It’s the season for festive fun for many and my heart swells with pride looking at the twinkly lights that were put on in George Square at the weekend marking the beginning of this most wonderful time of the year.

My heart might be happy but in the pit of my stomach is a gnawing knot, because I know that budget season is looming – and it’s not looking good.

We got a flavour of what to expect last week at the City Administration Committee when the proposals of a £120 million cuts over three years was brought in.

As we know, this comes in the wake of years of budget cuts and already executed reductions in critical public services like the police and fire departments. As the city grapples with the aftermath of these existing cuts, including the significant reduction of 300 police officers, the proposed future cuts add another layer of concern.

The reduction in police and fire services, a direct consequence of previous budget cuts, has already begun to leave its mark on Glasgow.

Fewer police officers means maintaining law and order is more difficult, seeing a potential increase in crime rates and a heightened sense of insecurity among residents.

The fire service, operating with fewer resources, must now deal with the increased pressure of maintaining response times and effectiveness in emergency situations.

And now we must cut another £120m over three years. If ­implemented, these additional cuts could further exacerbate the strain on public services, impacting everything from health and education to transport and ­community services.

The cumulative effect of these reductions could lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life in Glasgow.

The situation calls for a critical evaluation of the SNP administration’s approach to city management. Because of the mismanagement of the city, it means that dealing with issues such as potholes and rat infestations is necessary and there is a growing concern that the administration lacks the ambition to address the broader challenges facing Glasgow.

Our city deserves a leadership vision that transcends immediate problems and embraces a more comprehensive developmental approach.

As Glasgow Labour gears up to present their budget options in February, they are presented with a critical opportunity to alter the city’s fiscal course. This budget is more than a financial statement; it’s a reflection of the values and priorities of the city.

It’s imperative that this budget not only addresses the immediate fiscal challenges but also lays down a roadmap for sustainable growth and development.

Innovative fiscal strategies are required to navigate through these tough times. This could involve exploring alternative revenue streams, encouraging new partnerships, and investing in sectors that promise economic growth. Moreover, reinvesting in public services, especially those already hit by cuts, should be a priority to ensure the safety and well-being of Glasgow’s residents.

Put bluntly, the proposed £120m budget cuts, on top of the existing reductions in crucial services, present a challenging scenario for Glasgow and every single one of our citizens.

But Glasgow Labour will craft a budget that not only manages these fiscal constraints but also charts a path for a more prosperous and secure future for Glasgow.

We will have our city, our citizens at the heart of our budget decisions, I hope the SNP administration will do the same.