city council – Page 130 – The NEN

‘Fantastic’ response to Council’s Choices consultation

A report which sets out 1,800 responses to the public consultation on ‘Choices for City Plan 2030’ has been published the Council.

This figure compares to 435 responses received for the main issues report to the current Local Development Plan. Social media statistics show that information about Choices for City Plan 2030 reached over a million people, with over 24,000 engagements on our posts.

A public consultation began on 31 January and responses were accepted until 30 April. Residents and other interested groups were given an additional four weeks due to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic to give their views.

Next week councillors on the virtual Planning Committee will discuss the 1,800 responses to the public consultation, as well as the next steps towards City Plan 2030.

A revised timetable for the Development Plan Scheme for City Plan 2030 including the proposed plan, the period of representation, examination and future adoption of the Plan will also be considered.

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Convener of the Planning Committee, said: “When we set out to consult on ‘Choices’ none of us could have known how the world was about to change and as some coronavirus lockdown restrictions and physical distancing measures remain in place, none of us can predict exactly how Edinburgh and the rest of the world will emerge from this global pandemic.

“We are all adapting to a ‘new normal’ and all of our planning must take account of the changes we are seeing in the way people are living their lives. This includes how we all use and appreciate green spaces with the health and well-being benefits they bring to communities. Community resilience also includes easy access to facilities. Connectivity is therefore very important, with neighbourhoods containing a mixture of services within in easy reach.

“It is fantastic that we’ve had such a great response to our consultation and I’d like to thank everyone who gave us their views. Now more than ever we must listen closely to what our residents, businesses and other stakeholders have told us to help us develop a plan to allow our city to grow and change to meet future needs.

“City Plan 2030 is about us making the right choices now so that our residents can make reasonable and informed choices about how and where they live and how they get around in the future.

“Edinburgh is a beautiful green, cultural and historic city which has benefitted from a thriving economy but, like many cities, we have increasing levels of poverty and health inequalities in our communities, rising housing costs and in some areas, traffic congestion and poor air quality.

“We also need to adapt our city to meet the needs of an aging population, address the increasing impact of climate change and make sure growth is sustainable. This must all now be addressed in the context of the changes we are seeing as a result of the impact of Covid-19 and making sure we have resilient communities.”

Vice Convener, Cllr Maureen Child, added: “We’re embarking on one of the most significant periods of transformation in a generation which has just become a lot more intense due to the coronavirus pandemic, and we need to rethink the way we use our buildings and expand to accommodate our growing population.

“We’re already committed to building 20,000 affordable and low-cost homes by 2027 but the city needs more housing, with particular emphasis on affordable homes.

“We must make sure we meet our ambitious climate change targets and all houses and other buildings will need to be much more energy efficient in the future. We’ll also work with our partners in the industry to make sure we make the best use of the limited space we have and, going forward, we’ll be asking developers to think more carefully about location, density and design.

“Choices for City Plan 2030 set out bold options for the public to consider and comment on about how we manage future development so Edinburgh can adapt and flourish during a time of major change. This is how Edinburgh could be in a decade’s time if it responds fully to the challenges of a rising population and the coronavirus and climate emergencies and in the manner set out in a radical plan for the future.”

The wide-ranging document set out options for how to the make best use of land for future development. It also addressed how we could tackle short term lets through new planning policies, in addition to the new regulatory powers announced earlier this year by the Scottish Government following Edinburgh’s campaign to seek national legislation.

Views were also sought on planning for and building more affordable housing, managing the growth of student housing, and whether all new buildings and conversions should meet the highest zero carbon standards to help Edinburgh meet its ambitious target of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.

In each section, the Council gave its preferred option for development as well as other alternatives.

‘Choices for City Plan 2030’ links closely with the Council’s ambitious draft City Mobility Plan, designed to improve sustainable transport over the next decade.

The proposed City Plan 2030 will be considered by the Planning Committee in December after which it will be published for representation and then formally examined by the Scottish Government before we can consider adopting it.

Community Payback Orders – Tell us your views

Edinburgh residents are being asked to share their views on a scheme that requires people who have committed offences to carry out unpaid work in the community as part of their sentence.

Community Payback Orders can be imposed on people who have committed offences by the courts as an alternative to a short term prison sentence, and can last between six months and three years. They give those involved the chance to address their behaviour and also to repay communities by carrying out unpaid work.

