Glasgow City Council Agenda - 12 September 2024, 11:00 
A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 12 September 2024.
| Number | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minutes of Council meeting of 27th June 2024 (Print 3, pages 1 to 74). View Papers |
| 2 | Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (page 75 onwards). View Papers |
| 3 | Council and Committee Standing Orders - Report by Director of Legal and Administration. View Papers |
| 4 | Changes to committees etc. View Papers |
| 5 | Representation on outside bodies. View Papers |
| 6 | Correspondence. |
| 7 | Questions. View Papers |
| 8 | Notice of Motions. |
| (a) | Motion by Councillor Susan Aitken:- "Council acknowledges that these have been hugely challenging times for millions across our islands, as over 20 towns and cities across England and the North of Ireland erupted in violent riots as racist far-right agitators shamefully exploited the tragic murders of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 in Southport. Council is appalled that there have been fire attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers; that Mosques, homes and businesses have been targeted by race hate thugs; and that members of the public have been assaulted on the streets because of the colour of their skin. Council is clear that we cannot become complacent or assume that such events could never take place in Glasgow; notes that the same extreme anti-immigration, anti-refugee and Islamophobic rhetoric from certain sections of the press and social media that fuelled these riots elsewhere has also been spread in Glasgow; and that similar bad faith actors seeking to capitalise on heightened emotions have sought to create this type of division in our city. Council declares its solidarity with Glasgow's global majority and migrant communities; deeply regrets the climate of fear and vulnerability that has been created; and is distressed to hear reports that they feel concerned about their own security and wellbeing in our city. Council records our thanks for the work of faith and community organisations, Council officers and Police Scotland to provide reassurance and ensure support is in place where it is needed. Council condemns race hate in all its forms; unequivocally rejects far-right rhetoric and activity; and agrees that far-right ringleaders such as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, are not welcome in Glasgow. Council further deplores attempts by some Members of the UK Parliament and sections of the media to justify, excuse or downplay far-right activity. Council thanks all Glaswegians and others from across Scotland who have come together to take a stand against racism and fascism and to celebrate our diverse, multicultural city. Council records our belief that inward migration has been and continues to be a positive force in Glasgow, enhancing our city socially, culturally and economically; and is proud of our record of strong community relations and of integration of asylum seekers and refugees, not only as the largest asylum dispersal authority in the UK, but also as a city that has itself been built and enriched by successive waves of migration. Council further believes that inward migration to the UK is not only positive but necessary and that policies which have set out to discourage people coming to live and work in the UK, such as Brexit and the so-called "hostile environment", have been deeply damaging to both the national economy and to social cohesion. Council notes that National Hate Crime Awareness Week will take place 14 to 21 October 2024, and instructs officers to use this opportunity to partner with community and faith organisations, such as Glasgow Central Mosque and others, to further publicise and disseminate the Council's work to prevent hate crimes and provide support to victims and vulnerable communities. Council further acknowledges the 2023 update report from the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Tackling Islamophobia in Scotland; welcomes its recommendations; and instructs the Chief Executive to undertake a review of how effectively the Council is currently fulfilling the recommendations pertaining to local authorities and whether more could be done." View Papers |
| (b) | Motion by Councillor George Redmond:- "Council welcomes the election of a new UK Labour Government, committed to delivering transformative change to the people of the United Kingdom. However, Council acknowledges the significant challenges inherited from 14 years of Conservative rule, such as economic instability, housing shortages, a climate emergency, and growing inequality. Nonetheless, Council recognises the overwhelming support for Labour across Glasgow and the UK at the 2024 General Election, congratulates the new Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers on their appointments, and expresses confidence in their commitment to building a fairer, more equal society. Council expresses its optimism for a fresh, positive working relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments and hopes that representatives from both governments will meet soon to discuss areas of collaboration. Council believes that collaboration and partnership between both governments will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing our communities, from economic recovery to tackling climate change. Council agrees that