Waste and recycling workers in Edinburgh are being balloted for strike action over a pay dispute.
UNISON, Scotland’s largest local government union, has notified City of Edinburgh Council today (Monday) that official strike ballot papers will be sent out next Monday (June 10). The ballot will close three weeks later (July 1).
If workers vote to strike, rubbish will pile up in the streets during the Edinburgh Festival and other summer events.
The union says the current pay offer from Cosla to local government workers falls significantly short of what they deserve, and well below the pay claim that unions submitted earlier this year.
UNISON Edinburgh branch secretary David Harrold said: “If workers vote to strike, rubbish will pile up on the streets again at the Edinburgh Festival – one of Scotland’s truly global events.
“The last thing anyone wants to do is take strike action, but local government workers deserve a fair increase to stop their pay lagging behind inflation and other sectors in the economy. This is about more than just waste workers, we are standing together for fair pay for every council worker in the country.”
UNISON regional organiser Greig Kelbie said: “I would urge every waste worker in the ballot to look for their ballot envelope and return it as soon as possible.
We need to send a clear and resounding message that we demand a fair deal for all council workers. Together, we can make a difference for every council worker who deserves fair pay.”
The LEZ ensures that all vehicles driving within Edinburgh’s LEZ must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. A map of the LEZ is available on the Council’s website.
It is anticipated that the LEZ will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles. Furthermore, air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, which will further improve public health.
LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Individuals can check whether their vehicle is compliant on the LEZ Scotland website.
For contraventions of the LEZ, the Council will issue Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines, in line with Scottish Government regulations, from 00:01 on 1 June 2024. Full details of LEZ penalties are available online.
The Scottish Government is also providing £5m across Scotland to reopen the LEZ Support Fund for 2024-25 where residents and businesses can apply for support to ease the transition through retrofitting, disposal and other grants. Over the past three years people in the Edinburgh region benefited from £2.4m of grant support to prepare for the LEZ.
Changes have also been made to roads to allow drivers with vehicles that don’t meet the standards to avoid the entering the LEZ. These include key junctions in the Old Town (junction of Pleasance with Holyrood Road), and Tollcross, as well as changes to Morrison Street.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur said: “I’m proud that we’ve reached this important milestone in our journey to become a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city. For the past two years we’ve run a positive information campaign to give people time to get ready for the LEZ, and to make sure they avoid penalties once enforcement begins.
“We have ambitious plans to achieve net zero, accommodate sustainable growth, cut congestion, and improve air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city; and the LEZ is a key component of these.
“Alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Dundee we’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all.
“And as Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on these key climate issues which will define our country for generations to come.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased that Edinburgh is protecting public health and improving air quality through their Low Emission Zone.
“This bold action mirrors the decisive measures we’ve seen in towns and cities right across Europe. There are now over 320 similar schemes in effect which respond to the latest medical understanding concerning the dangerous effects of air pollution from vehicle emissions.
“To help those that need it most, the Scottish Government has provided over £16m to help people and businesses to comply with LEZs. Support remains available and I would encourage anyone who wants to know if their vehicle is compliant, or to find out more about funding, to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot.”
Consultant in Public Health at NHS Lothian, Flora Ogilvie said: “Reducing air pollution has clear long and short-term health benefits for everyone but is especially important for vulnerable groups. NHS Lothian welcomes the introduction of the Low Emission Zone and wider actions to encourage walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport use.
“We encourage our staff, patients and visitors to travel sustainably wherever possible, for the benefit of their own health and that of the wider community. We have been working to get our fleet of vehicles ready and make sure our staff are aware of the enforcement date.”
Policy and Public Affairs Manager at British Heart Foundation Scotland, Jonathan Roden said:“Air pollution is a public health emergency. Our research has shown that air pollutants can have a damaging impact on people’s heart and circulatory health.
“Each year up to 700 deaths from heart and circulatory disease in Scotland are attributable to particulate matter pollution. That’s why BHF Scotland welcomes the implementation of Edinburgh’s LEZ, which will help to improve the capital’s air quality and help to protect people’s health.”
Chair of Healthy Air Scotland, and Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, Gareth Brown said: “With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.
“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.
“Public health focussed policies like LEZs are seen as the most effective tool, but we would like to see policies that go further, helping to clear up pollution hotspots throughout the country, not just in our four main cities. It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our communities, no one should be forced to breathe in toxic air.”
With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.
The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.
To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.
We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.
There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:“As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.
“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.
“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”
To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.
TOURIST TAX: Local authorities empowered to invest in tourism
MSPs have backed legislation giving councils a new power to introduce a visitor levy that would raise funding for local visitor facilities and services.
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will enable local authorities to apply a levy on overnight stays with all money raised to be reinvested in services and facilities largely used by tourists and business visitors. Similar levies already apply in tourist destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam and Berlin as well as in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada.