The Council administers the scheme in the city and is seeking the views of the public on people who have committed offences working in communities and the effectiveness of community payback as a way to reduce re-offending.

Examples of unpaid work carried out by the scheme include:

repairing and reinstating headstones in local cemeteries
developing and maintaining children’s play areas
recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture

As well as using the questionnaire to comment on the community payback scheme, participants can also recommend groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work through the online suggestion form.

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Vice Convener of Culture and Communities said: “We’re really keen to hear what people think about Community Payback Orders, and the work carried out by the people subject to them.

“One of the aims of the consultation is also to identify more opportunities in Edinburgh for unpaid community work to be carried out. This work could include repainting community centres, community clear ups or recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture. They are an excellent way for organisations such as charities to get practical help, and they give people who commit offences the chance to repay communities for their offences.

“The information we collect will help us to improve how we work with communities and help to increase understanding of CPOs and their importance in helping people reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of them reoffending.”

The consultation will run until Monday 31 August.

Phased return for city pupils

Pupils will have a phased return to City of Edinburgh Council schools during the first week of the new term.

Staff will be in schools on Monday and Tuesday next week preparing to welcome pupils back from Wednesday 12 August. Pupils will be in for the rest of the week on a phased basis with all of them back 100% on Monday 17 August.

Arrangements for all primary, secondary and special schools are outlined in a letter from the Executive Director of Communities and Families, Alistair Gaw, that was issued to parents yesterday (Wednesday 5 August).

The letter is the latest in a series of updates for parents over the summer holidays which has included a series of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers and minutes from two meetings of the Consultative Committee With Parents including one on Monday night.

The latest ‘Delivery Plan’ outlining the steps that have been taken to ensure schools can reopen safely next week will be discussed by Councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee today.

The ‘Delivery Plan’ contains details on areas such as: hygiene, health and safety, transition support for children with Additional Support Needs, cleaning, ventilation, physical distancing measures, health and wellbeing, equity, raising attainment, school meals and breakfast/after school clubs.

It also includes arrangements for the detailed contingency plans the Council is putting in place if the virus is not suppressed and schools have to resort to 50% attendance with the blended learning model in place.

In addition funding announcements by the Scottish Government mean the Council will be able to recruit around 100 newly qualified teachers and purchase over 2,000 digital devices for those pupils most in need.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener, said: “One of the highest priorities for the Council is ensuring that pupils and staff return to the safest possible environment next week. We’re doing this by following the most up to date Government and Health Protection Scotland advice and putting in place strict hygiene measures to keep everyone safe.

“Having a phased reopening over the first three days ensures pupils will have time to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements in their schools. Our teaching staff and other Council teams have been working tirelessly in getting schools ready for reopening next week and I want to thank them for all their tireless efforts in achieving this.

“It is also reassuring to know that we have robust contingency plans should they be required. We really hope they aren’t needed but I’m confident these detailed plans demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the best teaching and learning for all pupils across the whole city.”

Cllr Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener, said: “I know parents will be relieved to finally see our young people returning to school next week. Everyone has been working really hard to achieve the goal of getting every child and young person back to school where they belong and a phased return means they will be able to get used to the new arrangements after such a long absence.

“There’s no doubt that these past five months have been the most challenging periods ever for the world of education. It’s put a huge strain on both our teaching staff and families struggling at home so an enormous amount of praise must go to everyone who has pulled together in these difficult times – most of all to the children and young people across the city who have shown such amazing resilience and courage in these difficult times.

“I also want to reassure parents that when learning and teaching starts again next Wednesday we are doing everything we can to make sure the principles of consistency and equity are at the heart of our plans.”

The Scottish Government guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term is available on their website.

Back to School Tips

Back to school tip 1: Keep connected – Relationships matter

Your Child Support your child to contact a friend from school, chat online or spend some time together before the start of term. For children who may find this difficult, help plan an activity or discuss ideas of what they could talk about.

Think of ways your child can feel connected to you when they return to school, E.g. give them a picture, a written message or a familiar object that they can take with them in their pocket or bag. Schools will give advice on what your child can bring with them initially.

