Month: November 2016

Council Cuts: Wightman says report shows need for autonomy

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Andy Wightman MSP, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens,  has highlighted a report showing the social impact of the 2016-17 local government budget. The MSP says the report highlights a need to re-address the way councils are funded. 

The SPICe/Glasgow University/Heriot Watt University report shows most council expenditure is on services used by less affluent communities – services such as social work, public transport and citizen’s advice – but that most cuts have also landed on these services.

Andy Wightman, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said: “Local authorities provide a lifeline for many communities struggling to make ends meet. Good quality education, social care, public transport, libraries and citizen’s advice are essential if we want a fair society.

“I welcome this new social impact methodology which, although not ideal, is very useful in understanding the impact of cuts to local government budgets.

“Ultimately this report shows the negative impact on local services from the Scottish Government’s cuts to council funding and underlines the need for a fiscal framework between the Scottish Government and local authorities and the need to scrap the Council tax and provide greater fiscal autonomy to local government.”

 

School play highlights fireworks danger

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A hard hitting play focusing on the antisocial use and dangers of fireworks will be performed in nine secondary schools in Edinburgh in the run up to Bonfire Night. TOAST has been staged in Edinburgh schools for a number of years and will be performed to over 1,000 S2 pupils this week leading up to 5 November. Continue reading School play highlights fireworks danger

First meeting of new West Pilton West Granton CC tonight

WPNC
Dear All,
This is notification of the first meeting of the new Community Council for West Pilton West Granton.
It will be held in the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday 1st November.
This is the usual venue for the meetings which are on the first Tuesday of each month.
The minutes of each section of the last meeting will be there.
Looking forward to seeing you .
Barbara Robertson
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The result of the Leith Links Community Council election was announced last week – the only community council requiring a ballot following the nomination period.

Following the nominations period to join the Capital’s 44 community councils in September, a poll was required in Leith Links Community Council area where 17 valid nominations were received for 12 seats.

Voting opened on Thursday 20 October 2016 and closed at 8pm on Thursday 27 October 2016. Eligible voters were able to vote online throughout this period and in person at a polling station on Thursday 27 October 2016.

A total of 588 people voted and a list of the successful elected members has been published on the Council website.

Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhood Committee, has congratulated everyone who took part in the election process. She said: “Community Councils are an ideal way to support communities to thrive, to allow people from all backgrounds to meet and share ideas and to make change happen.

“My congratulations go to all of the candidates who were successful in the 2016 Leith Links election. I wish them all the very best and look forward to working with them on the issues which matter in the Leith Links Community Council area.”

The first community councils were established in Edinburgh in 1980 in Merchiston and Longstone, and more than 500 people are now members across the city.

They each receive a grant to cover running costs and training is available for the members. They are represented on each of the city’s 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships and work alongside elected members, representatives from NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, the voluntary sector and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

For more information on community councils visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitycouncils or contact the community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk