Glasgow City Council Agenda - 14 May 2026, 11:00 
A meeting to be held at City Chambers, Glasgow at 11:00 on 14 May 2026.
| Number | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minutes of Council meeting of 2nd April 2026 (Print 1, pages 1-38) |
| 2 | Committees' minutes - Submitted for information and approval as a correct record only (Page 39 onwards). |
| 3 | Procedural documents:- |
| (a) | Council and Committee Standing Orders - Report by Director of Legal and Administration. View Papers |
| (b) | Standing Orders relating to Contracts - Report by Director of Legal and Administration. View Papers |
| 4 | Changes to committees etc. |
| 5 | Representation on outside bodies. |
| 6 | Correspondence. |
| (a) | Letter from Minister for Social Care and Wellbeing; and View Papers |
| (b) | Letter from Minister for AI and Online Safety. View Papers |
| 7 | Questions. View Papers |
| 8 | Notice of Motions. |
| (a) | Motion by Bailie Annette Christie:- "Council notes that Glasgow is a proudly outward looking, international and European city, with deep cultural, economic, social and educational links to cities, regions and communities across Europe. Council further notes that since the UK left the European Union, against the clearly expressed will of the people of Scotland and Glasgow, Brexit has caused significant and well documented economic, social and democratic harm to Glasgow, Scotland and the wider UK economy, including: - higher costs for households including food and energy, - damage to trade and export focused sectors, - labour shortages across key industries, - worsening community relations, - and reduced opportunities for young people, artists, businesses and universities. Council agrees that Brexit has "deep damage to our economy", with estimates placing the loss to the UK economy as high as 8% of GDP and up to £90 billion in lost annual tax revenues, money that could otherwise have supported public services such as health, transport and local government. Council further agrees that recent international developments have underlined the importance of solidarity, peace and shared democratic values in Europe, and that closer partnership with European neighbours strengthens economic resilience, security and cooperation in an increasingly unstable global context. Council acknowledges and commends that its previous advocacy regarding a UK-EU reset, especially rejoining of the Erasmus+ programme has proven successful, and the return of the Erasmus+ programme from 2027 will benefit an estimated 100,000 participants in the first year, expanding horizons for young people and rebuild cultural, educational and professional links, and, that this highlights both the demand for and the benefits of European cooperation, while underlining the wider spectrum of opportunities - in research, trade, climate action and regional development. Council further acknowledges the harm of Brexit specifically impacting the cultural and creative sector which has lost an estimated €184 million since exiting Creative Europe and that the UK Government must prioritise joining the €8.58 billion AgoraEU, an integrated fund designed to support culture, media, and civil society which merges the previous Creative Europe within it. Council notes that whilst the current UK Government policy seeks closer alignment with EU rules, however, Council agrees with the think tank 'UK in a Changing Europe' that Labour's position betrays inherent contradictions in its vision and without full participation, representation or voting rights, leaving the UK - and Scotland -without a democratic voice at the table and that critics argue it could amount to "integration with the EU by stealth", without the voting or veto rights conferred by membership of the bloc. Council further notes that public opinion across the UK is increasingly supportive of a closer relationship with the European Union, with a clear majority of voters now supporting re joining the EU rather than pursuing limited or "half way" arrangements and that membership of the EU would give the UK decision making - as opposed to 'decision shaping - rights over EU regulations. Council believes that Glasgow's future prosperity, security and social wellbeing are best served by the closest possible relationship with the European Union; that alignment with European standards and cooperation without representation risks leaving the UK as a permanent "rule taker" rather than a partner with a voice, influence and vote; that re joining the European Union represents the most stable, democratic and economically beneficial long term settlement for Glasgow, Scotland and the UK, and that rebuilding relations with Europe is not about returning to the divisions of the past, but about learning from the damage of Brexit and acting pragmatically in the national, regional and local interest. Council therefore resolves: 1. To reaffirm Glasgow City Council's long standing support for re joining the European Union as the best long term outcome for Glasgow's economy, workforce, communities and young people. 2. To welcome efforts by the UK Government to rebuild relationships with the European Union and to encourage those efforts to go further and faster, moving beyond limited alignment towards full partnership. 3. To support calls for ambition and honesty in national debate on Europe, recognising that closer cooperation, security and prosperity require democratic participation and representation, not "integration by stealth". 4. To celebrate and strengthen Glasgow's existing European links through city partnerships, cultural networks, education, research, tourism and business collaboration. 