Senior figures at Scotland’s largest council were given more than £1 million in payouts without sign-off from elected councillors, a watchdog has found. A report by the Accounts Commission said five top officials at SNP-run Glasgow City Council received “significant” early retirement and redundancy deals between 2021 and 2024.
The payments included £268,000 in redundancy and more than £770,000 in extra pension costs, taking the total to just over £1 million. But the Commission said councillors were not given a chance to scrutinise or approve the decisions, which it described as “deeply concerning”. It said the deals “fell short of the behaviour and standards expected of public servants” and raised serious questions about transparency and value for money.
According to the report, some of the restructuring plans that triggered the departures “appear to have been approved by individuals who directly benefited”.
In one case, the council’s former chief executive was allowed to retire early on the grounds of cost-saving, even though the role was not scrapped and someone else replaced her.
The council had initially told elected members that the redundancy costs would total around £730,000 and deliver annual savings of £650,000.
But the final cost of the exit packages was much higher, The Telegraph reported.
The early retirement deals were signed off at a time when the council was under severe financial pressure.
It had been cutting services and even remortgaged landmark public buildings to balance the books.
SNP council leader Susan Aitken and city treasurer Ricky Bell were reportedly unaware of the full details. The council later brought in lawyers to investigate the matter.
Former chief executive Annemarie O’Donnell, who left the role in 2024 after more than 30 years at the authority, received early access to her full pension. That deal cost the council £317,000, but she has since agreed to repay around £300,000.
Other payouts included:
- Carole Forrest, a former solicitor to the council, received £95,000 in 2021.
- Anne Connolly, former principal adviser to the chief executive, was given a package worth £191,767.
- Robert Anderson, head of HR, received £147,654 in 2023.
- Elaine Galletly, former director of legal and administration, left with more than £280,000 in pension contributions and compensation for loss of office.
The Commission said it would now contact every council chief executive in Scotland to remind them of the need for clear governance, transparency and proper oversight.
Andrew Burns, the watchdog’s deputy chair, said: “The actions taken by a group of senior staff at Glasgow City Council fell short of the values and principles every public sector worker and councillor are expected to follow.
“There was a failure to address and document how potential conflicts of interest were considered.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “We welcome this report, which reflects the findings of the independent investigation commissioned by the council.
“The commission’s findings will support the action the council is already taking to improve oversight and transparency and to rebuild trust; both within the organisation and with the public.”
The Express has reached out to the SNP for comment.