Glasgow Needs Special Attention To Revive Its Unique Economy

Glasgow’s revival seems stalled despite past progress. Do people still enjoy living here, given the litter and boarded shops? The city’s past energy feels lost. Now, endurance is more common than enthusiasm.

The article says politics is not focused on Glasgow. Reviving Glasgow should be Scotland’s top economic priority. Cities drive society with jobs and culture. Glasgow has a large area and is key for growth.

Glasgow’s decline needs correction now, so says the article. Glasgow differs from other Scottish cities and needs special attention.

Glasgow needs to be a dynamic city and attract investors. Business schools help by training future investors. That’s what the article says.

Public money is key for big companies that seek good infrastructure. Local businesses are ready to help. They will invest if matched by public funds.

Glasgow is small and must excel. It needs clear leadership to manage the economy. The article emphasizes political reform is also needed. Glasgow needs a powerful authority with budgets and planning control.

Merging councils may face resistance, and that is noted. A regional cabinet exists with eight local councils. These are key for the economic area.

Council leaders coordinate projects, as the text explains. They have spent over a billion pounds on investment. The cabinet needs real power.

Councils run well now, like East Renfrewshire. Good services should continue.

Keep the good parts of cities. Build a stronger cabinet above them. Give it power over key economic areas. This includes infrastructure, planning, and transport. Transport needs big changes and business support functions are also vital.

Other cities in England have done better. Scotland has small councils and too many unelected groups, so claims the author. These groups stifle local action.

Andy Burnham succeeded in Greater Manchester. Should Glasgow also elect a mayor? Another option: each council area elects a representative. A final option: voters elect councillors focused on the wider area.

Words are not enough; immediate action is needed, so remarks the article’s author. Glasgow’s people will act if asked. Other cities show drive and urgency. Glasgow needs this too.

The UK government could fund the projects. The Scottish government must make structural changes. Holyrood needs to grant powers to local areas. This is the correct way to make devolution work.

Citizens are aligning. All parties should commit to Glasgow’s revival. They must unite to deliver radical change regardless of who wins elections. Show the country why this matters. If Glasgow thrives, so does Scotland.