SOME of Glasgow’s most popular venues could be sold to an arm’s-length company to fund the settlement of the 12-year dispute over equal pay for female council workers.
The local authority yesterday published a report that will go before members of the city administration committee next week. It states that the settlement will cost an anticipated £548 million and asks councillors to approve a deal that will include buildings sold and then leased back through the arm’s-length City Property Glasgow Investments (CPGI).
The buildings on the list include the showpiece Emirates Arena, the Riverside Museum, SEC Armadillo, Scotstoun Leisure Centre, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, City Halls, Toryglen Football Centre, and Gorbals Leisure and Bellahouston leisure centres.
Council leader Susan Aitken said: “I’ve always been clear that, although settling equal pay has been about delivering justice for thousands of the women in our workforce, meeting the substantial cost of doing that must be fair for citizens. Releasing the potential of our property, while keeping it in the city’s ownership, protects services and the future of these valued assets.”
Long-term loans will fund CPGI’s purchases, with the council’s lease payments meeting the borrowing cost. The paper will go before the committee on Thursday.
Aitken added: “I’m delighted that we have agreement with the claimants and to be able to recommend to my colleagues a deal that finally delivers pay justice for thousands of women in our workforce.
“After a decade going round in circles in the courts, we have reached a fair settlement through 12 months of tough but open and honest negotiations.
“This report is our opportunity to put right a wrong that has damaged the council, its workforce and the city for too long. I trust that every member will want to take that opportunity.”
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