You Arrange to meet or call a friend or another parent, have a chat and share your plans for returning to school. Suggest walking to school together or arrange to meet up after school starts.

Together Share anything important that has happened during lockdown with school at the start of term- let them know about any family changes, positive achievements or challenges experienced. Your child may want to draw a picture or take a photo of something positive they have done to share with a staff member or their friends.

Back to school tip 2: Be kind to others – Everyone needs kindness

Your Child Encourage your child to think of ways they can be kind to others and pay attention and praise your child when you notice them doing this. “It was kind of you to… share with your friend/ include them in your group at break”

Children learn by watching others- show or tell your child ways you have been kind to others. For example, “I had a chat with our neighbour, she looked a bit sad.”

You Notice other parents on their own in and around the school, you never know who may welcome a friendly greeting or chat.

Above all, be kind to yourself. We’ve all been through exceptional circumstances.

Back to school tip 3: Talk things over – It’s good to talk…and listen

Your Child Notice when is a good time and make space for your child to talk about things. This may be walking the dog, in the car or at bedtime. Create opportunities for your child to build a relationship with another family member, trusted adult or professional.

Be available to actively listen to what your child is thinking or how they are feeling. Name what you think they are feeling, let them know you understand and try not to jump in too soon with a solution. For example. “It sounds like you’re worried about having no one to play with, I can see why that’s upsetting you.”

After the school day, your child may need time to wind down before telling you about their day. You could try sharing something about your day first.

You Think about who you can talk to about any concerns or worries you have, such as a friend, family member or maybe a professional.

Back to school tip 4: Look on the bright side – Find positive moments, however small, each day

Our brains are wired to notice threats, sometimes that stops us seeing the good stuff. That can mean we have to really try to be positive.

Your child Help your child identify the positive things about lockdown easing or returning to school. Who might they be looking forward to seeing or what might they be looking forward to doing?

You Consider the positives for you of lockdown easing and children returning to school.

Together It can be helpful to make time each day to think of one or two positive things. It may be nice to write these down in diary or post them in a jar, share them with your child and listen to their ideas. You could have a phrase like “Today I loved…. playing football with you”

Back to school tip 5: Challenge your mindset – Remember we can cope…we just did

Your child It can be unsettling not knowing what may happen. Help your child focus on all the things they do know, such as how to get to school, what they will wear, seeing a friend. Introduce new information gradually as it becomes available.

Everyone is a unique individual, discuss with your child the little things that they can do or have already achieved. Remind them of these skills and successes when embarking on a new challenge.

You It is normal that many children and parents will be feeling anxious, try to focus on how you will manage rather than what might go wrong. Show confidence, even if you are feeling a bit wobbly, it helps that your child sees that you have a plan to carry out together.

Back to school tip 6: Take a moment – We all need some time out

Your child Reflect on what you have noticed helps or may help your child to cope with new or difficult situations or emotions such as listening to music, jumping on the trampoline, etc. It might be helpful to practice new coping strategies together and plan for how these can be used when things are tricky.

You Being a parent can be really tough, doing things to look after our own wellbeing helps to manage stress, boost our confidence and makes us more able to cope with the ups and downs. Try to prioritise doing something that improves your wellbeing – it might help to set aside some time each day. You could- chat with a friend, go for a walk, read a book, go fishing, etc.

Together If appropriate share with your child a way you have managed a difficult situation.

Back to school tip 7: Make a difference – Small things can make a difference

Your child Discuss with your child what they did to make a difference to someone in your community or your environment over the past few months. Like displaying a rainbow, shopping for a grandparent or cutting the grass for a neighbour.

Acknowledge the small things – for example notice your child when they help a sibling, put litter in the bin, help around the home.

You Talk about who or what made a difference to you or your family during lockdown.

This could be something that seems small, like someone calling when you needed cheering up. Consider how you made a difference and what else you’d like to do.

Together By each of us washing our hands, wearing a mask and keeping a distance we help protect others.

Back to school tip 8: Get active – Keep going, or get started

It’s proven that physical activity boosts our sense of well-being.

Your child If your child started to be more active during lockdown, think about how this can be continued. If not, what small steps could you encourage. Be curious about what may interest them and plan how they could try something new.

You A lot of us were more active individually as well as together as a family – playing games, going for cycle rides and walks together. We will have noticed the benefit; plan how you can keep these activities going.

