SNP comment on council committee vote

At this afternoon’s Sustainability and the Environment Policy Development Committee, committee members voted to amend the recommendations of the Land and Environment Services Workplan paper, to criticise the Council’s leader for disregarding the policy development process and announcing policies on the hoof.
 
The amendment, added as a fourth point to the paper, stated that committee “notes the Council Leader’s disregard for the policy development process through announcing new policies without regard to the committee system.”

SNP Sustainability spokesperson Councillor Kenny McLean said: “This afternoon’s meeting was an opportunity for members to express their frustration with Glasgow’s Labour leadership.  Today, the Policy Development Committee laid a marker for Glasgow’s Labour leadership.  In his arrogance, Councillor Matheson believes that policy can be announced on the hoof, without regard for the Council’s democratic processes.  Time and time again we hear of new initiatives in the media and not through the Council’s structures.

“The administration was given a bloody nose by the committee today – Matheson must learn to respect Council’s democratic procedures.”

Notes:

1.      The PDC met today.  Agenda items can be found here: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/agenda.asp?meetingid=10807
2.      The workplan progress report can be found here: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/submissiondocuments.asp?submissionid=53461
3.      The text of the amendment is as follows: “Notes the Council Leader’s disregard for the policy development process through announcing new policies without regard to the committee system.”
4.      Committee members from the SNP, Conservative and Green Parties supported the amendment, which was carried by 5 votes to 4.