by working together, we can ensure the needs and aspirations of all citizens across the United Kingdom are met. Council applauds the new UK Labour Government for abolishing the abhorrent Rwanda policy, demonstrating a renewed commitment to human rights and ethical governance. In addition, council commends the Government's pledge to uphold the triple lock on pensions, ensuring that pensions rise in line with inflation. Furthermore, Council welcomes the resolution of disputes with rail workers, showing the UK Government's commitment to improving working conditions and enhancing the quality of public transport. Council supports the New Deal for Working People, which aims to strengthen workers' rights, enhance job security, and ensure fair wages across all sectors. Moreover, Council supports plans to repeal the draconian Trade Union Act, empowering trade unions to better represent and protect workers' rights. Council welcomes plans for increased funding in schools, which aims to reduce class sizes, improve school facilities, increase salaries, expand access to early years and supporting disadvantaged students. Council hopes that the Scottish Government will follow the lead of the UK Government and invest in Scotland's schools. Council resolves to: - Support the new UK Labour Government in its efforts to deliver its manifesto commitments. - To work closely with local communities, trade unions and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Government's plans for economic recovery, social justice and environmental recovery are implemented effectively for the benefit of all. - Actively engage with the UK Government to ensure that Glasgow's specific needs and priorities are heard and addressed in the national agenda. - Celebrate this historic achievement, ushering in a new era of effective government, and transforming Britain for the better." View Papers |
| (c) | Motion by Bailie Anthony Carroll:- "Council recalls the motion as adjusted passed by Council on 11 May 2023 which acknowledged "the immense benefits which could be gained from free bus travel for people seeking asylum…and therefore resolves to support the extension of free bus travel to those seeking asylum". Council notes that Free Bus Travel is available through concessionary cards to anyone aged under 22 as well as 60 and over, regardless of Asylum status. Council further notes an Asylum Seeker in receipt of statutory support receives £49.18 per week to cover all living costs in self-catered accommodation, or £8.86 in catered accommodation, and that 4,520 people are in receipt of support in Glasgow as of December 2023. Council recognises the findings in "The Mental Health of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the UK" report by Mental Health UK, that "getting out of the house improved their wellbeing, but that affording public transport services was difficult", with 84% of Asylum Seekers and Refugees they surveyed saying that they had "experienced being unable to use public transport because of the cost" in Scotland. Council notes Refugee Survival Trust's 12 week pilot in the Spring and Summer of 2023 providing 150 Asylum Seekers with Free Bus Travel, which was a springboard for the Scottish Government's plans to roll out a national pilot. Council notes its deep disappointment in the Scottish Government's decision to reverse their pledge to provide Free Bus Travel to Asylum Seekers nationally. Council agrees to affirm its support for the rollout of Free Bus Travel through a national concessionary card scheme for Asylum Seekers aged 22-59 who are not covered by existing provision. Council agrees with Maryhill Integration Network on how this announcement is particularly disappointing following the Scottish Government's New Scots Integration Strategy launch, where transport was identified as a key theme to further enhance integration. Therefore, Council requests the Convener for Transport writes to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Transport to state Council's support for the free bus travel scheme for Asylum Seekers to ask that the decision to not expand this provision nationally be reversed. Council also asks the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Transport within the UK Government to request that work is carried out to roll out a free concessionary bus card scheme for Asylum Seekers UK-wide, following the successful pilot in Glasgow." View Papers |
| (d) | Motion by Councillor Malcolm Mitchell:- "Council urges the UK Government to review its decision to scrap winter fuel payments for 10m pensioners after the energy regulator Ofgem announced household energy bills will rise by £150 in October, hiking its price cap from the current £1,568 for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717 of which older people will feel the brunt. Council notes that analysis by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition has found that in real terms, the changes this winter mean that people will face the highest energy bills on record with energy bills for the winter ahead now confirmed as being 65% above where they were before the crisis, and that the UK Labour Government needs to come up with a plan to prevent even more households entering fuel poverty this winter. Council is appalled that adding insult to injury, in the detail of the Ofgem announcement is the fact that the profit margins energy suppliers are allowed to make will