Chief Executive Message

Glasgow has set its budget for the new financial year and - by the time you next hear from me here, in April - we will already have begun the job of delivering it in communities across the city.

I wouldn't want to give you the impression that setting a budget for the city is ever anything but a challenge. This year was certainly no different - and you will all be aware of the pressures we face in meeting the rising demand for services.

However, decisions taken last year, which are being delivered over three years, and an improved financial settlement following both the UK and Scottish Government budgets mean the city was not facing the size of spending gap many of you will have become only too familiar with.

We have a budget that will see our workforce grow - principally in NRS, where there will be additional staff for cleansing operations and in parks. We will also be recruiting more parking attendants.

At the same time, reductions in teacher numbers which had been planned will now not take place.

Extra resources are being directed to the Health and Social Care Partnership, which sets its budget later this month - and there is also investment in roads and pavements; expanding the provision of free school meals and tackling empty and derelict property.

Of course, I'm conscious that a majority of our workforce are also Glasgow residents - and that there will be keen interest in the decision to increase Council Tax by 7.5%.

It is one of the most significant uplifts in the last two decades, which have been defined by long periods where the charge has either been frozen or had any rise capped at a relatively low level by Ministers.

Last year's budget had assumed an increase at 5% and I think it is significant that the additional revenue is being explicitly invested in frontline services and the kind of environmental improvements we know you and your fellow Glaswegians value - from the results of our Household Survey and the consultation work we do before members put together their budget proposals.

As I write this, it is also the second lowest Council Tax rise agreed by any council in Scotland - with many more settling on double-digit increases for the year ahead. 

I don't, however, underestimate the daily challenges facing our workforce in continuing to deliver effective, quality services in Glasgow - and I am always grateful for that.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - MARCH 8

International Women's Day has been around for more than a century, but many of the issues it set out to challenge are still a daily reality for many women and girls.

This year, we are all being encouraged to imagine a gender equal world - free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where difference is valued and celebrated.

IWD is an event that belongs to everyone and everyone who cares about equality. This year's theme is #AccelerateAction - and you can find out more here

I encourage you to take time, with your colleagues, to recognise the importance of a gender equal world.

Please also consider getting involved in our own Women's Network. It is a great source of support and offers unique networking opportunities - hosting events covering everything from women in leadership and building confidence to women's health and menopause.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS

Friday, March 14 marks Holi, the Hindu festival of colours. I'd like to wish all who are celebrating a very happy Holidat.

I also want to wish all of you celebrating Eid al-Fitr at the end of this month Eid Mubarak.

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