Glasgow's Possible CCTV Manning Reduction

Glasgow's cost-cutting measures could see its 429 CCTV unmanned for up to 12 hours a day.

13:53 20 March 2023

Glasgow City Council has confirmed cost-cutting measures to save £50million per year. If the plans go through, it could see the local authority's 429 CCTVs unmanned for up to 12 hours a day. The proposal, which could mean that the system may not be monitored between 4am and 4pm, has been described as potentially dangerous for children. 

Details of the plans were unveiled in last month's budget document which partly reads: "a review of staffing costs aligned to current service delivery" of the Community Safety and Regulatory Services, with the expectation of saving more than £1.5million." 

A GMB spokesman said: “Glasgow City Council is planning to cut the hours that the CCTV is manned to 4pm till 4am.

"GMB thinks the proposals to cut the hours that CCTV in Glasgow is manned is short sighted, unworkable, and simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny if Glasgow City Council is serious about protecting people.

"GMB would like Glasgow City Council to recruit additional operators, rather than reduce the headcount and hours of operation.”