6. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Glasgow City Council and what issues were discussed. (S5O-00514)

Ministers and officials regularly meet representatives of all Scottish local authorities, including Glasgow City Council, to discuss a wide range of issues as part of our commitment to working in partnership with local government to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland. I most recently met the leader of Glasgow City Council, Frank McAveety, on 1 December, to discuss housing issues.

The Minister will be aware that Glasgow City Council plans to contract out its information and communications technology services. He will also be aware of concerns that have been raised by the workforce and by Unison about the process that has led to that decision, including the fact that it appears to have been taken behind closed doors without a detailed options appraisal or business case being published, and the fact that the figures for claimed savings exist in isolation with no reasonable means of comparison, scrutiny or verification. Does he agree that that is a matter that the Accounts Commission could usefully investigate?

I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed about Glasgow City Council’s plan for delivery of information technology services. Councils are under a legal duty to demonstrate that they are delivering best value for their communities and that they are securing a balance between social, economic and environmental wellbeing in the way they operate. The member is right to say that the auditing of all councils’ delivery of best value is the responsibility of the Accounts Commission. However, the commission is independent, so it would be for it to decide whether to look at the particular issue. As Mr McKee will also know, all local authorities are subject to freedom of information legislation and must therefore respond to requests for information about their decisions. They are also legally required to provide public access to their meetings and to their minutes and background papers, unless that would be a breach of confidentiality.