Glasgow City Council Agenda - 12 December 2024, 11:00 Help

A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 12 December 2024.

Number Item
1Minutes of Council meeting of 31st October 2024 (Print 5, pages 1-28).  View Papers
2Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (page 29 onwards). View Papers
3Local Government By-Elections - Election of Councillors for Electoral Wards Drumchapel/Anniesland (Ward 14), Maryhill (Ward 15), North East (Ward 21) and Partick East/Kelvindale (Ward 23) - Report by Returning Officer.  View Papers
4Proposed Changes to Scheme of Delegated Functions - Report by Director of Legal and Administration. View Papers
5Response to Climate Emergency - Report by Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Susatinability. View Papers
6Changes to committees etc. View Papers
(a)City Administration Committee - Remove Philip Braat and appoint Robert Mooney;
7Representation on outside bodies -  View Papers
(a)Safe Glasgow Partnership - Remove Philip Braat and appoint Marie Garrity;
8Correspondence. View Papers
9Questions. View Papers
10Notice of motions.
(a)Motion by Councillor Richard Bell:-

"Council notes the significant negative impact that the increase in employers' National Insurance Contributions will have on the public and third sectors in the city and calls on the UK Government to rethink this measure, which has the potential to jeopardise the provision of essential services and supports to the people of this city.

Council understands that the UK Government expects this to raise money for the economy, however council believes this will be harmful to the public, private and third sectors which provide essential services and supports employment in our city. Council also understands that the majority of businesses expect negative impact from national insurance increase, and this is expected to hit businesses with '£25bn hike.

Council is alarmed that a month after Reeves' Budget, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) now believes expectations for UK growth have turned negative: UK economic growth has slowed to 0.1%, high interest rates take a toll, and the UK's manufacturing sector worsened last month, with activity falling to a nine-month low. CBI's growth indicator shows most UK companies are anticipating a decline in activity over the next three months, that firms are planning to reduce headcount, with hiring intentions at their weakest since the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic and that this is a particularly bleak prediction, considering private sector activity already fell in the three months leading up to November.

Council notes that Cosla has estimated that these changes will cost £265m to Local Government in Scotland, of which Glasgow City Council is the largest local authority with the largest workforce. Council estimates that the cost to GCC will be £30m.

Council notes that £4.7billion will be allocated to public sector organisations, however we understand that Scotland will receive a Barnett Consequential allocation of that money which will be much lower due to the significant size differentials between our public sectors. Council agrees that the approximate £300m offer by the UK Treasury to the Scottish Government to cover National Insurance increases is "austerity through the back door" and agree that the Scottish purse would require more than £500m to fully mitigate the increase due to the better paid and better valued workforce in Scotland.

Council regrets the introduction of further uncertainty into the public finances at a time of higher inflation and a cost-of-living crisis which has severely affected the public and third sectors as well as residents of this city.

Council notes with alarm the Fraser of Allander Institute estimate that the change may cost £931 on average for each public sector worker, after using data from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, which is the most comprehensive data source on earnings, and includes a split between the public and private sector in Scotland.

Council further notes the Fraser of Allander Institute estimate the Total Devolved Public Sector costs to be £509m which does not include Arm's Length Organisations (or ALEOs).

Council believes that as well as the burden on public finances, the increase will place a huge burden on the third sector, which provides such fantastic and essential services to the people of our city, and which is already coping with increased running costs due to the economic decisions of the last UK Government. SCVO estimate that the national insurance increase will costs the voluntary sector in Scotland around £75m and that given the challenging financial context, any increase in costs will be hard for voluntary organisations to meet. Council agrees with SCVO and the child and social care sector that Reeves reckless National Insurance Contributions increase only increases the risks faced by these sectors and their service users.

Council shares the concern of the social housing association movement and other RSLs who have indicated that to meet their increased NIC costs they are faced with either increasing rents, scaling back repairs and maintenance, and limiting their ambitions to provide affordable housing in Glasgow.

Council believes the third sector is a vital part of our city and applauds the work of the many organisations like Citizens Advice, and others, who provide lifeline to the people of Glasgow and which are reliant on charitable funding, with no other source of income to meet an increased NIC bill, and deplores a situation where these organisations could be forced into making service or staff cuts which will reduce their ability to assist the community due to the decisions of the UK Government, and which are ultimately to the detriment of the people.

