THE announcement that another 12 libraries across Glasgow will reopen at some time between January and March 2021 is to be welcomed.

This follows widespread community campaigning by groups such as Save Glasgow Libraries and genuine concerns being voiced by library users across the city.

Call me cynical if you wish, but nor do I think it a coincidence that, today, Glasgow City Council is due to debate the future of Glasgow Life facilities following a motion tabled by the Labour Group.

The council leadership and Glasgow Life management

have clearly listened to campaigners and opposition politicians.

However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the majority of Glasgow Life facilities remain closed and this will still be the case in March when, we are now promised, these 12 libraries will once again be open.

By my reckoning it will mean that 73 out of 171 venues will

be operating. That leaves 98 where the doors will remain firmly shut.

We all accept that Covid restrictions does mean that the immediate reopening of every venue is impossible. What also needs to be addressed is that there is a huge financial problem as well.

The Labour motion to be discussed today states: “that the reopening of these facilities depends on Glasgow Life having the necessary budget to do so; and that Glasgow Life faces a funding crisis.”

Two weeks ago I quoted the Fraser of Allander Institute who estimated that the SNP Scottish Government were still sitting on £1 billion worth of funds passed to them by Westminster to meet Covid costs. The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) have looked at all the additional monies given to Holyrood and calculate that £8.2bn has been added to the Scottish budget for this year of which only £6bn has been allocated. That leaves £2.2bn still at the disposal of Scottish ministers.

The UK Chancellor has also announced significant additional funding for the next financial year to support Covid recovery.

There is a genuine fear in opposition circles that much of that extra money is being held back by the SNP for pre-election goodies, some might say bribes, rather than the purpose for which it was intended.

Glasgow Life, and the city council more widely, needs assurances about its finances now, not a few days before next May’s election.

Of course, it’s not just Glasgow Life that has lost millions as a result of the pandemic. Businesses across the City, particularly in hospitality and entertainment, face a very uncertain future without urgent support. Welsh pubs, for example, will be receiving support packages worth four times as much as their Scottish equivalents over the coming weeks. This is simply not good enough.

Jobs and services across our city are under threat and the SNP appear content to keep money in the bank rather than spend it where it is most needed.

Out of £2.2bn, Glasgow could expect to receive around £250m. That could go a very long way to alleviate the financial pressures faced by local government, the health service, businesses, communities and individuals here in Glasgow.

So, it’s great that more libraries are to open but far more needs to be done. We all deserve better from the powers that be in both George Square and Holyrood.