Together As lockdown eases we can benefit from more exercise outdoors and reduce some of family screen time and online activity.

Remember little rewards to yourself and family can help establish a good habit!

Back to school tip 9: Respect yourself – Be proud of your child and yourself

Your child Help your child make a list of the things they have learnt and enjoyed over the last few months. E.g. learned to hula hoop, baking, mountain biking. Share and celebrate these with family and friends.

You Think about and share all the ways you and the family have adjusted to the challenges over the last few months and acknowledge together, the strengths you’ve shown. There may have been ups and downs but remind yourself of the things you managed to do. Such as using video calls, cooking family meals, supporting your child with their learning or exploring your neighbourhood.

Together You may wish to put together a scrap book or time capsule to help remember this extraordinary time. It could include photographs of the things you did at home, news articles, letters, interviews from different family members, etc.

Back to school tip 10: Have a goal – A new journey starts with a step…

Your child Talk to your child about what they would like to learn or get better at by the end of this term, such as a sport’s skill, a new hobby, being able to cook something, dress themselves, etc.

You Think about something positive you can start to do, or you keep doing when your child returns to school. E.g. start a new class, exercise, meet a friend, complete a home improvement project.

City of Edinburgh Council

Council welcomes green recovery recommendations

A new report has been produced by the Just Transition Commission for the Scottish Government, providing recommendations for Scotland’s green economic recovery.

This report follows the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s inaugural report, Forward Faster Together, which was published and presented to Councillors earlier this month, with the Council agreeing a green recovery is the only way forward for our City.

Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, said: “Having committed to working for a green recovery we very much welcome the report and recommendations from the Just Transition Commission. These are very well aligned to those of the Edinburgh Climate Commission and to Edinburgh’s 2050 City Vision of a thriving and fair city.

“We need to ensure that we build our city and our country back in the right way, focusing on action that contributes to our net zero carbon by 2030 ambition and prioritising initiatives that make a positive impact on climate change.”

Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council Depute Leader, said: “With the dual crises of COVID-19 and climate change it’s clear that we must deliver a green recovery that is just, fair and sustainable in the long-term by enhancing job creation, empowering Edinburgh’s residents, improving public health and driving innovation while tackling climate change.

The Just Transition Commission’s report recommends a green recovery that looks out for both people and planet. This will require action at both national and local government levels, and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to making this central to the economic recovery of Edinburgh.”

Read the Just Transition Commission report at the Scottish Government website and find the Edinburgh Climate Commission report, Forward Faster Together, here.

Stay safe in the sun

A report will be published by the City of Edinburgh Council today outlining plans for councillors to consider reopening more public toilets.

The Policy and Sustainability Committee will consider the report next Thursday (6 August) following a city-wide review and a proposal to reopen public toilets in ‘hot spot’ areas near busy parks and beaches, which was approved by the Committee earlier this month.

With warm weather forecast from today and lockdown restrictions having eased considerably in recent weeks, people are reminded to use the nearest open public toilet if they are caught short in areas such as the Meadows and Portobello Beach as these have become increasingly popular.

The council’s street cleansing teams are also working extremely hard to keep the city clean and tidy under pressure and we need everyone to help us keep Edinburgh beautiful by binning their litter or taking it home with them to put in their own bin.

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: It’s fantastic that people will have the chance to enjoy some lovely weather in our beautiful parks and beaches in the coming days as restrictions have eased considerably but if you are, please remember to follow Scottish Government social distancing guidance.

“People should also remember to plan ahead and take any rubbish home with you or use bins provided. Please also be respectful if caught short and use a public toilet or your own at home if no other facilities are open nearby.

“It’s really important that we protect public health at the moment and we will open more public toilets when we can. I would ask everyone in the meantime to plan ahead to minimise use of public toilets where they are open and keep our parks and beaches clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.”

Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: “It’s great that we have so many beautiful spaces across the city where people can enjoy the sunshine but we need your help to keep them clean and tidy.

To try to stop people from littering in the city we’ve teamed up with Keep Scotland Beautiful and Zero Waste Scotland this summer as more and more people are now enjoying our parks, beaches and other open spaces.