Councils that want to introduce a visitor levy will be able to do so after they have consulted with local communities, businesses and tourism organisations.
An 18-month implementation period will then apply before any local authorities can introduce a visitor levy scheme in their area. This is to provide adequate time for councils and businesses to put in place the systems needed to collect and administer a levy.
An expert group of representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA and other partners will continue to work together to produce guidance for local authorities putting in place a visitor levy scheme.
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We share a vision with the tourism industry for Scotland to be a global leader in tourism and one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world.
“A visitor levy can help achieve that vision by empowering councils to raise funding, if they wish to do so, that can be invested in local visitor services and activities.
“This Bill has been a clear example of partnership working between the Scottish Government, local authorities and the tourism industry, in line with the New Deal for Local Government and New Deal for Business.
“We have sought to deliver as much flexibility to local authorities as possible and to listen to businesses to make it as easy as possible for them to adopt these measures.”
Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Visitor Levy Bill has now passed through stage 3 in Parliament. With the introduction of these new Visitor Levy powers, councils across Scotland will have the ability to use a discretionary mechanism, that is firmly based on local flexibility.
“The opportunity of these new powers recognise the great diversity of Scotland’s communities, acknowledging that a one-size-fits all approach does not work. It will allow councils to respond to the needs and circumstances of both the local communities and our important visitor economies.
“The revenue raised through the introduction of visitor levy powers will be to the mutual benefit of residents, tourists and businesses. There will be opportunities for much-needed additional investment, potentially available across a range of facilities and services, from transport and culture to maintaining and improving our world-famous natural heritage and environment.
“The visitor levy is a crucial step towards greater empowerment for local government, and we will continue to progress joint work with the Scottish Government in ensuring the smooth progression of these powers into the hands of councils across Scotland.”
Council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass the Visitor Levy Bill.
He said: “We will continue to work closely with the sector, @VisitScotland and other partners to develop the scheme in the months and years ahead.”
Former Edinburgh city council leader SNP Cllr Adam Nols-McVey said: “Delighted to see this pass! It took a great deal of work, determination, engagement & collaboration when I led this process & changed @scotgov policy.
“The tourist tax can create investment for Edinburgh to help communities & local businesses thrive!”
The earliest a visitor levy could come into force would be spring 2026.
BRIEFING from the Council Waste Team on the current bin collection backlog.
KEY POINTS:
Please do not put your blue glass box out for collection this week.
If your green recycling bin or grey non-recyclable waste bin has not been collected, please leave it at the kerbside and we’ll collect it as soon as we can.
Cllr Scott Arthur said: “As you may be aware, we are currently experiencing delays to kerbside wheelie bin collections (non-recyclable waste and mixed recycling bins) in some areas of the city due to unexpected staffing issues.
“There are a smaller number of delays relating to food waste collections.
Crews worked over the weekend to catch up on collections and will work hard to get the service back to normal as soon as possible, however delays are expected to last until the end of the week.
“To minimise the level of disruption and allow us to catch up on delays to these collections we are taking the following actions:
Suspending kerbside glass collections for this week. Residents due to have a blue glass box collection this week are being asked not to put their box out for collection. This service is expected to resume on Tuesday 4 June.
Anyone with a missed non-recyclable waste or mixed recycling bin collection should leave their bin out at the kerbside and we’ll collect it as soon as possible.
Food waste collections will take place as normal and residents should put their food caddies out on their normal collection day.
“Advice for residents and information on delays and affected areas is available on our website and social media updates will be sent out over the coming days: https://edinburgh.gov.uk/missedbin
“Please be assured that the service will be working hard to get back on track as soon as possible.”
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit the City Chambers and learn about Edinburgh 900
The Edinburgh 900 programme has received a royal boost, with the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron welcoming TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers on Monday evening.
Edinburgh 900 is a celebration of the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city since the founding of the royal burgh by King David I in around 1124.
To celebrate the event the main Council Chamber was set up to represent the ten themes of Edinburgh 900, where the royal party were given an insight into each theme by invited experts.
The evening concluded with a moving musical piece from Shionka Kamikaji-Inkster, playing the clarsach.
The city council says Edinburgh’s communities have a central role to play in these celebrations. The Edinburgh 900 Community Fund aims to allow our residents to celebrate their city’s rich heritage and inspiring present.
Community fund applications need to be led by an Edinburgh-based community group and focussed on activities or events held within their local area. Each application can be to a maximum of £5,000.
The full criteria and guidance for applications are available on our website. The deadline for applications is 27 May 2024.
If you’re already planning events for 2024 or 2025 and would like to be part of our Edinburgh 900 programme, you can apply through our separate application process to use the Edinburgh 900 logo and be advertised on the programme website and marketing activity.
Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I was delighted to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the ‘Showcasing Edinburgh 900’ event at the City Chambers, which gave us an opportunity to shine a light on the main themes of the programme. It’s fantastic to have this Royal support for such a key project for our city.
