Parents Group leader faces £42,000 bill for failed legal action against council
BBCA woman is facing a £42,000 bill for challenging Glasgow City Council's budget in court.
Leanne McGuire, former chairwoman of Glasgow City Parents Group (GCPG), led a failed legal bid for a judicial review of the council's budget over the proposed cut of teacher jobs.
Council leader Ricky Bell said the council has a duty to "protect the public purse" and recoup expenses following the court proceedings.
But other councillors raised concerns about the impact of the ruling on parent volunteer groups interacting with the local authority.
In August 2024 lawyers for GCPG called on the council to halt proposed cuts to services.
At the time McGuire said reducing teacher numbers would have a "profoundly negative impact" on children, in particular primary pupils and those with additional support needs.
It followed the council's budget which proposed axing 172 teaching posts that year.
The cuts were part of a three-year plan to shed 450 jobs.
A judge ruled against GCPG, and earlier this year McGuire was sent a letter asking her to pay over £42,000 in legal fees.
During a council meeting Labour's Lilith Johnstone asked if an assessment had taken place on the potential impact it may have on "volunteering, parental engagement, and public participation in local democracy".
'Incurred significant costs'
Bell said he welcomed the local authority being challenged and scrutinised and wanted "people to continue to make their voices heard".
He added: "But when a judicial review is brought against the council there are financial consequences of that action when it has been unsuccessful.
"In this case the council successfully defended the legal challenge and the court awarded expenses in the council's favour.
"The council has incurred significant costs in responding to that action and there is a responsibility to safeguard public funds.
"Money spent defending legal proceedings is money that cannot be spent on front line services including services that support children, young people and families."
The council leader said the local authority was open to "reasonable settlement proposals" but there had been no contribution to costs yet, which he described as disappointing.
Councillor Stephen Curran asked if there was a risk to the GCPG continuing as a result of the costs incurred.
Responding, Bell said the local authority was open to a repayment programme from McGuire that would not "be detrimental to their personal circumstances".
