The allocation of cash raised from business rates is unfair and discriminates against the very areas that are the drivers of the economy.

Glasgow provides for more than just the city itself, with surrounding areas benefiting from much of the facilities and infrastructure.

It also has more than its fair share of problems which need proper funding to cure.

The rigid allocation structure is no longer fit for purpose and a fairer system needs to be devised to rectify the anomaly.

Tens of millions of pounds has been flowing out of the city every year to the Government for distribution elsewhere.

With severe cuts and job losses looming, that is a lot of cash generated in Glasgow that should be spent in Glasgow.

More to drink issue than price

Minimum pricing of alcohol will not, on its own, solve Scotland’s serious problem with drink.

Other factors must be considered with social attitudes to drinking a key part of the problem.

Other European countries have cheaper drink, yet do not suffer social problems to the same degree seen here.

Together with pricing, as a country, we need to re-evaluate the role alcohol plays in our lives.