Whathas party achieved since taking charge?
Political Correspondent ODAY marks 100 days since the SNP took control of Glasgow City Council for the first time, promising an agenda to change how the city is run.
Before the election in May, the SNP promised action on a number of issues in its first 100 days in office in its Manifesto for Glasgow.
After the election, the Evening Times put a list of issues raised with us by readers and people in communities across Glasgow that they said require action.
From when Susan Aitken was elected as leader of the council at the first full meeting since the election in May the council said progress has been made on both counts.
The 100 days list of pledges, to lay the groundwork for future action over the next five years, included engagement with council staff, other councils and the Scottish Government and setting up a new executive cabinet team.
There was a pledge to host a range of summits on issues the council has responsibility for to share ideas for future action.
TThe party also said it would set about improving industrial relations and dealing with equal pay claims. Action to restructure some council functions and greater community involvement was high on the list of action the new administration would take.
Among the actions which have been achieved are the seven summits on neighbourhoods, transport, third sector, homelessness, culture, emergency services and schools, which have either been held or organised.
Unison has agreed to accept a deal to end the long-running janitors’ strike in the city schools and Ms Aitken said action is now being taken to resolve the equal pay issue.
The Evening Times list of demands on behalf of readers was not expected to be resolved in 100 days, but action was expected to begin with results delivered over the course of the longer council term.
The list included improving community facilities, tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, providing support to local traders, progress on closing the attainment gap and action to end rough sleeping.
The council said it has appointed the Deputy Council Leader as the convenor for communities as a “statement of intent” to give people a say in what happens in their area and on what facilities are required.
This week the council hosts a safe city summit focusing on crime with emergency services and other partners.
A council spokesman said: “People are going to see a City Government that is listening to and learning from experts including people who are working at the cutting edge of crime prevention.
“We’re working hard with partners to address the harm caused by drug use, progressing plans for the country’s first safer consumption facility and there’s no doubt that the city’s first Rough Sleeping Taskforce is also part of that picture.”
The Evening Times asked for action on providing help for traders and the 100 days list included new Partnership for Economic Growth for the city.
The council said it has been working with business to devise measures to help boost trade. A spokesman said: “Small and micro businesses are the bedrock of Glasgow’s economy, but their importance hasn’t been reflected in the city’s economic strategy or leadership.
“That’s changing. The Federation of Small Businesses will have a big part to play in a new Partnership for Economic Growth and influencing how we re-energise communities and town centres.”
Closing the attainment gap beween the most and least well off in the city’s schools is a long term aim but which requires demonstrable progress on a yearly basis.
Earlier this month the Evening Times revealed plans for greater collaboration with neighbouring councils to implement school reforms.
A council spokesman said: “This summer, Glasgow’s schools achieved their best-ever exam results and it is vital that the city continues to build on that progress.
“Since the election, we have begun collaborating more closely than ever before with our city region neighbours and we are working with our schools to make sure all of our young people benefit from the Scottish Government’s attainment fund.”