increase by 11%, whilst massive profits for firms in the wider energy industry continue to be made and that it is time to tax these firms fairly - instead of targeting pensioners and the poor - curb profiteering and use the money to keep people warm now and in the long term. Council further notes that the UK Labour Prime Minister has been warned the double hit will lead to disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes or living in vulnerable circumstances due to ill health and that older people are being put in jeopardy. Council joins campaigners and charities, calling for the UK Labour Government to change course. Council agrees with Age UK that with pensioners also "losing the cost-of-living payments they've received over the last two years we simply cannot see how some of them will cope"; concurs with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, that the Labour Government's "cruel decision" will see more vulnerable people succumb to health complications from living in cold and damp conditions, turning to the NHS for support; and in accord with National Energy Action that the Labour UK government is "cutting off support from those who have zero flexibility in their own budget, with no choice other than debt or going cold". Council condemns the ongoing cynicism of the Labour Party in continuously calling for the Scottish Government and Scottish taxpayers to mitigate UK austerity. Council agrees with Age Scotland and Energy Action Scotland who have said the Scottish Government has been left with no choice but to replicate plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, and the End Fuel Poverty Coalition that it is "a decision essentially made in Westminster by the Chancellor, but it is pensioners in Scotland and across the rest of the UK that will pay the price." Council notes that the Scotland Office is being given expanded powers turning it into a "spending department" and that is a direct assault on devolution and the power of the Scottish Government and the priorities the people of Scotland have elected it to address. Council further notes reports that the Secretary of State for Scotland is to be allocated £150million bypassing democratic oversight, and that if he chose to do so, this money could cover the Winter Fuel Payment cuts being forced on Scottish pensioners by his colleagues. Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Secretary requesting that he gives pensioners back their money. Council understands that, under the current devolution settlement, spending decisions by UK governments have direct and unavoidable consequences for the Scottish Government's budget and Scottish public services. Council is alarmed at the signals from the UK Chancellor that she intends to use her Autumn Statement to propose further public spending cuts in order to fulfil the arbitrary, unnecessary and economically damaging right-wing "fiscal rules" established by previous UK Chancellors, to which she has chosen to adhere. Council agrees that this would have a devastating impact on Scottish public resources, with direct consequences for local government services, the public sector workforce and poverty and hardship in our communities. Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to compile a briefing for elected members of the potential impact on the Council should further cuts to the Scottish Government budget leave it in a position of being unable to provide a flat cash settlement for local government in 2025/26, and agrees that this should be shared with the Chancellor ahead of her autumn statement along with the clear view of Glasgow City Council that she must abandon the path of fiscal austerity and commit to a programme of investment in public services in a way that will deliver tangible benefits for all parts of the UK. Council also instructs the Chief Executive to write to the UK Labour Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds regarding Council's emergency motion in March earlier this year in support of WASPI women's justice and highlight that 6 months later she still has not responded, and in that time WASPI estimates 20,000 women will have died. Council further instructs the Chief Executive to write to all Glasgow MP's asking them to join the call for justice for WASPI women and stop the jeopardy other pensioners are being placed in by their ruthless policies. Council agrees that the UK Government must stop asking local and Scottish governments to mitigate the poverty and despair the UK is causing which highlights the necessity of Scottish independence to put Scotland's energy future safely in Scotland's hands." View Papers |
