Well, folks, it was budget time in Glasgow recently – and now that I’m an independent, I am in the fortunate position that I can choose to vote for the budget I believe will be the best for our city and for my ward.

The budget process is unfair and unequal and also very secretive. I do not believe this is a good way to decide if important and necessary functions are going to be carried out or not.

I didn’t receive any information as to what was in any of the party’s proposed budgets until 12.30pm on the day before the budget meeting, where I had to decide which one to vote for.

The process for those with a party is that the budget is discussed on the run up to it in meetings of the party group, so that the group can agree on the various aspects of their budget – and then the members are whipped to vote for it.

Being independent meant that I had no idea what was in any of the budgets until the day before the vote. So I read them that night and decided which one to vote for.

I decided that the best budget for my ward would be the SNP/Green one, and I will tell you why. I had made my mind up before the full council meeting as I knew it would just be a lot of political peacocking.

There is £1.5 million extra being allocated to be spent on open areas and parks within the city. Split up, this means that an extra £73,500 will be allocated to the budget of the Drumchapel/Anniesland area partnership.

In addition, £800,000 is being allocated to new neighbourhood officers. Each ward has a designated person for councillors to contact about neighbourhood issues. I am hopeful that this will make a difference to the way our streets currently are – overrun with rubbish and full of holes.

I will be working hard to make our streets better for all of us.

On a different note I have recently become aware of three people who were found dead in their own homes after being diagnosed with Covid-19. This greatly distresses me. I would like to ask everyone to check on their neighbours, socially distanced and with masks on, and make sure they are OK.

We are at a very critical stage in this pandemic, where we really need to be looking out for each other more. Please just think about how you would like to be treated and treat other people with the same regard for human lives. It costs nothing to be nice to those around you.

If you are struggling mentally with the effects of the pandemic, please remember you are not alone and there are places and people who can help.

Check out www.cope-scotland.org, where you will find lots of helpful information – including a phone number where you can book a one-to-one chat which could help you.