Council agrees with COSLA and LGA that "Councils are facing unprecedented financial challenges, with the increases to employer National Insurance Contributions likely to add significant costs for councils and the wider sector. These pressures, compounded by inflation rises, are putting vital services at significant risk of collapse."

Council believes the UK Labour Government had a clear opportunity to create a fairer, economy and instead have repackaged failed ideas and policies that do not offer any hope for the urgent economic transformation required and instead have proven to be incompetent bookkeepers instead of changemakers.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to note the above and make clear that the UK Labour budget and the National Insurance hike are calamitous for Councils."  View Papers
(b)Motion by Councillor John Carson:-

"Council welcomes the UK Labour Government's introduction of the Employment Rights Bill to Parliament in October 2024. This landmark legislation represents a significant step forward in strengthening workplace protections and promoting fairness, dignity, and security for workers across the United Kingdom.

Council recognises that, for over a decade, workers have faced increasing job insecurity, stagnating wages, and weakened rights. The Employment Rights Bill provides a comprehensive framework to address these challenges, enhancing justice and protection for all workers.

Council notes the following transformative measures introduced by the Employment Rights Bill:
1. Ending Exploitative Practices
" Ban on Exploitative Zero-Hours Contracts: Guarantees the offer of predictable, regular hours for millions of workers.
" Minimum Notice for Shift Changes: Requires employers to provide reasonable notice of shifts and changes to shifts .
2. Promoting Work-Life Balance
" Enhanced Right to Flexible Working : Establishes flexibility as a default right for all employees from day one.
" Enhanced Parental Rights: Extends parental leave and pay entitlements, supporting working families.
3. Strengthening Job Security
" Protection Against Unfair Dismissal: Expands workers' ability to challenge unfair treatment.
" Protections for Pregnant Workers: Strengthens rights during and after pregnancy to prevent workplace discrimination.
4. Empowering Workers
" Improved Trade Union Rights.
" Right to Redress: Provides workers with clearer avenues to seek justice for workplace grievances.

Council believes that this Bill will deliver greater job security, fairer wages, support for families, and a more inclusive and empowered workforce.

Council further notes that Glasgow's workforce will particularly benefit from this legislation, as many workers in the city are employed in insecure, low-paid roles that lack adequate protection under current laws.

Council believes that the Employment Rights Bill is a vital step towards building a fairer economy and improving the lives of workers throughout the UK, addressing inequalities, raising living standards, and creating a modern, dignified workplace for all.

Council resolves to:
1. Welcome the UK Labour Government's Employment Rights Bill and its potential to transform workplace rights.
2. Encourage local employers to prepare for these changes and align their practices with the Bill's principles.
3. Collaborate with trade unions and worker organisations to raise awareness of the Bill's benefits among Glasgow's workforce.
4. Urge the Scottish Government to support the principles of the Employment Rights Bill and work with the UK Government to ensure its successful implementation." View Papers
(c)Motion by Bailie Christie Mearns:-

"Council notes the significant contribution that music, its creators, performers, promoters, clubs and venues makes to Glasgow, an iconic music city sustained by world-class higher education institutions and infamous audiences. Council further notes that this has created a unique musical culture valued right across the world, providing invaluable opportunities for Glasgow's citizens and which contributes significantly to the success of the music industry globally.

Council further notes that Glasgow's music contributes overwhelmingly to Scotland's vibrancy and success. Night-time industries turn over more than £2 billion every year for the city, supporting 16,600 full-time jobs, with music tourism representing 1.6 million visits to Scotland and a visitor spend of £499 million in 2023 alone, according to research by UK Music, with much of this generated in Glasgow.
Council recognises that this supports culture and tourism in the city and led to Glasgow being the first city in the UK to be awarded UNESCO City of Music status in 2008, as well as being voted the best city in the world for live music this year.

Council recognises the unique contribution of grassroots music venues to Glasgow's musical success; notes that many internationally-acclaimed artists have made their names here; and that these venues make up a significant part of our musical ecosystem, such as Sub Club which recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its legendary weekly club night, Subculture, and which is nominated for DJ Mag's Best of British 'Best Club' Award this year; King Tuts' Wah Wah Hut, which was named "UK's Best Live Venue" for three years in a row; as well as a network of internationally successful labels, such as Numbers, LuckyMe and Soma Records and the record shops they centre around like Rubadub. Council recognises that these, as well as many others, add immense value to Glasgow's music culture and have placed Glasgow at the forefront of the UK's electronic and wider music scene.