| (e) | Motion by Councillor Jill Pidgeon:- "Council notes with deep concern the recent data indicating a decline in Scotland's school pass rates, in addition to a widening attainment gap. Council acknowledges that the overall pass rate has fallen across Scotland, with the higher attainment (A-C) dropping from 77.1% in 2023, to 74.9% in 2024. Alarmingly, council also notes the gap between pupils from the most affluent and most deprived areas has increased, now standing at 17.2%, up from 16% last year and higher than the 16.9% recorded in 2019. This trend highlights the significant disparity in our education system that must be urgently addressed. Council recalls that former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, named education as her defining mission, famously stating "judge me on education." Despite these promises, council acknowledges the results nationally, which indicate that the education system in Scotland is failing to meet the needs of its pupils, especially those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. Council recognises that, while Glasgow has performed well against the national average, the city's schools are not immune to the broader challenges facing our educational system. For instance, council recalls the recent cuts to education by this City Administration. These cuts threaten to undermine the progress made in Glasgow and could lead to Glasgow's performance following the national trend of decline - we must not allow this to happen. Council commends the efforts of teachers and education departments in Glasgow, who, despite severe constraints, continue to strive for our children's success. However, Council acknowledges that more must be done to protect and improve the future of our children, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. Council resolves to: - Call on the Scottish Government to review and address the factors attributed to the falling pass rate and widening attainment gap. - Advocate for increased investment in education in Glasgow, to ensure that our schools have the resources needed to deliver high-quality education. - Support our teachers and educational professionals by providing them with the appropriate tools, resources, and support to ensure the continued success of Glaswegians. - Monitor and report on the impact of recent cuts to education in Glasgow, with the aspiration of reducing any negative trends in school performance. - Reaffirm our commitment to making education a top priority for this council." View Papers |
| (f) | Motion by Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell:- "Council celebrates the Fair Fashion Festival hosted by Glasgow's new Fair Fashion Collective on the 31st of August and continuing throughout 'Second-Hand September'. The festival follows the Collective's first festival in March this year and comprises a variety of events including sales of pre-loved items, repair cafes, mending workshops, swap shops, screen-printing and more. Council also welcomes the recently approved funding for two Fair Fashion Collective organisations, ApparelXChange and Merry-Go-Round to address the difficulties for many families obtaining school clothing and believes that continuing support for such organisations working to address the cost of living, climate and waste crisis, should be a priority for all in this chamber. Council appreciates Glasgow as a city which celebrates and enjoys second hand clothing and has many second hand, charity and vintage shops. Council also acknowledges Glasgow's rich history in textile and garment-making and celebrates the talent the city has produced within the fashion industry, with many celebrated fashion designers building sustainable local businesses and enterprises. Council wishes to explore ways in which we can build on Glasgow's reputation as a second hand city through supporting charity, vintage, local second hand markets, swap shops and stores to thrive via existing strategies such as the City Centre, Liveable Neighbourhood and Glasgow's Economic Strategy. Council notes that Zero Waste Scotland's carbon metric shows that textiles make up four per cent of household waste by weight but account for nearly a third of its carbon impact due to the emissions in manufacturing and the supply chain; that the EU Waste Framework Directive requires member states to introduce mandatory textile collections by 2025 and that Scotland could still choose to uphold this commitment. Council believes that textiles should be a priority area for action under the Circular Economy Routemap; there are actions that we can support our citizens to take to mitigate negative impacts such as repairing, reusing and buying longer-lasting garments; and that there are also ethical and human rights issues associated with textile manufacture that can be addressed by adopting a more circular approach, including the increase of textile manufacturing and remanufacturing, which could also support the regional economy. Council resolves that the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability and Head of Economic Development shall bring forward a paper to an appropriate committee within a year on actions the Council is taking and could take to support a more circular economy for clothing and textiles in Glasgow, including but not limited to: - Delivering and updating the ambitions outlined in Glasgow's Circular Economy Routemap, engaging with key organisations such as the Fair Fashion Collective and Fashion Revolution Scotland. - Conducting an assessment of existing textile recycling partnerships across Glasgow and increasing reporting requirements to improve effectiveness of those partnerships. - Exploring options to improve collections of household textiles, including piloting kerbside collections within bin hubs, assessing improving access and increasing the number of textile hubs, including improving the communication around what materials are suitable for textile hubs. - Exploring the revenue raising potential of a textile recycling facility within Glasgow and initiating conversation with textile recycling companies. - Ensuring lifecycle impacts are considered in procurement of workwear and other textiles, including consideration of circular design standards for durability and repair. Encourage other employers in the city to do the same, e.g. members of Sustainable Glasgow. - Continuing to work with schools and parent councils to promote more sustainable options for school uniforms, including supporting reuse schemes and providing advice on repair and maintenance. Supporting National shifts towards non-specific uniform without school specific logos, emblems etc. - Supporting the development of reuse and repair skills, including working with third sector organisations, GCHSCP and social enterprises to explore opportunities linked to the refreshed Vision for Glasgow Libraries as well as opportunities for expanding and strengthening skills opportunities within schools." View Papers |
