Councillors in spat over taxi usage claims
COUNCILLORS have locked horns amid claims Glasgow City Council’s depute leader has “wasted” taxpayer cash by using taxis unnecessarily.
Labour politicians have slammed Councillor David McDonald after a Freedom of Information request revealed he had taken three taxis for journeys which were just 0.5 and 0.6 miles long – the equivalent of around a 10- minute walk.
The data also showed he had used a company car for trips to Edinburgh costing around £ 173 – despite a return train ticket priced at just £ 30 – and to attend a Celtic match against Estonian team Nomme Kalju FC.
Councillor Paul Carey told the Glasgow Times: “I am absolutely amazed about this ... it appears that Councillor McDonald could have, on a number of occasions, took public transport, but preferred a taxi regardless of whether public transport was available.
“This policy is quite clear that the most efficient and cost effective travel arrangements for both staff and elected members is to commute by public transport where possible.
“It is my opinion that Councillor McDonald has broken this policy on several occasions.”
However, the Glasgow Life chair clapped back, insisting he had only used taxis for council business when public transport was not an option.
He said: “During the course of an extended working day I attend a range of meetings and events in the City Chambers, around the city and elsewhere.
“Sometimes these require transport.
“Every journey was approved and each one undertaken in my official capacity as the depute leader of the council, the city convener for culture or as the chair of Glasgow Life.”
It’s understood the Estonian ambassador accompanied Cllr McDonald to the Hoops match at Parkhead and there were multiple meetings across the capital which he was required to attend, which would merit the use of a council car.
It comes after council boss Susan Aitken faced severe backlash for her use of taxis.
As previously reported by the Glasgow Times, opposition councillors have accused the local authority of failing to protect itself from elected members misusing taxis by not having an audit system in place. meetings