Disbelief over reports £13,000 could be spent on Glasgow Christmas tree

The yearly cost of supplying and delivering a real festive fir measuring up to 65 feet is stated as a £13,000 in a procurement report detailing supplier tenders.

The report made no mention of where it would be placed, prompting questions over the usual cost of the Christmas tree for George Square.

The cost was highlighted at a council meeting on Thursday, where Councillor Jim Kavanagh expressed his disbelief at the amount, and asked if the tree was “made of gold”.

The figure emerged in a horticultural procurement report presented to Glasgow City Council’s Contracts and Property Committee.

Councillor Kavanagh repeatedly demanded an explanation from council officials on whether that money would definitely be spent on a single fir. But despite his efforts, he was left dangling for clarity.

The report states: “Supply and Delivery of a Large Real Christmas Tree (up to 65ft) £13,000.”

Commenting on the eye-watering price tag, Cllr Kavanagh said: “I’m sure the people of Glasgow would love to hear that.”

Council head of procurement Maureen Fitzpatrick said the amount was just an ‘expectation’ of spend.

The purchasing boss said the figure also relates to South Lanarkshire Council – not just Glasgow as part of a “collaborative framework.”

Ms Fitzpatrick added: “There have been significant increases in the price of Christmas trees due to supply and demand. I believe there has been a problem in terms of Christmas trees over the past few years.”

Commodity procurement officer David Hart said “At the time we go out and ask for a large tree so it will be what is available at that time – from 40 feet to 65 feet.”

Mr Hart pointed out costs include equipment to install the tree including cranes.

A total of £25,000 was also listed for the annual supply and delivery of an unspecified number of real Christmas trees with a height of up to 20 feet.

Councillor Kavanagh said: “That doesn’t tell me anything.”

The Cardonald and Labour politician wanted to know exactly how many trees would be bought for £25,000.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the paper dealt with appointing suppliers to a framework.

She said: “There is no guarantee that the council will proceed and buy any of the products listed. The ethos of a framework is to agree terms and conditions and a pricing framework up front that we can then utilise through the duration of the contract. We provide suppliers with an expectation of what we need but in terms of what we may buy it can substantially change.”

She added: “This is to give an indication to committee on what we may potentially spend based on the submissions that we received.”

A seemingly frustrated Councillor Kavanagh’s final comment on the matter was: “If you could just give us clarity on what the Glasgow Christmas trees cost and George Square Christmas tree cost that would be much appreciated.”

Councillor Malcolm Balfour, SNP, said he has noticed Christmas trees are “quite expensive” when considering them for his local ward area.

Councillor Kavanagh replied: “We have never had a tree in the Cardonald ward since its conception.”

Drumchapel and Anniesland Councillor Balfour confirmed funding proposals were presented at area partnership meetings. But Councillor Kavanagh said there had been no mention in his area.

North east Councillor Ruairi Kelly, SNP, said Glasgow area partnership meetings received prices of £4000 for the supply, installation and set up of a Christmas tree in local areas.

The concern about pricing emerged in a report recommending councillors approve a framework agreement to suppliers for horticultural products and services.

Glasgow City Council estimates it will shell out £400,000 per year on horticultural products and services.

That includes topsoil, turf, shrubs among other products and services.

Councillors approved the report.