Judicial review of Glasgow City Council plans to cut 450 teaching jobs knocked back

Calls for a judicial review of Glasgow City Council’s education budget cuts have been knocked back.

The Glasgow City Parents Group had begun legal proceedings against the council after cuts posing a “threat” to children’s education were announced.

The council previously outlined plans to axe 450 teachers over the next three years and reduce MCR pathways coordinators by 50%.

Parents say they believe the move will have a “profoundly negative impact” on the quality of education and support provided to the city’s children and young people.

The group previously said they received confirmation that the council failed to conduct a full and proper Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) before making the decisions on cuts – something the group said is a “clear violation” of the council’s legal obligations.

However, the group has now announced their bid for a judicial review of the move was not successful after they failed to gain permission from the court.

In a statement released by the campaigners, they said the challenge failed due to an issue of timing, as the court concluded that decisions were made in February, not when they became aware of the impact.

Leanne McGuire, chairperson of Glasgow City Parents Group, said: “Seeing this through was the reason I chose to continue in my role as chair, despite my own child having left school.

“This cause was too important to walk away from. As I prepare to pass the baton, I hope that GCPG continues to thrive and remain a voice for Glasgow’s parents, carers, and pupils.

“Leading this group over the past six years has been a privilege, and I am so proud of all we’ve accomplished together. I trust that GCPG will continue this work and stand up for the rights and wellbeing of Glasgow’s children.”

Council spokeswoman said: “We welcome the court’s decision to refuse permission for the challenge to proceed on the basis that it had no prospects of success.

“For clarity, the petition was refused permission to proceed for two reasons.

“The first reason was that the court found the petition had no prospects of success if it was allowed to go further.

“The second reason was that the challenge was taken out of time.

“The court found that there was no basis to extend the time.

“That is because the petitioners ought to have been aware of the decision they wished to challenge in February 2024.

“Public funds – that could have been spent on council services – have been used to challenge the petition and the normal process is to pursue the defeated party in these cases to recoup our expenses.

“Our legal team will continue to liaise with their lawyers.”