“It was wonderful to hear from a wide variety of representatives from the local community to discuss these themes.
“I’m looking forward to the official launch of Edinburgh 900, which is due to take place in July.
“It’s been really encouraging to have a number of community groups from across the city show interest in taking part in Edinburgh 900.
“There’s still time to get your application in for the community fund during the next week, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Proposals for five new supported bus services in the west of Edinburgh are set to be discussed at the Transport and Environment Committee tomorrow (Thursday 23 May).
Under the plans the routes would be The Gyle to Hermiston Park & Ride via Ratho; Queensferry to The Gyle; Cramond to Balerno; Wester Hailes to Chesser and The Gyle to Clermiston.
There are currently three existing bus services operating in the west of the city that are fully financially supported by the City of Edinburgh Council – services 20, 63 and 68 – operated by McGill’s Bus Services but these are to be withdrawn on 14 July this year.
Four of the new routes would be run by Lothian with the The Gyle to Clermiston route being operated by Handicabs Lothian.
Before the revised contracts went out for tender the Council consulted with local communities and operators to help develop route specifications and help balance community requirements within the available budget.
The new services will improve bus provision in the west of the city with some of the routes amended and a new connection to Cramond being provided by utilising a developer contribution from new housing in the area.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is fantastic news for residents in the west of the city as it’s really important to make sure the areas they live in are connected with the rest of Edinburgh. There are some parts of the city that are just not well-connected which is why these supported bus services are so important.
“I’m pleased that the community and bus operators also fed into the proposed routes allowing us to amend some services, which should improve reliability and connections to the wider public transport network.
“I’m delighted to be proposing that these services will be operated by Lothian Buses and Handicabs. Once these contracts are awarded better connecting Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes will become our top priority.”
If the proposals are approved next week then the Council will immediately move to award contracts so the new services can be registered with the Traffic Commissioner and be ready to operate as soon as McGill’s services stop. The proposed contract lengths are for two years, with two one year optional extensions.
The Council will also work with the successful operators to update all available passenger information on each route and keep community groups updated on the changes to services in their area.
Tendering for the new service provision for the Lady Nairne and Dumbiedykes areas will now start to be progressed.
New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant
More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant
Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.
Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.
Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.
Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.
Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’
Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.
However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to.
In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee..
Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said:“There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.
“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.
“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV – but it is just not economically viable at the moment.
“At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”
Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:
Changes proposed to ease congestion around Picardy Place
Plans to re-introduce the left turn from Leith Walk onto London Road in Edinburgh will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (23 May).
After the completion and opening of the new Trams to Newhaven line the project team has continued to monitor a number of issues raised along the route including the lack of left turns and accessibility from Leith Walk heading east which has resulted in increased congestion in and around the Picardy Place area causing delays to public transport.
Following the period of monitoring and public feedback the report to the Committee next week proposes re-introducing the left turn which will include these measures:
A minimum of 10 seconds for traffic to use it
When the left turn goes off the ahead signal will remain on allowing pedestrian and cyclists to come over from London Road and
The overall time for the two stages would be the same as currently operating for the ahead only and pedestrian stage
The proposed changes are not anticipated to have any impact on Elm Row bus stops and will benefit the overall traffic flow around Picardy Place, Leith Street and Broughton Street.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area.
“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback (i.e. complaints? – Ed.) and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.
“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.
“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”
If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.
We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network (ELHN).
This network was launched on the May 10, 2023 and was attended by 17 representatives from a variety of local community groups, organisations, and societies.
The ELHN has gone from strength to strength over the past year and now has 30 members who represent local heritage groups and societies from across the city.
This network is specifically for local groups and societies with a focus on the heritage of Edinburgh, with the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge as Honorary President.
The purpose of this network is to develop and maintain partnerships between local heritage groups and with Council services, chiefly Archives, Libraries, and Museums and Galleries. This is to better safeguard, enrich, and promote the city’s heritage together.
Membership of the ELHN is available to heritage groups and organisations based within the city. If you belong to a group that you think might benefit from this network, please contact us at archives@edinburgh.gov.uk
The network meets quarterly and focuses on subjects of interest to local heritage groups. Groups can also raise any specific issues or questions facing them that network members might be able to help with.
Currently, the key focus of the ELHN is the development of a new online membership directory and collaboration on the Edinburgh 900 programme with a focus on supporting local communities to celebrate this anniversary.
The full ELHN online directory can be found on our website.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and ELHN Honorary President, Robert Aldridge said:“I’m delighted that the ELHN has reached this milestone and I’d like to sincerely thank all the members, supporters and colleagues who have worked hard to grow and enhance this network.
“Edinburgh is a city of rich history and stories. We’re committed to sharing these as part of our Edinburgh 900 programme and the ELHN has a key role to play in these celebrations.”