“We’re supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful, who have wrapped our bins at Portobello with anti-littering and dog fouling messages to help to keep the water clean and we’re putting Zero Waste Scotland anti-littering messaging on some of our bins in other hot spot areas. We’ve also put around 40 extra bins out at the Meadows/Bruntsfield links and Newhaven.

Public toilets currently open until 30 October:

Pipe Lane in Portobello
Hope Park in the Meadows
Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens
The Courtyard at Saughton Park
Bruntsfield Links
Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
Cramond

Council to create network of local ‘business champions’

A ‘local Champions’ network will be established in Edinburgh to provide a direct link between the Council and businesses during the city’s ongoing recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to create a new dedicated network was taken by elected members at an online meeting of the Full Council on Tuesday and is set to involve individuals from local businesses, traders associations, community councils and other local groups to push forward policy proposals to help Edinburgh’s high streets.

It will become the latest in a long line of immediate measures put in place by the Council to provide support to businesses during and in the aftermath of Edinburgh’s lockdown.

Proposals will be brought forward to support businesses applying for tables and chairs licences and a local promotional campaign will also be explored to increase resident and visitor footfall, alongside floral planters to enhance local high streets and the option of ‘green deliveries’ using cargo bikes.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: We want to strengthen communication with businesses and make sure traders are aware of routes they can use to raise ideas and concerns with the Council. This will help us respond as quickly and effectively as possible to the needs of local businesses through these enormously challenging times and beyond.

“It’s vital that we hear from businesses about their experiences and we also need to keep residents and communities’ views central to how we move forward. A Champions network will help us strike the right balance between what is necessary for our people, planet and economy in the coming months as lockdown restrictions continue to ease and we all adapt to a new normal.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Officers and Councillors from all parties have put an enormous amount of work into supporting local businesses during the pandemic and it’s fantastic to see this constructive way of working continue.

“At our Full Council meeting, there was strong consensus that we need to do all that we can to support businesses, for the wellbeing of our economy and jobs but also for our local communities.

“It’s going to be important that we continue to hear from businesses about what they need and what they would find helpful. The creation of a Champions network will help us to do that.”

Other Council steps to promote a sustainable economic recovery and support small businesses have included:

– Supporting businesses to gradually reopen safely with a ‘Ready, Set, Go’ advice service, including guidance provided to 20,000 business owners

– A more flexible approach to licensing to help more businesses apply to use outdoor space

– Accelerating plans to use the Council’s supply chains to better support local business and stimulate economic growth

– Creating more space for people to travel to businesses safely and enjoyably through the Council’s Spaces for People initiative, with priority being given to support walking, cycling, wheelchair use and prams

– Awarding more than 9,000 Government funded Coronavirus Business Support Grants to local businesses worth around £112.5m

– Supporting planned promotional activity with the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group to gradually market the City as an attractive place for shopping, dining out and visiting with a £55,000 contribution from the Council.

The full report on support for local businesses is available online.

Next Step for employment support in Edinburgh

Since lockdown began in March, the pressures on the job market has been no more acutely felt than in Edinburgh which has been one of the hardest hit cities in Western Europe.

As we emerge from lockdown, some have returned to work, but there is still talk of recession being announced soon. However, there is already a support system in place for residents experiencing redundancy and unemployment because of Covid 19.

At the start of lockdown, The City of Edinburgh Council asked employment service Next Step Edinburgh to respond and they are currently supporting hundreds of people who have lost work.

Next Step Edinburgh has been providing employment support for people in and out of work since April 2019, but since March they have adapted their service as registrations from people affected by COVID 19 job losses has increased.

Will was supported by Next Step Edinburgh to gain employment as a walking supervisor for a building project. He explains what kind of support he received from Next Step before and during lockdown:

“I was referred to Community Renewal’s Next Step Edinburgh service by my job centre adviser. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had a rather negative experience with a provider prior to this.

“I worked with them to focus my CV and from the first moment was treated with respect by people who genuinely wanted to help. They also assisted me with job interview preparation and a screening job interview which meant I was very prepared for the real interview and subsequently was offered the logistics supervisor role I am currently doing.

“Unfortunately, the job was stopped after little more than a week due to Covid 19 and was stalled for a few months. Every week during that period I would receive a call from my adviser Ross to check all was ok and if there was anything he could assist with. This was very important to me.

