Glasgow's record on recycling and cleanliness was criticised

Glasgow City Council's record on recycling and cleanliness were among areas singled out for criticism, as was the educational attainment of children.

The verdict came in a report by the Accounts Commission for Scotland, the public sector efficiency watchdog.

Councillor Steven Purcell, the council's leader, said Glasgow had changed for the better in recent years.

The report was the latest in a series of in-depth studies of Scottish local authorities.

We have worked closely with the auditors and we are already acting on the recommendations made in the report Cllr Steven Purcell Glasgow City Council leader

The generally favourable review painted a mixed picture.

Criticism included a call for the council to invest more in how it managed its 38,000 staff.

The report also questioned the academic attainment of children in care and called for more support for people leaving the criminal justice system.

'Much to do'

The plaudits included praise for how Glasgow had succeeded in creating 53,000 jobs in seven years, a growth rate of 16%, bettered only by Manchester.

Commission chairman Alastair MacNish said: "The council needs to maintain its momentum and stay focused on achieving its goal for improved outcomes for its citizens, especially in those aspects of service delivery which affect the most vulnerable groups the council serves."

He added that the council "now has a strong foundation to build on and recognises the areas in which it needs to improve".

Cllr Purcell said that the report would provide a benchmark for improving service delivery across the city.

"This is a very positive report which highlights the significant advances made in Glasgow, but I am acutely aware that there is still much to do," he said.

"We have worked closely with the auditors and we are already acting on the recommendations made in the report.