Council, however, notes the ongoing financial pressures facing Scotland's music industry since Covid-19, which has resulted in the closure of grassroots music venues in Glasgow, such as the Blue Arrow Jazz Club and The 13th Note Cafe; that bigger venues are also being impacted, including The Shed nightclub which recently closed its doors, and The Garage nightclub which has reduced operating hours for the first time in its long and successful history. Council further acknowledges the significant loss to Glasgow's music landscape with the demolition of the iconic O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street.

Council notes that figures from the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) show that there are only 82 nightclubs left in Scotland now, from 125 venues in 2020, which is a staggering drop of more than 30% in only four years. The NTIA have recently issued a stark warning that, without urgent intervention, there will be no night clubs left in the UK by 2030.

Council commends the work of Music Venue Trust in campaigning for grassroots music across the UK; as well as recent work on Glasgow's Culture Strategy 2024-2030. Council celebrates the recent work that has been done on Glasgow's Culture Strategy 2024-2030 and Glasgow's 2030 Tourism Strategy which highlight the value of the city's music as a cultural asset and which recognise the critical importance of music to our visitor economy. Council further commends the work being undertaken by Glasgow's City Centre Taskforce, including the Night-time Economy and Transport sub-groups which have developed specific proposals which must be advanced at pace to support Glasgow's night-time industry and prevent further, irreversible decline to our city's culture.

Council therefore resolves to:

A. ask the Convenor for Culture to write to the Chair of the Scottish Events Campus requesting a local Stadium Levy pilot to be developed for the Hydro, with revenue raised to be directed towards supporting grassroots music venues, and to table a paper to the appropriate committee detailing the steps needed to take it forward;
B. write to the Chancellor calling for reform of the VAT system to protect the culture sector, particularly grassroots music venues and nightclubs;
C. Write to the Finance Secretary calling for reform of Non-domestic Rates to prioritise financial support to genuinely small businesses which recognises the unique challenges facing music venues;
D. write to all relevant public transport providers requesting enhanced night bus services, incorporating most recent customer and industry feedback, and calling for later operating hours on Subway and trains to support the night-time economy;
E. develop a local Night-time Economy Strategy for Glasgow, in line with the recommendations of the NTIA Scotland and the City Centre Taskforce's NTE sub-group;
F. produce a comprehensive UNESCO City of Music trail, in physical and digital form, as one legacy of Glasgow's 850th anniversary which helps to celebrate all that Glasgow has to offer musically;
G. ensure that grassroots music venues, artists and DJs across all genres are fully involved in Glasgow's 850 celebrations, including at a dedicated civic reception and within the programme for Clyde Chorus;
H. consider additional opportunities to market Glasgow's music internationally and through Glasgow's Life's destination marketing team. " View Papers
(d)Motion by Councillor Alan Gow:-

"Council acknowledges what it sees as the significant public safety issues regarding the misuse of off-road vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes being used dangerously, inappropriately and often illegally on roads, footpaths and various open spaces, which, it believes, poses a serious risk of injury and risk to life for those driving such vehicles, as well as others within the community.

Council considers that their misuse can also have a detrimental impact on a community due to nuisance, antisocial behaviour and damage caused including environmental; notes the belief that mandatory registration of off-road vehicles, which is a reserved power, may assist Police Scotland with what it considers to be the often hazardous and unenviable tasks regarding policing, identification and enforcement.

Council notes that an Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill was lodged by Anne McLaughlin MP within the last UK Parliament earlier this year and having received cross-party support that the then UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport agreed to establish a task force to look at the wider issues caused by off-road vehicles. Council regrets that the new UK Government has yet to commit to taking this forward and Council believes that it should do so.

Council further notes that following a Member's Debate on Tackling the Misuse of Off-road Vehicles led by Bob Doris MSP with cross-party support that the Scottish Government has agreed to establish a Working Group in Scotland including the Scottish Government, local authorities (COSLA), Police Scotland and others to consider what more can be done to keep the public safe and nuisance-free from the misuse of off-road vehicles across Scotland.

Council believes that these actions complement our Road Safety Plan 2020 - 2030 and recently established Road Safety & Behaviour Change Working Group led by the Safe Glasgow Chair which will also consider this matter and best practice across the UK and Europe.

Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to COSLA and the Scottish Government to agree to participate in their Working Group and resolves to do what it can to assist in reducing the harms to communities and families from such misuse." View Papers
(e)Motion by Councillor Sharon Greer:-

"Council recognises that Glasgow plays a pivotal role as Scotland's largest city and a driver of economic growth. Despite this, Council notes that Glasgow faces significant economic challenges, including stagnating economic growth, rising inequality, and increased pressure on public services and infrastructure, exacerbated by reduced funding, inflation, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council believes that Glasgow must adopt a bold, strategic, and collaborative approach to ensure sustainable, equitable, and inclusive economic growth. Public investment, aligned with local and national priorities, is critical to addressing these challenges and creating long-term opportunities for all Glaswegians. Council also recognises that economic growth must be closely aligned with improving social outcomes, tackling inequality, and building a greener, more sustainable future for the city.
Council resolves to initiate a Strategic Review of Economic Growth and Public Investment in Glasgow, focused on:
1. Economic Planning: Review Glasgow's Economic Strategy (2022-30) to ensure that it is fully aligned with emerging challenges and opportunities, and address any gaps related to equitable growth, green innovation, and digital transformation.
2. Public Investment: Work closely with the Scottish and UK Governments to advocate for increased, targeted public investment in key sectors, such as infrastructure, education and skills development, affordable housing, and green technologies, in line with Glasgow's economic ambitions.
3. Attract External Investment: Develop strategies to attract investment into Glasgow, ensuring that the city is positioned to compete effectively on the international stage while promoting responsible investment that benefits the local economy and communities.
4. Addressing Inequalities: Embed a commitment to reducing inequalities across all economic planning and investment decisions, ensuring that the benefits of growth are distributed equitably, and that no community is left behind.
Council further resolves to:
1. Establish a Working Group to oversee the Strategic Review, involving elected representatives, council officers, private sector stakeholders, and community representatives to ensure that all perspectives are considered.
2. Ensure that the Strategic Review is underpinned by robust data, evidence, and public consultation, drawing on best practices from other cities, and incorporating regular progress updates and opportunities for public engagement."
(f)Motion by Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell:-

"Council notes the paper to Glasgow Health and Social Care Integrated Joint Board on 27th November 2024 outlining the Scottish Government's funding package for 'Enhanced Mental Health Services'. This new funding allocation method for mental health services bundles together existing services into a single stream, including: psychological therapies, adult and children's eating disorders, child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal and infant mental health programme, school nursing service, health checks for people with learning disability.

Council welcomes the devolution of powers to IJBs to exercise a greater degree of flexibility in funding mental health services, but notes serious concerns about a reduction in funding at a time where services are already struggling to meet demand. The paper to IJB and related communications from Scottish Government present a nationwide shortfall in funding by 5.48% vs what was anticipated for 2024-2025. Council believes this reduction in funding for mental health services does not reflect the clear level of need in Glasgow and across Scotland, evidenced most recently by the 2022 census as well as waiting lists and an increase in deaths related to suicide. If further funding is not provided to the IJB, an action plan will have to be developed involving a reduction in programmes to ensure spending is contained within the funding provided.

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 this strategy. The impact of poverty on mental health is significant. People from less wealthy areas were 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 acknowledges the vital role of the third sector organisations such as Scottish Association for Mental Health and Men Matter Scotland, based in Drumchapel, in supporting citizens experiencing poor mental health. Council regrets the ever increasing pressure on the third sector to deliver where health services are underfunded, recently exacerbated by the increase in employer national insurance contribution announced by the UK Government.

Council acknowledges the important work that is conducted by emergency services and the Compassionate Distress Response Service however, considering the cuts to mental health services and insufficient funding of primary care, expresses concern that these services are underfunded and is struggling to meet the immediate demand as it arises across the city. The consequences of a person being lost to suicide is said to on average impact on up to 130 people, and Council commends the work of the City Suicide Partnership in their work in particular during Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness of this public health emergency and available support. The importance of services being able to respond to support those in distress along with their family and friends cannot be underestimated, and whilst we should be taking all preventative steps, we must have a strong focus on a prompt, compassionate and appropriate response in times of need with a clear pathway for continued support.