“Thankfully I am now back at work, but I would like to personally thank them for their work and the genuine respect they treated me with throughout.”

Capital City Partnership has been working with key organisations to coordinate a response to the crisis. Their Deputy Chief Executive, Kate Kelman adds: “We know that people and businesses are finding it really hard just now and the impact on jobs and the economy is likely to be far-reaching.

“Along with our Joined up for Jobs network of provision, Next Steps has literally ‘stepped up’ to support individuals who are facing redundancy and job insecurity. Their high-quality help and guidance will ensure that Edinburgh residents can progress quickly into fair, sustainable work.”

Lesley Morrison who is a Service Manager for Community Renewal – the charity who deliver the Next Step Edinburgh service – comments on the how they are supporting people right now: “We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach – everyone is different, and we listen to what each client’s needs and together we come up with a plan.

“Some people just need a job right away and we can link them with employers we have relationships with. For everyone else, we work with them, so they are ready for when the job market recovers; whether that be refreshing a stale CV, helping with applications or directing them to vocational training if they are considering a career change.

“Whatever is needed, we are here – and if we can’t support all their needs, we will link with specialist organisations who can help them whilst we continue to support their employment needs.”

The City of Edinburgh Council continues to fund Next Step Edinburgh to support people to secure and progress into employment.

Additional funding was made available through City Region Deal has also allowed the development of a jobs website – www.c19jobs.org – which directly assists those who have faced redundancy or job insecurity due to the current crisis.

Councillor Cammy Day, Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As the economic impact of the pandemic on Edinburgh unfolds, we’re doing all that we can to help people facing financial hardship.

“We know that this crisis is far from over and we stand ready to help our most at-risk residents. The Next Step Edinburgh employment programme is in place to support anybody facing redundancy or job insecurity in Edinburgh. I’m pleased we’re able to fund this service in order to support people back into careers as quickly as possible.

“The project is part of a package of measures we’re working on right now to prevent long-term unemployment in the coming months and years, including an expanded Edinburgh Guarantee.

“Hailed by the Scottish Government as a really good example of the type of work cities can do to successfully tackle unemployment, our Edinburgh Guarantee has been supporting disadvantaged young people for years.

“We’re looking to expand this offer even more in light of Covid-19. We want to use it to help people of all ages who might face additional barriers to employment and we’re calling on employers to sign up and support us.”

Lesley warns that the journey ahead won’t be straightforward, but stresses that nobody has to face it alone – there is support available: “Next Step Edinburgh’s advisers will do everything they can to support you.

“We are working with employers recruiting right now but we understand those jobs may not be right for some. For those people we will collaborate so they will be front of the queue when the job market recovers.”

Anyone looking for support can find the contact details on Next Step Edinburgh’s website – www.nexstepedinburgh.org

Sign up for garden waste collection

The current garden waste service year ends on 8 November. Registration opens from 10am this Thursday (30th July).

Registration opens for garden waste on 30 July and the cost remains at £25 per bin
Residents need to sign up by 9 September to continue to use the service
We’re extending the current service year until 8 November to make up for collections being temporarily suspended due to coronavirus

To continue to receive collections in the next service year which runs until 7 November 2021, residents need to renew their permit or sign up for one by 2pm on 9 September.

The current service year for fortnightly brown bin collections was due to end on 4 October but we’re extending current permits to make up for the service being temporarily suspended in springtime due to coronavirus. The current health pandemic also means that we’re encouraging residents to register online and we’ve made this easier by making the MyGov sign in optional.

Unfortunately, you’re not able to pay in person at locality offices this year as they are being used as community resilience centres for coronavirus, but you can also pay over the phone. Phone lines are likely to be busy so if you’re unable to register online yourself, we’d encourage you to ask a friend or relative to help you.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “I’m sure that like me you’ll be delighted to hear that since last October, garden waste customers have helped us turn nearly 10,000 tonnes of garden waste into compost, which is used on farms, gardens and green spaces, so I’m pleased to see the service up and running with the chance for people to renew their permits and continue this in the future.

“We need to charge for collection though as our costs are increasing, and more people are using our services, whilst our income is reducing. The £25 per year charge was agreed by the Council at a meeting in February 2018 and raised £1.8 million towards the cost of providing the service last year.

