further calls for a Mental Health Summit within the next 3-6 months and agrees to convene this with appropriate partners, bringing together stakeholders from across the city including but not limited to those working within Health, Social Care, Education and the third sector, along with those with lived experience."
(d)	Motion by Bailie Paul McCabe:- "Council notes: - The forthcoming establishment of Scotland's first permanent memorial to commemorate the service and sacrifice of over 4 million British Indian Army soldiers of diverse faiths who fought alongside British forces during both World Wars, to be located in the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. - The memorial has engaged a wide range of schools and community groups, helping to highlight the significant contribution of the British Indian Army to the city's and Scotland's shared history. - Led by Colourful Heritage, a Glasgow-based charitable initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the South Asian and Muslim heritage in Scotland through oral histories, exhibitions, and educational outreach, the project has received cross-party support and secured planning permission from Glasgow City Council. - Council also notes that Glasgow Life has supported this work and has ensured that this history and contribution to the city is told as is the history of the wider South Asian community by projects such as the display at the Riverside Museum which explores the lives of the Lascars - South Asian seamen - who sailed on British ships and who were once regularly seen in Glasgow. - Colourful Heritage has created Scotland's largest archive of South Asian and Muslim migrant stories, partnering with local institutions to promote awareness of this important heritage including the 'GlaswegAsians' exhibition and the schools digital resource pack, fostering community cohesion and education. Council believes: - The memorial will provide a focal point for learning, reflection, and recognition of the contributions made by soldiers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other nations to the UK and Scotland. - Glasgow should continue to acknowledge the importance of this shared history, including links such as Scotland's unique connection with Force K6 and contributors like Isobel Harling BEM, and ensure all communities are represented. - Supporting heritage projects such as those delivered by Colourful Heritage strengthens social inclusion and broadens understanding of Glasgow's diverse history. Council resolves to: - Support Colourful Heritage in the delivery and ongoing educational outreach of the British Indian Army Memorial. - Promote the memorial as a shared heritage resource, encouraging Glaswegians to engage with and learn about this aspect of our city's history. - Mark the completion of the memorial with formal civic recognition and to collaborate on commemorative and educational programmes connected to the memorial's purpose. - Encourage local schools, community groups, and cultural organisations to participate in activities and programmes developed in connection with the memorial and Colourful Heritage's work."
(e)	Motion by Councillor Jill Pidgeon:- "Council notes that thousands of credit union members across Scotland, including many in Glasgow, are facing the loss of funeral insurance cover following the decision by Maiden Life Försäkrings AB to withdraw from the UK market. This decision will result in the termination of Family Protection Plan policies on 30 November 2025. Council further notes that many affected residents have paid into these plans for decades, often contributing more than the policy payout amount. These individuals now face the risk of funeral poverty, with no realistic alternative due to age or health restrictions. This situation has caused significant distress and financial uncertainty for vulnerable residents in our city. Council believes that the withdrawal of these plans without adequate safeguards is unacceptable and risks deepening inequality and hardship. Urgent action is required from regulators and government to protect consumers and provide compensation or alternative support. Council resolves to: 1. Write to both national governments urging it to work with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and credit unions to establish a compensation scheme and explore emergency measures to prevent funeral poverty. 2. Write to the FCA requesting a review of the regulatory framework for insurance-based funeral products and the circumstances leading to this withdrawal. 3. Publicly reaffirm the Council's commitment to tackling funeral poverty and supporting vulnerable residents."
(f)	Motion by Councillor Jon Molyneux:- "Council welcomes the recent reports of a new form of gene therapy for treating Huntington's disease, a fatal, hereditary neurodegenerative condition that slowly removes a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, drink make rational decisions and care for themselves, and for which there is currently no treatment or cure. Council recognises that Huntington's disease is often considered one of the cruellest, complex and most difficult to manage conditions and that this breakthrough, which in trials slowed disease progression by 75% over 3 years, offers some hope for those in families living with it, with the influential global Huntington's disease research site HD Buzz describing the news as "like the first domino falling in a chain, that will act as the tipping point for other breakthroughs in HD research." Council understands that the company which has developed this particular treatment plans to take it to market in the US, the EU and the UK, and that while both the costs and complexity involved in the treatment are likely to be substantial, it is vital that the potential benefits are properly evaluated. Council therefore agrees to write to the Scottish Government to ask what steps it is taking to evaluate the potential for offering this new treatment on the NHS in due course and ensuring there is specialist support in place to facilitate this. Council also understands that, at present, the vast majority of people who are at risk of inheriting Huntington's disease from a parent do not choose to undertake a predictive test to establish if they have the faulty gene that will go on to cause the condition, and considers that the high-profile nature of this breakthrough and others it is expected to precipitate is likely to result in more people coming forward for that test, thereby increasing demand for specialist Huntington's services. Council therefore agrees to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care asking him to urgently set out what steps the Scottish Government will take to ensure that appropriate, specialist-led, co-ordinated multi-disciplinary care and support is available for Huntington's patients and their families in Glasgow, in line with the Scottish Government backed National Care Framework for Huntington's Disease."
