The Future of Glasgow - Day 2 in Summary

Most articles live on Tuesday were interviews with local Glaswegians:

• Lucy Mills, a Strathclyde Uni student from Oklahoma - praising the public transport system and lifestyle?of Glasgow but criticising?the number of strikes which she has been affected by eg teachers and trains?
• Ramisha Mujahid a University of Strathclyde student?from Pakistan - praising the innovation and collaboration between universities with?a lot of focus on sustainability startups but calls for more focus on high-tech, AI, quantum and VR startups as well.
• Kamil Sznurkowski, on the board of trustees at the Sikorski Polish Club in Glasgow - praising the welcoming?people but criticizes the complicated?public transport system with multiple tickets?
• Moloy?Sarker a trustee and treasurer of the Bangla Centre in Springburn - believes the biggest selling points to move to Glasgow were healthcare, education and the financial aspect.
• Dr Elspeth King is a Scottish curator, writer and social historian - on Glasgow culture with criticism?for the Glasgow Life organisation and support for 'Save the Winter Gardens' campaign?
• A picture led story focussing on North of Glasgow, specifically?Possilpark
• Eszter Tárnai a journalist for Glasgow Times originally from Hungary - Recalls that?her news remit involves covering the worst parts of the city - deprivation, flytipping, crime, homelessness but she realised through interviews that everyone wants to improve Glasgow.

Other articles live on Tuesday:?

How can we speed up Glasgow's ever slower bus journeys?

• Severe Congestion Issues: Glasgow's buses are significantly delayed due to congestion, operating at near "walking pace" in some areas. Journey times have increased by up to 25% since 2008.
• Impact on Passengers and Operators: Slower services make buses less reliable, more expensive to operate, and less attractive to passengers, contributing to a decline in bus usage.
• Financial Strain on Operators: First Bus reports congestion costs them over ￡10 million annually, while McGill’s must deploy extra vehicles and drivers just to maintain service levels.
• Call for Bus Priority Measures: Operators demand more bus lanes, priority at traffic signals, and stricter enforcement of parking controls to improve speeds and reduce costs.
• SPT's Proposed Solution: A bus franchising model where routes, fares, and service frequencies are regulated to improve reliability and accessibility.
• Funding Disparity: Bus operators receive only ￡50 million in government support, compared to ￡1.6 billion allocated to rail, despite buses carrying the majority of public transport users.
• Political Inaction: Operators criticize local councillors for failing to implement necessary traffic measures due to fear of voter backlash.?
• The overall message is that without urgent intervention—such as improved traffic management and bus prioritization—Glasgow’s bus network will continue to decline.

Council Tax doesn't work for Glasgow, time to redraw the map

• Significant Budget Cuts: Glasgow has lost around ￡500 million in funding between 2013 and 2023, leading to service cuts and job losses.
• Council Tax Challenges: Glasgow's reliance on council tax is problematic due to a high proportion of lower-band properties (A & B), unlike wealthier neighboring areas (East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire), which have more high-band homes and raise more revenue.
• Limited Benefit from Government Powers: Measures like doubling council tax on holiday homes do little for Glasgow, as it has few such properties.
• Proposed New Revenue Sources:A tourist tax (visitor levy), which the council can now implement.A congestion charge or Clyde Tunnel toll for commuters from wealthier suburbs.Exploring ways for non-Glasgow residents who work and spend time in the city to contribute financially.
• Call for More Local Control: City Treasurer Ricky Bell argues Glasgow should have more financial autonomy, including freedom to set spending priorities without government-imposed restrictions.
• Redrawing Council Boundaries: Bell suggests expanding Glasgow’s borders to include wealthier suburbs but acknowledges political resistance to such a move.
• Frustration with Political Inaction: Politicians avoid reforming council tax due to fear of voter backlash, despite its shortcomings.

Overall Message: Glasgow struggles under a funding system that disadvantages the city compared to wealthier surrounding areas. Without major reforms—either through redrawing council boundaries or introducing new revenue measures—Glasgow's financial challenges will continue.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games bid to shed 'Europe sick man' tag fails

• The 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, costing ￡540 million, aimed to improve Scotland's health and encourage physical activity.
• However, official data shows a decline in Scots meeting physical activity guidelines, dropping from 64% in 2013 to 63% in 2023, with a more significant decline in deprived areas (53% to 50%).
• Children's sedentary leisure time increased, while the percentage of children meeting activity guidelines fell from 75% to 72%.
• Critics, including Labour MSP Katy Clark, argue that the Scottish Government has failed to deliver a meaningful public health legacy, particularly in deprived areas.
• Studies, including a University of Glasgow report, found no clear evidence of increased physical activity post-Games, with some areas showing a decline.
• Despite this, the Games contributed ￡740 million to the economy, created jobs, and boosted Glasgow’s reputation as a sporting events destination.
• Glasgow is set to host a scaled-down version of the Commonwealth Games in 2026, with a budget of ￡114 million and reduced sports and venues.