| (g) | Motion by Councillor Ruairi Kelly:- "Council welcomes the ongoing work on the North Laurieston Masterplan, undertaken by New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA) on behalf of, and in conjunction with, Glasgow City Council. It also welcomes the expert input of specialists within structural engineering, traffic management and commercial property fields and those undertaking extensive community engagement. Council believes the Masterplan can be the catalyst for a new future for Glasgow's South Bank, bringing it together with ongoing City Centre regeneration and delivering the final stage of the wider regeneration of the Gorbals and Laurieston. It further recognises that the 35 year regeneration of Gorbals and Laurieston has required dedication, partnership and perseverance to overcome the scars of what Glasgow's Place Commission called 'shatter zones' of post war urban planning and deindustrialisation. Council proudly welcomes the recognition of Glasgow as an exemplar of sustainable housing, regeneration, community empowerment and living well locally by the United Nations and the critical role of the New Gorbals Regeneration in securing that status. Council notes that the North Laurieston area comprises many of the elements which have hindered neighbourhood regeneration including: fragmented and absentee ownership; poor upkeep of listed and heritage buildings; general lack of care towards built heritage; failure to recognise, active travel, public transport and the primacy of people in planning; and a lack of ambition in returning the River Clyde to the centre of Glasgow life. Council, however, further notes that the routes to overcoming such barriers can act as the catalyst for wider change, making North Laurieston an exemplar in how Local and National Government can leverage new and existing powers alongside immediate incentives and initiatives for housing associations, the private sector and other stakeholders. In doing so, Council believes North Laurieston can become a vibrant and modern waterfront community protective of its world-class built heritage and with additional housing capacity adjacent to the city centre and internationally recognised regeneration across Gorbals and Laurieston. Council calls on the UK Government to address the VAT imbalance between renovation and new build projects. Council believes that the removal of VAT would support the preservation of heritage assets in the city and instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury detailing the impact this can have on the city, its heritage, ambitions and sustainability targets. Council commits to developing an implementation plan to deliver on the ongoing Masterplan and to highlight this as an area of priority and opportunity with the Scottish and UK Governments and institutional investors." View Papers |
| (h) | Motion by Bailie Christy Mearns:- "Council congratulates Impact Arts on reaching its 30-year anniversary, a huge milestone for the staff, volunteers and all those that the charity provides life-changing opportunities to. Council notes that the charity carries out award-winning work, having reached over 300,000 people since being founded, with the primary objective of tackling poverty and inequality through the arts; that this provides meaningful and long-lasting positive impacts for communities across Glasgow, and ensures that all are valued and celebrated as part of a rich society. Council notes that the charity has won a number of prestigious awards for its work, which has included recognition of its Chief Executive, Fiona Doring, who has won awards from Scottish Women in Business Awards and IoD Director of the Year Awards; notes that the charity has gone from strength-to-strength, from being established in 1994 by Susan Aktemel, to more recently having launched an exciting new Glasgow headquarters, at the Boardwalk in Merchant City's Brunswick Street. Council endeavours to do all that it can to continue to support this charity and the great work it does; and resolves to consider further opportunities to promote the charity on its 30-year anniversary, including promoting The Boardwalk as a unique conference and events venue to Council partners, delegates and other relevant groups. Finally, Council commits to continuing to make the case for increased funding for arts and culture; to resist future funding cuts to culture spend nationally; and to ensure that meaningful progress is made on developing local fiscal mechanisms, such as the Transient Visitor Levy, which could be used to financially support independent arts and culture organisations in Glasgow." View Papers |