(g)	Motion by Councillor Paul Leinster:- "Council believes that digital rights are human rights. As such, council formally recognises International Digital Rights Days taking place this year on 10th and 11th December. Council welcomes the activities and events taking place around the world, including here in Glasgow, to mark these days and spread awareness of the importance of Digital Rights. Council believes that in a society increasingly shaped by the digital world, it is essential to emphasize the importance of everyone's right to access, use, and create digital technologies and content; that these rights encompass the protection of privacy, freedom of expression, and the right to access information online; and that they ensure that individuals can engage with digital platforms, participate in online communities, and share content freely and safely, without facing undue censorship, surveillance, or discrimination. Council notes that every year from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25th November through to International Human Rights Day on 10th December, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a call for global solidarity to end violence against women and girls everywhere. For 2025, the global theme is "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls" recognising that technology-facilitated gender-based violence has emerged as a disturbing new form of abuse. Council commits to ensuring a gendered lens is taken when implementing digital rights in Glasgow to ensure that women's and girls' safety remain a priority and tackling this pernicious form of violence is given due importance. Council agrees that digital rights also encompass issues such as data protection, net neutrality, and the right to be forgotten, ensuring that digital environments remain open, inclusive, and respectful of individuals' rights and freedoms. Council recognises the work that has already been undertaken by council officers and elected members including the embedding of digital rights at the heart of the Digital Glasgow Strategy 2024-2030, ensuring that we take a rights-based approach to digitisation across the Council and the city as a whole. Council believes that no city can tackle the challenges of upholding digital rights alone and reaffirms its commitment to working with others through COSLA and other national forums, Europe-wide though partnerships such as Eurocities Digital Forum and globally through our membership and ongoing involvement with Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, where Glasgow is taking on a leadership role helping to expand the network to other cities across the world. Council therefore resolves to continue to promote, enhance and expand the digital rights of our citizens."
(h)	Motion by Councillor Saqib Ahmed:- "Council acknowledges the publication of Scottish Disability Sport's (SDS) first National Survey, delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University, which highlights persistent and significant barriers faced by disabled people in accessing sport and physical activity. Council notes with concern that: - 40% of disabled respondents fear that increased physical activity could negatively affect their entitlement to benefits. - Nearly one in five respondents reported doing no physical activity each week, despite 73% expressing a desire to be more active. - 95% of respondents believe physical activity improves their mental health and wellbeing, yet over 90% do not meet recommended activity levels. Council further notes the launch of SDS's four-point Call to Action, which urges systemic change across government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to uphold the rights of disabled people under Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Council recognises that: - Glasgow Life's Physical Activity and Sport Strategy 2025-2035 commits to "sport and recreation for all" and prioritises equality, diversity and inclusion. - Disability Sport Glasgow, supported by Glasgow Life and SDS, plays a vital role in developing inclusive sport pathways and supporting clubs and coaches. - Participation in sport and physical activity remains significantly lower among disabled people and those living in the most deprived areas of Glasgow, contributing to wider health inequalities. Council believes that Glasgow must go further to ensure that disabled people can access inclusive, affordable and empowering opportunities to be active. Council therefore resolves to: 1. Formally endorse the SDS Call to Action and commit to advancing its principles within Glasgow. 2. Review Council and Glasgow Life strategies, funding and facilities to ensure they are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of disabled people. 3. Strengthen support for Disability Sport Glasgow and its member clubs to expand inclusive sport opportunities across the city. 4. Work with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow Life, and third-sector partners to embed inclusive physical activity into health and social care pathways and ensure professionals are equipped to encourage participation. 5. Advocate for reform of the benefits system to remove disincentives to physical activity. 6. Champion intersectionality by co-designing services and strategies with disabled people, particularly those with intersecting identities and lived experience. 7. Mark Disability History Month with inclusive sport events and awareness campaigns to promote participation, challenge stigma, and celebrate the achievements of disabled people in sport. Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Government and COSLA expressing support for the SDS Call to Action and urging national leadership to deliver meaningful inclusion in sport and physical activity."
