We have received an official response from Glasgow city council regarding the letter this petition directly relates to.
It is helpful to consider the Council’s response alongside the original letter, as both documents are structured in comparable sections and are similar in length.
In addition to the letter, two hand-signed community petitions were submitted at the same time by other local residents. Both petitions were refused, and the lead petitioners received the following response:
“Unfortunately this cannot be accepted under the Council’s Public Petitions Process as it relates to a matter where there is a statutory consultation process.”
This response has caused significant frustration among those who invested time and effort in preparing and submitting the petitions. In particular, this position appears inconsistent with subsequent correspondence from the Council, in which it has been stated that the earlier engagement exercise did not constitute an official consultation.
As a result, residents are left unclear as to how their views can be formally and meaningfully expressed. Where concerns have been raised about consultation guidance not being followed, the Council’s responses have done little to provide reassurance or clarity.
The feedback we continue to receive in response to this and other correspondence is that confidence in the Council’s democratic engagement on this issue remains extremely low, and many residents and businesses feel that their input is neither welcomed nor taken seriously.
For this reason a steering group has been formed and will look into the best avenues to represent the signatories of this letter going forwards.
They will update at the following community council meetings and encourage anyone who wishes to be more involved to attend;
Tuesday 3rd Feb 7pm, Finns place G42
Thursday 5th Feb 7pm, Shawlands bowling club G41
Any other concerns or questions at this stage can be raised to parking@qpn.org.uk
Thanks
Jonny