SNP reveals blueprint to boost city’s economy
DECADE-OLD political alliances and business practices are to be broken up at City Chambers as the SNP unveils its blueprint for Glasgow’s economy if it wins May’s local elections.
The radical plans involve a major shake-up of council departments and creation of a new “under one roof” vehicle to drive business growth in the project.
The proposals are the clearest indication to date that the SNP is making advanced plans should Labour be ousted from control of the authority for the first time since 1977.
The blueprint is assisted by Glasgow University and a host of public agencies.
The SNP group is widely tipped to become the next administration, with insiders claiming that retaining control of the council is no longer Labour’s local elections priority.
The plans would be put in place over the first 100 days of an SNP administration if the party seizes control during the local elections on May 4.
Business sector sources said the proposals could address current gaps and weaknesses in economic development.
One insider said: “There’s a sense in the wider economic community that perhaps officers at the city council are maybe too entrenched and controlling. “It’ll be difficult for the SNP to implement this as there’s a lot of structural changes being suggested and you’re dealing with individuals experienced in turf wars.
“But there’s political capital in being able to present yourself as not tied to any existing networks, open minded about how the council can work and chipping away at 40 years of practices and relationships. That will resonate with many.”
Drawing on experience from Manchester, Liverpool, Sydney and Auckland, the plans would see figures from the world of business and academia given a greater role in boosting Glasgow’s economic performance, with a ‘strategy board’ drawn from manufacturing, financial services and the social economy, as well as trade union representatives.
SNP group leader Susan Aitken added: “Highly respected business leaders and thinkers have worked to generate some great ideas for the city but the current economic leadership model has a big gap between strategy and action.
“If we want to capitalise on Glasgow’s potential to grow our economy fairly and inclusively in a way that benefits all of our citizens, that needs to change.”
A university spokesman said it was happy to give the “benefit” of its expertise to help the city.