“We’ve made a decision to keep our charge at £25 per bin. This is one of the lowest annual fees in Scotland among local authorities operating a similar service and works out at just under 50 pence a week.

If you’d like your garden waste picked up during our next service year – which starts in November – please make sure you sign up or renew your permit by 2pm on 9 September. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to continue collecting your bin every fortnight after November when the next service year starts unless you’re signed up.”

Emails and letters are being sent to all 70,900 current subscribers to the service advising them on how to renew their permits so look out for those dropping into your inbox from 30 July.

About the service

Permits cost £25 per brown bin. A one-off payment of £25 will be taken by debit or credit card, unless you’re exempt from paying because you receive Council Tax Reduction.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
You can also register and pay over the phone by calling 0131 357 2800. Please note we expect phone lines to be busy and there may be long waiting times. Phonelines are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 3.40pm Friday. Please note we don’t accept cash or cheques.
The deadline to register is 2pm on 9 September and the quickest and easiest way to do this is on our website.
The next service year will run from 9 November 2020 – 7 November 2021.
Brown bins will be emptied once every two weeks, except over the festive period when there will be no collections between 14 December 2020 and 10 January 2021
There will be another opportunity to sign up to the new service year, but the payment will remain at £25 and permits will be valid until 7 November 2021.
Once we’ve received your payment, we’ll send you a new garden waste calendar and a permit sticker between 23 October and 4 November to put on your brown bin before the new service year starts. We can only empty bins with valid permit stickers.

Exemptions

If you are a low income household and receive Council Tax Reduction (formerly called Council Tax Benefit) or you, or someone who lives with you, has been classed as severely mentally impaired, the service will be free, but you’ll still need to register for the service. Other council tax discounts, such as single occupancy or disabled person discount, don’t qualify for this reduction. Households that pay for garden aid are not exempt from paying for the service.

Further information about the service is available on the city council website, Including details about alternative ways to pay, exemptions, how to pay on behalf of someone else and terms and conditions.

Green recovery is ‘only way forward for Edinburgh’

Edinburgh Talks Climate consultation opens on Monday

Edinburgh City Centre View

A new business plan will incorporate plans for a green recovery and achieving the Council’s net zero carbon by 2030 ambition, according to a report considered by Policy and Sustainability Committee.

The recommendations were made in response to the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s report Faster Forward Together, which was published earlier this month and presented to the Committee on 9 July.

The report also recommended that a positive effect on city carbon targets should be considered when making any public stimulus and investment decisions and that existing projects that do so are accelerated to reflect the urgency and scale of the current climate crisis. This includes projects like the regeneration of Granton waterfront, the extension of the tram to Newhaven and establishing a Low Emission Zone, among others.

A major public engagement, Edinburgh Talks Climate, is set to commence on Monday (27 July) having been delayed from earlier this year due to the pandemic.

The website, www.edinburghtalksclimate.dialogue-app.com, invites Edinburgh residents to take part in the conversation around the urgent action that is needed to tackle climate changes.

The engagement will be conducted via various ‘challenges’ where participants can submit and vote on solutions, as well as watch informational videos to help them do their bit in different parts of their own lives.

This is part of the Council’s wider plan to take learnings from the pandemic and effectively implement any resulting change within its Adaptation and Renewal Programme, as well as ensuring that the activity implemented is aligned to the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision principles of creating a welcoming, thriving, fair and pioneering city.

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “Edinburgh is facing a dual crisis right now and both need urgent action: our recovery from the pandemic is coupled with the global climate emergency.

“As we adapt to the circumstances brought about by COVID-19, we can also start building a city for the future. Tackling climate change must be front of mind in this process and we have to take every step we can to ensure that our recovery is a green one.

“Edinburgh belongs to its residents and we welcome their views on how we can positively effect climate change within our city. I would encourage everyone to take part in the Edinburgh Talks Climate engagement and make sure their voices are heard throughout our recovery.”

Cammy Day, Depute Leader, said: “It’s clear that if we are to build an Edinburgh for the future and achieve our 2050 City Vision, then a green recovery is our only option.

“We have to make sure our plans, decisions and actions both in the short- and long-term serve this ambition and Edinburgh Talks Climate is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in how we tackle climate change within our city and the actions that we take as part of Edinburgh’s adaptation and renewal to the situation.”