The event held at Fare in Easterhouse was an opportunity to ask questions on local services to SNP, Labour, Conservative, Independent and Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidates.

Chair Rod Hunter introduced candidates to the busy event and in the opening remarks, Philip Charles, Conservative was keen to bring back pride to the Greater Easterhouse area with Matt Dobson from TUSC advising that he would be campaigning to reverse cuts.

Jim Coleman, sitting councillor for Labour, stated that his party would concentrate on jobs, education and housing. Ruairi Kelly highlighted that SNP would re-join COSLA, settle on-going wage disputes, devolve decision making, allocate £1m to each ward, improve digital inclusion and review previous financial decisions. Independent Gerry Boyle, stated that as current ward councillor he would be continuing to represent the needs of constituents with housing and homelessness issues.

The first question from the floor was from Colin Cameron, chair of EHRA, who asked what the politicians would do for housing associations. The SNP candidate advised that SNP would establish a housing forum and share out housing funds. Gerry Boyle, Independent, would continue to make representation to GHA to work collectively with local community based housing associations. Labour’s Jim Coleman would continue to work with housing associations and encourage small scale development for community based housing associations although the balance of development would be with GHA. TUSC would campaign for more council housing and a more democratic system of housing. Philip Charles from Conservatives would encourage more homes to be built and re-use derelict building.

Further questions were asked on rents for temporary furnished flats, Universal Credit and rent arrears and the link with homelessness, closure of job centres and welfare cuts. A further question from the floor asked the candidates to clarify if their loyalty would be with the constituents or their party.

The final questions asked about the priorities for the city.

Gerry Boyle wanted communities to meet their potential, to produce new housing and advised that as an independent candidate he was no longer caught up in conflict politics and would represent constituents.

Jim Coleman from Labour advised that there would be a job guarantee for 18-24 year olds and that Glasgow would benefit from tourism as new hotels located in the city.

Matt Dobson, TUSC would fight to reverse the cuts and improve income levels for residents.

Philip Charles, Conservative wanted to bring a sense of civic pride to Greater Easterhouse

Ruairi Kelly from SNP would work to mitigate against some of the cuts. Other priorities would be to improve transport links and bus routes and create a local place in the communities to act as a digital job centre.

Following the announcement of a snap General Election, EHRA has arranged a GE2017 Hustings on May 31 at Blairtummock Hall from 7pm-9pm.