There is little choice over the figure as, just as John Swinney can only spend what he gets from Westminster, city leader Gordon Matheson and his treasurer Paul Rooney can only spend what they get from Holyrood.

However, there is a choice in what they spend it on and when resources become even more scarce than they previously were, those decisions become even more important.

The priorities of the people of Glasgow must be protected and then savings can be looked for in areas where it is considered will do the least damage.

Politicians and officials have a choice in salami slicing equally across all departmental budgets or protecting those that matter most.

Education services and early-years investment are but two examples of where investment now will bring benefits in the future.

It must be ensured that the steps Glasgow has taken to invest in a healthier, stronger future for the next generation are not jeopardised, as every penny spent, as well as every penny cut, has implications for the future.