JANUARY
09/01/2025 - First SNP Councillor Catch Up of the New Year. Lots of concerns regarding upcoming budget and what services we can see be cut further. Plenty discussions held on how the SNP group can push back on these issues. Time will tell what services the Labour Group will cut and what backroom deals they will have with LibDems, Tories, and the Independents.
10/01/25 - Full group meeting of SNP Councillors. This was our “away day” where we meet in person to discuss the year ahead. Budget cuts were high on the agenda and we are appalled at some of the suggestions from this Labour administration. Although the largest group in council, the SNP are powerless to halt these cuts as they will most likely have the backing of the “Unionist Pact”
16/01/2025 - SNP Group meeting discussing ways in which we as councillors can improve the lives of our constituents. Focus was on the upcoming budget which we have concerns with.
28/01/2025 - Education resources Meeting. Unfortunately cut short due to a councillor taking ill in the chamber. Hope he recovers soon.
FEBRUARY
06/02/2025 - SNP Executive Group Meeting
12/02/2025 - Council Executive Meeting
13/02/2025 - SNP Group Meeting discussing the upcoming budget
17/02/2025 - SNP Budget Setting
17/02/2025 - Stonehouse Community Council Meeting
19/02/2025 - Meeting of the full council
20/02/2025 - Further SNP Group Budget Meeting
25/02/2025 - Avondale Community Council Meeting
26/02/2025 - Sub for Housing & Technical Resources Committee
26/02/2025 - Special Budget Meeting of the Full council (See Budget Above)
MARCH
05/03/2025 - Special Meeting of Housing & Technical Resources. Glad to see Hollandbush Golf Course, The Fountain & Larkhall Thistle were all successful in their Asset Transfers.
12/03/2025 - Executive Meeting where it was confirmed we now have a Councillor represented by Reform UK, even though nobody voted for this party at the last election.
13/03/2025 - Meeting of SNP Group Cabinet
25/03/2025 - Meeting of Education Resources Committee
26/03/2025 - Meeting of Social Work Resources
31/03/2025 - Attended memorial for the late Christina McKelvie MSP.
APRIL
03/04/2025 - Had an in-depth discussion with my SNP colleague who sits on the education committee. Parents within the Auldhouse area of my ward are concerned with the “safe walking routes” identified by this council. This will take children as young as 11 through heavily wooded areas with no natural or artificial lighting. I, and my SNP colleagues, have been staunch opponents of these cuts passed by the ruling Labour group who had support from the LibDems, Tories and the independents. This is an absolutely shameful cut which does not need to happen. I call on the Labour administration to cut these cuts.
04/04/2025 - Attended the 2025 Provost Award with 2 very deserving constituents who go above and beyond in volunteering in the community. Tracey Orr who created a support group for those with Fibromyalgia, and Laura Booth who is invaluable with The Strathaven Group. Very well deserved both of you, congratulations.
05/04/2025 to 21/04/2025 - On Annual Leave