The SNP Group on Glasgow City Council opposes the hiving off of parts of the Council into arms length external organisations (ALEOs). The main reasons for this opposition are:

• ALEOs are not directly accountable to councillors and the public;
• ALEOs weaken the Council’s ability to take a corporate approach to citywide problems.

However, we would accept an ALEO as a last resort where the case for it is clearly proven. In most cases so far, e.g. Culture & Sport Glasgow, Surplus Land & Property, Property/ICT, the case has not been clearly proven.

However, given that Labour are intent on continuing with these bodies, the SNP Group will take part in them. This is similar to the Westminster Parliament which the SNP opposes but which we take part in while it exists.

Councillor John Mason, SNP Group Leader, said today: "Our position remains the same. We oppose the setting up of these bodies but, as with the House of Commons, will take part in them until we have the opportunity to dismantle them. We consider that it is for the benefit of everyone in Glasgow that our councillors are in there keeping an eye on the public pound.

"SNP councillors will take part in these bodies whether we are paid for the positions or not. Thus we have three councillors on GHA and Culture & Sport Glasgow who dedicate many hours to these organisations but are not paid a penny extra. We believe in being completely open about payments we receive from the public purse. We would also call on all Labour Councillors to fully disclose the payments they receive from Council and Council-related bodies."

Notes:

1. A councillor’s basic allowance in Glasgow is £15,452?
2. Since May 2007 the SNP Group on Glasgow City Council has had two positions attracting extra payments. John Mason, Convenor of Audit & Ethics, and Billy McAllister, Deputy Group Leader, have each received £5,548?
3. With the addition of the proposed eight places on ALEOs, 10 of the SNP’s 22 councillors would receive extra payments.
4. Seven of the eight places will attract payments of about £6,000. The SECC position is understood to attract a payment of about £15,000.
5. The full list of SNP nominations is:
   • Alison Thewliss: Glasgow Clyde Regeneration;
   • Allison Hunter: Convenor of Audit & Ethics;
   • Billy McAllister: Deputy Leader;
   • Craig Mackay: City Building;
   • David McDonald: Property/ICT;
   • Grant Thoms: Car Parking;
   • James Dornan: City Marketing;
   • Jennifer Dunn: Markets;
   • John Mason: SECC;
   • Kenny McLean: Surplus Land & Property.