(i)	Motion by Councillor Malcolm Mitchell:- "Council congratulates Glasgow social enterprises and staff who won or were highly commended at the 2025 Social Enterprise Scotland awards held outside Holyrood for the first time ever and hosted in Glasgow. The Glasgow award winners included: - Proud Futures - Include Me 2 Club - Sunny Cycles - Bike for Good These accolades add to the five awards won the previous year demonstrating that Glasgow social enterprises are at the forefront of community wealth building in Scotland as further exampled by the other Glasgow based nominees and individuals from ApparelXchange, The Boardwalk, Braw Talent, Code Division, Community Central Hall, Glasgow Wood, Govan Community Project, INCH Architecture + Design, Lifelink, and Make Do and Grow. Council believes these successes are testament to the social enterprises industry and innovation, and the leadership and coordinating role played by the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network (GSEN), and its partnership with Glasgow City Council refreshed in an updated Memorandum of Understanding in 2023. Council reiterates it economic strategy commitment to champion social enterprises which is also supported by the city regional economic strategy which helps social enterprises to develop and grow especially those who promote the inclusion of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. Council recognises that Glasgow City Council was the first Local Authority to sign up to the Social Enterprise Buy Social Pledge and had an annual spend of £10m with Social Enterprises in FY24/25, an increase by approximately £2m from the previous year and remains committed to the pledge during FY24/25. Council further recognises that last year over 30 new social enterprises were established with the support of GCC and GSEN. Council commits to continuing to work with the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network to benefit the Glasgow ecosystem even more from the Council and region's expenditure and the national social enterprise action plan 2024-2026 - 'Driving a Wellbeing Economy for Scotland', and as underlined by the First Minister at the 2025 awards, strengthen its commitment to facilitating opportunities for engaging social enterprises in supply chains and procurement opportunities. Council further notes that the SNP commitment to our business community is unwavering at a time when London Labour's pasted together 'Pride in Place' shambles is threatening crucial business support funding. Council instructs GCC Economic Development Officers to continue their monthly meetings and collaborative working with GSEN and identify the opportunities within the new national strategy and fund to enable social enterprises in the city to thrive further, and to ensure Glasgow maintains its position as the as the social enterprise capital of Scotland and the engine for community wealth building. Council further instructs the Chief Executive to organise with GSEN a Celebration & Learning event to bring together social enterprises based on the recent Glasgow Communities Fund event which welcomed over 250 people to the City Chambers to share their inspirational work, impact and success stories."
(j)	Motion by Councillor Laura Doherty:- "Council recognises the success of Glasgow850 in bringing together the communities of Glasgow in celebrating the dynamism and diversity of our people and commends all those involved particularly the Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren and her Office, the Glasgow850 Team and Glasgow Life. Council further recognises that this has served as a key part of our successful ongoing Tourism Strategy 2030 which focuses on sustainability, inclusive experiences, and creating value for residents and has enhanced the city's profile with wider visitors, creating economic growth. Council notes previous motions which called for the recognition of 'forgotten women' like Cathy McCormack, the first tenants moving into Castlemilk, the Donegal and wider Irish community, the Barrowland Ballroom, and Taste the Place, all celebrating Glasgow's rich and colourful cultural heritage. Council notes that Glasgow850 also included the curation of other festivals like Celtic Connections and Aye Write to reflect the history of Glasgow's people. Council further notes that the little-known history of Harvie's Dyke historic fortified wall in Glasgow, built by distiller Thomas Harvie in the 1820s to block a public riverside path along the River Clyde was uncovered as part of the recent book festival. Council acknowledges that Harvie's Dyke by Chrstopher A. Whatley tells the story of how the wall sparked a major public campaign that included protests, legal battles, and widespread popular support, culminating in a court ruling that upheld the public's right to the path and that this event is considered an early and significant victory for public rights of way in the UK. Council agrees that the spirit of the people of the East End who led this successful campaign for freedom of access and to green and open spaces, and fresh air is reflected in 'Dear Green Place' Glasgow's open space strategy, adopted in 2020. Council notes that this strategy aims to enhance the city's liveability, health, and resilience through improved open spaces, making greenspaces more accessible and better connected, involving communities in their management, supporting activities like play and food growing, and integrating nature-based solutions to address challenges like climate change. Council instructs Glasgow City Council Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability to explore the feasibility of commemorating the people of the East End and wider Glasgow's successful campaign to preserve their green spaces at the Harvie's Wall site also noting the modern-day era campaigns of the "Pollok Free State" environmental protest camp that existed in Pollok Park in the 1990s to oppose the construction of the M77 motorway and that this should also be commemorated. Council acknowledges and applauds that under the SNP City Government car centric planning and the threat of motorways like the East End Regeneration Route and wider have finally been replaced by people centred planning and that Parks and Open spaces throughout Glasgow are being benefitting from an innovative £3m fund fully guided by community decisions benefitting play areas with our focus on those which serve the highest number of children living in poverty locally. Council also requests that Education Services explore the potential for schools to be involved in this commemoration of the people of the East End and elsewhere fight for their rights and requests that Glasgow Life's Museum department consider developing an exhibition for the future reopening of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens as part of a legacy of Glasgow850."