5. To plan for wider European integration and bring together an Officer Working Group overseen by the City Convener for Culture, Sport & International Relations to investigate and capitalise on European funding and partnership opportunities, using this as an opportunity to mobilise wider city and regional engagement. 6. To instruct the Chief Executive to work with the City Convener for Culture, Sport & International Relations and Glasgow Life to organise an event with the British Council, UK Global Learning Association for Schools welcoming the return of Erasmus+ and raise awareness of this to schools, youth and support groups; adult, further and higher education and others; of the UK re-entry to the EU programme and the opportunities through the 2027-28 £570 million fund for study, training, work and skills development. 7. To instruct the Chief Executive to continue engaging with European networks like Eurocities, local authorities and institutions, ensuring Glasgow remains visible, active and influential within European civic life and bring an annual report to the Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement City Policy Committee by August 2026. Also instructs the Chief Executive to write to the UK Government, the Scottish Government, local Glasgow MPs and MSPs, expressing this Council's support for rebuilding the UK-EU relationship Council believes that re joining the European Union as an independent Scottish nation is an act of economic common sense, international cooperation and democratic renewal. |
| (b) | Motion by Councillor James Adams:- "Council notes that The Royal Regiment of Scotland, formed on 28 March 2006, is the senior line infantry regiment of the British Army and the only remaining Scottish line infantry regiment. The Regiment draws on more than 390 years of continuous service through its antecedent regiments, including The Royal Scots Fusiliers and The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment). Council further notes that in 1959 the Freedom of the City and Royal Burgh of Glasgow was conferred on the Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment), whose lineage continues today through the 2nd and 6th Battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Council acknowledges the long and distinguished record of service of the Regiment and its antecedents, whose soldiers have served with dedication and professionalism in operations at home and overseas, and whose sacrifices have included the loss of life and life changing injury. Council expresses its gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve. Council recognises the deep and enduring links between the Regiment and the City of Glasgow. Many Glaswegians serve within SCOTS battalions and many veterans reside across our communities. Council also recognises the significant civic and community role played by 6 SCOTS, Glasgow's local Army Reserve battalion, including its leadership in City Remembrance commemorations, strong presence in Maryhill, work with youth and community organisations, and partnership support to local employers and Covenant signatories. Council further acknowledges the contribution made by 6 SCOTS to the regeneration of Petershill Sports Pitches during the Covid 19 recovery period. Council believes that the historic, civic, and contemporary connections between Glasgow and The Royal Regiment of Scotland merit formal recognition by the City. Council therefore resolves to confer the Freedom of the City of Glasgow upon The Royal Regiment of Scotland during its twentieth anniversary year, with the ceremony to take place between 28 March 2026/27, in recognition of its historic ties, valued community engagement, and distinguished service. Council will put in place the necessary arrangements for a Freedom of the City ceremony and to engage with the Regiment on an appropriate date and programme of events." |
| (c) | Motion by Bailie Anthony Carroll:- "Council recognises the inequality in our UK voting system, which elects through a First Past the Post (FPTP) system. FPTP originated when land-owning aristocrats dominated parliament and voting was restricted to property-owning men. Council notes that in Europe, only the UK and authoritarian Belarus still use single-round FPTP for general elections to their national parliaments. Internationally, Proportional Representation (PR) is used to elect the parliaments of more than 80 countries. These countries tend to produce more equitable, stable, and accountable governments. PR ensures all votes count, have equal value, and that seats won match votes cast. Under PR, MPs and Parliaments better reflect the age, gender and protected characteristics of both local communities and of the nation. Council recognises that PR is currently used to elect the Welsh Senedd and Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as local councillors in Scotland. Council notes that the Scottish Parliament is only partially elected through a PR system, with the D'Hondt method. Council also notes that as more people feel represented through a wider spectrum of voices elected through PR, disenfranchisement is reduced, as well as skewered results such as majority-rule of the UK Government on 33% of the vote in 2024, and 36% in 2015. Such unrepresentative results have led to consequential policy changes with limited public support, including upon the democratic process. Council notes the Electoral Commission's data which detailed that 16,000 people were denied the right to vote due to incorrect voter ID at the 2024 UK General Election, with 4% of people