Council notes the calls from the Royal College of Psychiatrists to increase funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at a local and regional level to allow for the earliest intervention possible for children and young people. With recent statistics showing on average 100 CAMHs referrals per day across Scotland, Council also echoes calls for greater signposting and pathways for those who do not meet the threshold for continued support via CAMHs or are waiting for a referral. Council welcomes the recently initiated pilot of a family wellbeing support worker within 10 GP surgeries in Glasgow, acknowledging the need for a full family approach, as well as the Community Planning Partnership's push for flexible funding to work intensively with families which require support across the HSCP, education, GCC and other partner agencies.

A report by Audit Scotland highlighted that over the last decade, 23,000 lives have been lost in Scotland due to alcohol and drug related causes. They highlighted there needs to be more done to support people before they reach crisis point. Council highlights that mental health and addiction are inextricably linked and more preventative support must be provided. Council recalls the decision of October 2024 Full Council to explore "the reintroduction of a non domestic rates Public Health Supplement for large retailers" which will be an important step to build capacity within services.

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. Council requests that the Convener for Health, Care & Caring and Older People writes to both the Scottish Government and UK Governments to:

" note that there is much positive work being undertaken in greater Glasgow across a range of settings and providers, including the third sector, to support people experiencing poor mental health, but that the future of this work is threatened by a reduction in funding;
" outline the growing demands facing the IJB, the particular needs of greater Glasgow and its population in terms of mental health care provision, and the importance of preemptive and preventative care, particularly relating to children and young people's needs, people with addiction, and people at risk of suicide;
" request additional in-year funding to meet the immediate shortfall in mental health funding, and that this funding is baselined; and
" map a pathway to fulfilling the funding required to meet the commitments in the IJB's mental health strategy, as well as ensure key mental health focused roles are staffed within primary care settings."
(g)Motion by Councillor Malcolm Mitchell:-

"Council congratulates Glasgow social enterprises who won five of the ten awards at the 2024 Social Enterprise Scotland awards. This included:

" The Courtyard Pantry Enterprise which aims to reduce the effects of poverty using food as a vehicle for change, scooping the One to Watch Award for new social enterprises.
" Eco Drama winning the Environmental Social Enterprise award for its work raising environmental awareness through the creative arts.
" media co-op awarded the new IDBM Impact Award, which recognises a co-operative or employee-owned business that exemplify inclusive and democratic business practices.
" Community Renewal Trust Rom Romeha (above) lifting the Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice award for its work supporting the Roma community in Glasgow.
" Simon Community Scotland winning the Health and Social Care Award

Council also congratulates Govan Community Project were also nominees and believes that the number of Glasgow social enterprises lauded is testament to the health of the sector in Glasgow as also reflected in the Glasgow Times Community Champion Awards whose Grand Final is/ was held 04 December and spotlighted a range of social enterprises in the following categories:

" NORTH EAST - Impact Arts nominated for Arts Champion of The Year and Sunny Cycles nominated for Champion Team of The Year.
" NORTH WEST - Possobilities volunteers nominated for Champion Team of the Year, Glasgow Eco Trust nominated for Environmental Champion of the Year and pioneering ceramics social enterprise Make It Glasgow for the Arts prize.
" SOUTH - In the South, Govan Community Project and Invisible Cities Glasgow's project Meet Me in Govan was nominated for Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year.
"
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, and its partnership with Glasgow City Council refreshed in an updated MoU in 2023.

Council further believes these accolades, including winning 50% of the national awards demonstrate the achievement of the shared vision that:

"by championing social enterprises where economic activity works for people and profit is used for social and environmental change, Glasgow will be recognised as the social enterprise capital of Scotland by 2028"

Council notes that the national awards coincided with the launch of the new national social enterprise action plan 2024-2026 - 'Driving a Wellbeing Economy for Scotland'. Council further notes that this sets out a bold vision to strengthen Scotland's social enterprise ecosystem complemented by a £3.2 million invested in the Social Entrepreneurs Fund over the next two years which seeks to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, social enterprises and community groups. Council also notes that in addition, a pilot from the Social Growth Fund will offer 0% interest loans to help organisations manage short-term cash flow issues.

Council believes that social enterprises have a structure and an ethos and a set of values underpinning them that enables us to maximise the effectiveness of those ventures in transforming the lives of individuals in our society.

Council notes the recent pioneering partnership between Homes for Good, Scotland's first social enterprise lettings agency, and Glasgow Credit Union and to create affordable homes in Greater Glasgow through landmark £2.4m loan agreement with the aim to provide sustainable, high-quality housing for low-income individuals and families in Glasgow and neighbouring areas.

