Tag: city council

Landlords could hold the key to reducing homelessness

   

A new partnership to unlock access to the private rented sector for homeless people across the city has been launched with national homelessness charity, Crisis.

Help to Rent Edinburgh will provide a range of services for tenants who the Council have assessed as homeless to widen their rental options beyond social housing, which often has long waiting lists. This will allow people to move on from temporary accommodation more quickly. 

Support will include advice in navigating properties available for rent and entitlement to local housing allowance. The service will also provide help with budgeting, leases, inventories, arranging viewings and finding flatmates where necessary. 

The scheme will also include a deposit guarantee provision for landlords so that people who would struggle to pay this expense up front are not excluded from renting. Similar to a cash deposit, this gives landlords peace of mind by providing protection against any damage or arrears and is guaranteed to be paid by the scheme if problems arise. 

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “Because of the pressures on social housing in Edinburgh homeless households are having to spend too long in temporary accommodation while waiting for a permanent home. We have to help people find ways out of homelessness that don’t just rely on social housing and that has to include the private sector. 

“Crisis have a wealth of experience in housing and homelessness, so it’s good to have them working in partnership with us to deliver what will be a transformative project. This is about the public and third sectors working with private sector landlords who understand that they can play an important role helping us to tackle homelessness. 

“And it will also make it easier for many households and families at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, to find a permanent, settled home. If you are a landlord in Edinburgh I would encourage you to find out more about Help to Rent as, if you do, you will absolutely play a part in improving people’s lives in our city.” 

Grant Campbell, Skylight Director for Crisis in Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Council to provide this much-needed service.

“So many people across the city are currently struggling to leave homelessness behind, in part because the costs of renting can make finding a stable home hugely challenging. Landlords who agree to let their properties to homeless individuals, couples or families are playing their part in supporting people into settled housing and allowing them to move on with their lives more quickly. 

“I would encourage any landlord with a property to think about joining Help to Rent, not only will it genuinely help more people out of homelessness but you will also get the security of a named contact for the duration of the tenancy and support in finding new tenants making the process easier for you to manage.”

Crisis is employing two new staff members to manage the scheme and prospective tenants will come through the Council’s Housing services. The initial aim is to secure 40 tenancies within the first year of the three-year contract.

A city of tree-huggers!

Edinburgh becomes first Scottish council to support Tree Charter

At yesterday’s full council meeting city councillors added their signatures to a UK-wide Charter for Trees, Woods and People, the first local authority in Scotland to do so.

The Tree Charter, launched in 2017 on the 800th anniversary of the 1217 Charter of the Forest, sets out ten principles for a society in which trees and society can stand stronger together. UK woodland conservation charity, Woodland Trust, is leading the project.

Signing the Charter was first proposed in a motion to Council by Green Group Councillor Claire Miller (above) on 22 November 2018. 

Woodland Trust Scotland Director Carol Evans said: “Trees and woods deserve to be at the centre of national decision making, and back at the heart of our lives and communities.  We are delighted to see the City of Edinburgh Council support the Tree Charter.

“As the first local authority in Scotland to do so, they are committing to a set of principles which will guide best practice and ensure the role of woods and trees in our lives is widely recognised. We would love to see other local authorities follow their lead.”

Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day were the first to sign the Charter this morning, followed by Transport and Environment Convener and Vice Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes and Councillor Karen Doran.

Council Leader Cllr Adam McVey said: “Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city, with more trees than people, more green space than anywhere in the country and more green flag parks than anywhere else for people to enjoy.

“Since we took office in June 2017 there are 7,000 more trees in Edinburgh as we’ve ramped up our tree planting programme. It’s crucial that our trees are accessible and a constant feature in our urban and rural landscape to keep our city healthy, beautiful and rich in biodiversity.

“Our support for the Tree Charter’s ten principles is a public demonstration of our commitment in this regard and I would urge everyone who loves trees and wants them to continue to thrive in Edinburgh to sign it as well.”

Cllr Day said: “We’ve got more trees per head of population than any other UK city – and Edinburgh’s home to more trees than people! But trees can’t look after themselves – they need us, as much as we need them.

“Trees keep our air cleaner, lower the risk of flooding, keep us cool in the summer and warmer in winter and give the wildlife in our city a home. However, our trees are under threat due to their age, changes in the environment and tree disease such as Dutch Elm.

“By signing the Charter, we are publicly pledging to keep nurturing, planting, celebrating, cherishing and increasing Edinburgh’s trees.”

The Tree Charter sets out ten key principles which signatories are demonstrating they agree with and, where applicable, that they are committed to embedding in their work or approach. These are: 

  • Sustain landscapes rich in wildlife

  • Plant for the future

  • Celebrate the power of trees to inspire

  • Recover health, hope and wellbeing with the power of trees

  • Protect irreplaceable trees and woods

  • Grow forests of opportunity and innovation

  • Plan greener local landscapes

  • Strengthen our landscapes with trees

  • Make trees accessible to all

  • Combat the threats to our habitats

Anyone can sign the Tree Charter – 

go to https://sign.treecharter.uk/page/6023/petition/1

Have your say on city council’s Meadows to George Street proposals

Views are being sought on proposals to transform walking, cycling and public spaces along some of Edinburgh’s busiest streets.

Forrest Rd

The Meadows to George Street project aims to significantly enhance the experience of those travelling on foot or by bike on streets connecting the two destinations, improving public realm and increasing accessibility. Continue reading Have your say on city council’s Meadows to George Street proposals

Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Forthview Primary School parents proudly unveiled their latest story ‘Bear with Me’ at a launch at the City Chambers on Wednesday. Continue reading Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Consultation on incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Scottish Government is seeking views on how best to incorporate the UN’s ‘gold standard’ for children’s rights into Scots Law and improve the lives of children and young people.

UNCRC_summary

Continue reading Consultation on incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Edinburgh “proud to be an LGBT+ friendly council”

The transgender flag will fly for the first time above the City Chambers today as Edinburgh shows support for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.  Continue reading Edinburgh “proud to be an LGBT+ friendly council”