polled post-election not voting due to Voter-ID requirements. Council expresses its opposition to the UK Government's policy of mandatory voter photo ID and the detrimental effect it has on voter turnout, especially in more marginalised communities, for an electoral process that already disenfranchises many through its voting system. Council echoes the call for proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons which has been made by Trade Unions such as Unite, UNISON, and the CWU, and which was passed overwhelmingly by the Labour Party's 2022 Conference, and supported by the SNP, Scottish Greens, Reform, and other political parties within the UK. Council supports moving towards a fully proportional system for Scottish Parliament elections, in the same spirit that the Welsh Senedd has. Therefore, Council requests the Convener for Open Government writes to the Minister for the Cabinet Office urging support for fairer UK Elections, through amending the Representation of the People Bill to introduce a proportional representation system of voting for UK Elections, and reversing the restrictions put upon voters by the introduction of mandatory voter ID. Council additionally requests the Convener for Open Government write to the new Minister for Parliamentary Business in the Scottish Government to request that similar preparatory work begins to make the election system for the Scottish Parliament wholly proportional. Council also shows its support for investigating opportunities to enhance awareness of the new voter ID requirements and to maximise uptake of postal ballot applications from as many people as possible who may otherwise be disenfranchised by the new voter ID law in future Westminster elections." |
| (d) | Motion by Bailie Seonad Hoy:- "Council recalls that it declared a housing emergency in November 2023 due to mounting pressures on homelessness services. More than two years on, that emergency continues to intensify. Council recognises that all options must be considered to provide long-term solutions which will alleviate these pressures and provide a dignified, person-centred process for homeless people, leading to positive outcomes tailored to each individual and family. Council notes that Glasgow currently has the highest rates of homelessness in Scotland and that the Scottish Housing Regulator has stated that there is a systemic failure in the delivery of our services to homeless people. 9339 people were living in temporary accommodation as of March 2026, including 3349 children. This included 2773 people in hotels and bed and breakfasts, of whom 454 were women. Council believes that the use of hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people should only be on a very short-term basis until more suitable accommodation can be provided, but acknowledges that the system is currently failing with individuals and families trapped in inappropriate, insecure and unaffordable accommodation for far longer than they should be. Council commends our Empty Homes team and our registered social landlord partners across the city for their constant work to support the Scottish Government's acquisitions agenda through bringing empty and marketed homes back into use as social homes. Council acknowledges that this work is crucial to tackling the housing emergency, but cannot solve the crisis on its own. Council agrees that the 2003 stock transfer which ended council housing in Glasgow was a move of privatisation by stealth and has left the city in a much more vulnerable housing position. Council agrees that while it would not be possible for the stock transfer to be undone, initiating the process to reestablish council housing in the city is a positive move towards easing the housing crisis. Council acknowledges that the Scottish Government have provided over £100million annually to tackle this emergency, but that the council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan will not be able to provide the amount of homes required by our homelessness projections and that more directed funding will be required to increase housing supply. Council further acknowledges that while Mid-Market Rent accommodation theoretically eases housing lists, it does not alleviate the circumstances of those in the most need and that the focus on new development should be on social housing provision first and foremost. Council further acknowledges that its funding settlement in recent years has been inadequate to address the systemic poverty impacting our city and that the council itself would have provided further development and service provision had this settlement been adequate. Council agrees that the promise to replace the council tax is grossly overdue and a fairer and more redistributive system would have gone some way to alleviate the housing and homelessness emergency. Council is particularly concerned about the standard of maintenance and upkeep of private rented accommodation and acknowledges that while some landlords provide appropriate housing, there are far too many who would be considered slum landlords. Council believes that further legislation to regulate the standard of private rental accommodation should be introduced and that the landlord register legislation should be developed into a licensing regime to manage not just the landlord's appropriateness but their conduct and standard of provision. Council acknowledges the importance of Awaab's Law to addressing damp and mould in social and private rented housing stock, and welcomes its introduction into Scottish law via the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which will come into force on 6th October this year. Council urges landlords to act in the spirit of these regulations until their official implementation to ensure that conditions in homes are not detrimental to tenants' health and wellbeing. Council acknowledges with regret that previous government decisions have led to a significant increase in the cost of housing in the city which has reached grossly unaffordable levels, pushing working families and individuals into homelessness. Council welcomes the introduction of rent controls passed in the last parliament, but believes that a permanent rent freeze should be established until the level of rent charged in the private and mid-market rent sector sees inflation catch up with the affordability of housing. Council is particularly concerned about women and children who are forced to live in accommodation which does not meet their basic needs, with babies and toddlers living in very confined spaces without private facilities to prepare food for them. Council recognises that this situation is taking its toll on the mental and physical health of homeless people and cannot be accepted long term. Council commits to exploring solutions implemented in other nations which are more tailored to meet the needs of women and children, resulting in a more positive experience. Council will consider the feasibility of establishing more units for women and children which could operate in a similar manner to the Welcome Centre in Belfast's crisis accommodation for women. Council agrees that more work should be undertaken to understand the benefit of use of modular housing, as used in Rutherglen and Edinburgh to provide low cost and fast to build temporary accommodation, reducing reliance on inappropriate bed and breakfast accommodation. Council ultimately agrees to: 1. Bring a report to committee within 2 cycles to indicate the practical and legal frameworks for reinitiating council housing in Glasgow 2. Invite the new Scottish Government's new Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for housing to meet with all Councillors urgently to understand the homelessness situation in the city. 3. Carry out a feasibility study on the costs and benefits of introducing more temporary accommodation tailored to the needs of women and children 4. Undertake a feasibility study on the use of modular housing such as undertaken by South Lanarkshire Council and City of Edinburgh Council 5. Hold a summit with all relevant stakeholders on new methods to provide required services, this should include registered social landlords, both UK and Scottish Governments and all third sector organisations working in this area 6. Write to the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for local government for an update on the replacement of council tax and when we will see appropriate funding models developed for local authorities." |
| (e) | Motion by Councillor Ken Andrew:- "Council applauds that significant public investment is currently being made in the public realm through the Avenues Programme and neighbourhood regeneration, which aims to prioritise safety, accessibility and high quality streetscape design. Council notes that outdoor advertising and related infrastructure can contribute to street clutter, driver distraction and poorer health outcomes, particularly in areas of higher inequality, and are often concentrated along transport corridors and in more deprived communities, increasing exposure for children and those most reliant on public space and public transport. Council also notes the increasing prevalence of unauthorised and unsightly advertising trailers and mobile billboard units placed on public roads and footways, which contribute to visual clutter, obstruct pedestrian movement, and may pose risks to road safety. Council further notes that the Council has previously raised concerns about digital kiosks and illuminated advertising posing risks to road safety, particularly near junctions, crossings and active travel routes and that redundant and poorly maintained phone boxes, kiosks and ATMs are widely regarded as a blight on Glasgow's streets, detracting from place quality and accessibility. Council recognises that digital connectivity is vital to supporting our economy and connecting the city's residents, businesses, and communities and our Digital Glasgow strategy is successfully facilitating digital infrastructure investment and deployment in the area. Council also recognises that improved connectivity and digital access to public infrastructure with ultra-fast wi-fi and Small Cell 4G and 5G capabilities are being provided through initiatives like BT Street Hubs with 5% of screen time dedicated for council use and sensors can be added that allow the monitoring of air quality, and that this also provides a vehicle to inform the public of council services and initiatives. Council agrees however that a more coordinated and strategic approach is required to public advertising and street level infrastructure to reduce clutter, improve road safety in line with our Vision Zero road safety principles and protect the quality of Glasgow's public spaces, and, that obsolete and underused phone boxes and kiosks represent an immediate and visible opportunity for decluttering. Council further agrees that such advertising structures including trailers, where lacking appropriate consent or causing obstruction, should be subject to enforcement action with a view to their prompt removal and the strengthening of policy and enforcement mechanisms to prevent recurrence. Council instructs the Chief Executive to: "Engage directly