Council further believes that by placing people and planet at the heart of their models, social enterprises are leading the way toward a future where economic progress supports more inclusive communities for all, and that social enterprises are uniquely positioned to drive the social and environmental changes crucial for a wellbeing economy.

Council concurs this is evidenced by Glasgow City Council signing up to the Buy Social Pledge, a new national initiative from Social Enterprise Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government that sees businesses commit to engage social enterprises in their supply chains and procurement opportunities. Council further applauds the landmark achievement of Glasgow City Council's record-breaking spend of £7,995,187 with local social enterprises in 2023-24 which has supported a diverse range of enterprises, including Hey Girls CIC, Darcy's EALC and CrossReach.

Council agrees to work with the Glasgow Social Enterprise Network of local social enterprises as to how the Glasgow ecosystem can benefit even more from the new national strategy and funding and to strengthen its commitment to facilitating opportunities for engaging social enterprises in its supply chains and procurement opportunities.

Council instructs GCC Economic Development & Business officers to continue their monthly meetings and collaborative working with GSEN and analyse 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."
(h)Motion by Councillor Jill Pidgeon:-

"Council notes that the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund is a cornerstone of Glasgow's commitment to building and maintaining critical public infrastructure. To ensure that this commitment is upheld, Council acknowledges that it is necessary to review the Fund's allocation and overall impact, ensuring that resources are fairly distributed and used in ways that maximise benefits to residents and the city's long-term growth.
Council notes that since its establishment in 2022, the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund has been vital in driving projects that enhance the city's roads, green spaces, and public services. The £1 million investment in each ward has enabled projects such as the installation of new drainage outside the Wellhouse Hub in the Ballieston Ward. In addition, this fund has provided £883,000 worth of works on road improvements, footway upgrades, and enhancing street lighting within the Hillhead ward. However, Council notes that while some Area Partnerships have begun allocating these funds, others, such as Drumchapel, Shettleston, and Springburn/Robroyston, have yet to spend any of their allocation, with other wards also showing low spending.
Council is concerned that these discrepancies in spending may reflect unequal access to resources, delays, or barriers in project planning, potentially limiting the overall impact of the Infrastructure Fund across the city. Therefore, Council requests that the relevant officers produce a comprehensive and transparent review of the allocation and impact of this Fund. This review should be evidence-based, focusing on the equitable distribution of resources, project outcomes, and any barriers to implementation.
To ensure public accountability, Council requests that the review's findings be made publicly accessible, allowing residents to easily view how funds are being used in their local areas.
In addition, Council calls for the review to include specific recommendations on improving the speed and efficiency of fund disbursement to ensure that all wards can fully utilise their allocation. The findings should be presented to relevant committee for further discussion and action. Furthermore, the insights from this review should inform the Council's long-term approach to infrastructure planning, ensuring that future investments continue to maximise benefits for all communities across Glasgow."
11Emergency motion by Councillor Molyneux:-

"Council warmly congratulates Pollokshields-born artist Jasleen Kaur for winning this year's Turner Prize for her exhibition Alter Altar, which was held at Tramway.

Council notes that Kaur's exhibition celebrated her Scottish Sikh heritage through a series of iconic motifs, including Axminster carpets, Irn Bru bottles and cassettes of qawwali music. Judges praised the "considered way in which she weaves together the personal, political and spiritual in her exhibition."

Council further notes that one of the other shortlisted Turner Prize artists, Delaine La Bas, whose work draws on Romani culture, also exhibited at Tramway this year. Council believes that this is testament to the leadership of Tramway and Glasgow Life in consistently bringing high-quality contemporary art to audiences in the city. Mindful of Kaur's comments that she wasn't aware of the Turner Prize when she was growing up, Council believes it is vital that we continue to support access and inclusion as key priorities for the city's cultural programme as we look ahead to Glasgow 850 celebrations next year.

Council invites the Lord Provost to consider providing appropriate Civic recognition of Jasleen Kaur's achievements, in consultation with Jasleen Kaur, Tramway and Sikhs in Scotland.

Finally, Council applauds Kaur for using the platform of her acceptance speech to call for an immediate ceasefire and arms embargo in the Middle East, saying "I want the separation between the expression of politics in the gallery and the practice of politics in life to disappear. I want the institutions to understand that if you want us inside, you need to listen to us outside." View Papers