with owners and operators, including telecommunications providers to identify the scale of the issue and : - repair or upgrading only where there is a demonstrable public benefit; - ensure that the Council is making full use of the opportunity to promote key council messaging through digital Street Hubs; - removal of obsolete or vandalised units; - funding solutions for removal where appropriate. - Write to Chair of Ofcom, the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Minister for Digital Government and Data, and Glasgow MPs raising whether existing statutory rights for telecoms infrastructure adequately reflect modern usage, and that ouncils require stronger powers to ensure the removal of redundant structures; - highlighting the need for Ofcom to review its Protection Criteria to include a strengthened duty for providers to repair public call boxes and other digital kiosks or remove them. - Progress a phased decluttering approach, beginning with phone boxes, kiosks and similar structures. - Report back to Environment and Liveable Neighbourhoods City Policy Committee by 18 Aug 2026 with an update on street clutter and these actions, as well as options to strengthen Council policy and guidance on outdoor advertising and enforcement and consideration of what powers would be required for us to deliver a wider decluttering programme." |
| (f) | Motion by Councillor Rashid Hussain:- Council notes that the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced fixed term burial rights, generally for a period of 25 years, with provision for those rights to be renewed or extended thereafter. Council notes that the introduction of fixed term burial rights was intended to modernise burial administration and to address long term capacity pressures within Scotland's cemeteries, particularly in large urban authorities such as Glasgow. Council further notes that, as these arrangements have become established in practice, concerns have increasingly been raised by constituents, faith groups and elected members regarding their operation. These concerns include confusion about the expiry of burial rights, the cost and complexity of renewal or extension, and the distress caused to families where uncertainty exists about the long term security of loved ones' graves. Council further notes that time limited burial rights may have a disproportionate impact on older people, disabled people, minority ethnic communities and faith groups for whom burial practices, continuity and grave permanence have particular cultural or religious significance. Council acknowledges that burial and commemoration are deeply embedded in family, community and faith life, and that decisions and processes relating to burial rights must therefore be handled with dignity, sensitivity and compassion. Council believes that no family should experience avoidable distress, anxiety or uncertainty due to unclear processes, inconsistent communication or barriers to understanding their burial rights. Council believes that there is merit in reviewing how the duration and extension of burial rights operate in practice, in order to ensure that the system is fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of families and communities. Council resolves to: - request that the Chief Executive instructs officers to report to the appropriate committee on the operation of burial rights within Glasgow. This report should include current renewal and extension arrangements, patterns of enquiries and complaints received from families, and options to improve communication, guidance and practical support for lair holders. - ensure that any such review includes engagement with relevant faith organisations and community representatives. Council further resolves that the Leader of the Council writes to the Scottish Government and to COSLA seeking a review of the national framework governing the duration and extension of burial rights, with a view to securing greater clarity, flexibility and fairness for families across Scotland." |
| (g) | Motion by Bailie Marie Garrity:- "Council notes with sadness the death on 11 December 2025 of Stanley Baxter, the celebrated Glaswegian actor, comedian, and impressionist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British entertainment. Baxter, born and raised in Glasgow, achieved national acclaim through his pioneering television sketch shows, including The Stanley Baxter Show and The Stanley Baxter Picture Show, and for his iconic "Parliamo Glasgow" routines which brought Glaswegian language and humour to audiences across the UK and beyond. Council recognises that Baxter's career, spanning more than six decades, earned him multiple awards, including BAFTAs and a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards, and the deep affection of the Scottish public. His work was celebrated for its technical ambition, imaginative character performance, and its role in promoting Glasgow's cultural identity on the national stage. Council further notes the many tributes paid following his passing, including comments describing him as a "giant of Scottish entertainment", reflecting the profound and lasting impact he had on Scottish cultural life. Council therefore agrees to: 1. Formally record its appreciation of Stanley Baxter's outstanding contribution to comedy, theatre, and the cultural life of Glasgow. 2. Write to his family expressing the condolences of Glasgow City Council and the people of Glasgow. 3. Explore appropriate options for civic recognition. 4. Refer this matter to the relevant committee for consideration of suitable forms of commemoration." |