Tag: city council

Council braced for more cuts

‘Early grip’ of budget to ensure best value for residents

The City of Edinburgh Council has begun budget setting early in an extra effort to ‘futureproof the services which matter most to residents and deliver them more efficiently’.

A report published this week outlines high level proposals for how the council will ‘innovate to lower costs and provide best value for the people of Edinburgh’ when it sets its next budget.

As it is developed further, the Financial Strategy and Medium-Term Financial Plan will provide a forward look and action plan to address the city’s longer-term financial challenge – while staying true to Edinburgh’s core values, priorities, and commitments made in the council’s business plan.

With a focus on improving services where possible rather than reducing them, the initial proposals are based on:

  • An assumed Council Tax rise of at least 3 per cent;
  • A programme of internal change involving a new system to better support HR activities;
  • More efficient use of Community Transport;
  • Exploring new income and trading opportunities;
  • Making the best use of the council’s estate so that it has fewer but better buildings;
  • Managing contracts and partnerships more efficiently and at lower cost;
  • Driving down costs by embracing digital solutions.

This early planning comes just a few months after Councillors controversially agreed a Lib-Dem budget for 2023/24 set against a backdrop of real-terms reductions in core government grant funding.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: We’re proud of our commitment to making Edinburgh a greener and fairer city, and to getting the basics right. And we’re equally proud of our track record of strong financial management. This strategic approach prepares us for the challenges that we’ll face over the coming years.

“The work we do now will pave the way for protecting and enhancing our investment in Edinburgh’s future, which we’ve committed to in the council’s Business Plan. We need to make this investment, whilst also prioritising the day-to-day services residents say matter most to them right now.

“Local authorities have suffered a decade of continuous real term income cuts from central government and Edinburgh is no exception. In fact, Edinburgh remains the lowest funded council per head in Scotland, despite the unique pressures which come with being Scotland’s capital city – our projected population growth, the climate crisis, and our well documented housing shortage.

“The Scottish Government could do more to support Edinburgh. Fast tracking the Transient Visitor Levy, and allowing councils to decide what to use the income for, would make a huge difference to our finances.

“I know that financial planning can cause concerns, particularly amongst our workers, so I want to make it absolutely clear that I remain committed to the council’s longstanding approach to no-compulsory redundancies.

“A further report re-affirming this will be brought to a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August and we will continue to engage with Trade Unions throughout the ongoing budget process.”

Councillor organises Drylaw walkabout

Inverleith SNP councillor Vicky Nicholson has organised a walk round in Drylaw with council officers from the parks team and police on Thursday 29 June at 1pm, meeting at White Church.

Cllr Nicholson said: “This is in response to a few requests by local people and hopefully any questions people have about maintenance of green spaces, areas where people store motorbikes and also other Drylaw issues can be asked and, if not answered during the walk round, followed up by officers and police”.

Trees Please: George Street plans approved

A final operational plan for Edinburgh’s George Street and First New Town (GNT) project was approved yesterday (Thursday, 15 June), along with updates to the proposed design.

A key change is the introduction of trees on George Street, which has been agreed following discussions with Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and the Cockburn Association and other stakeholders.

This recognises trees’ contribution to the city’s Net Zero 2030 goals as well as their capacity to enhance the street’s biodiversity value, helping to combat urban heat island effects and supporting our One Million Tree City pledge. Following the approval of proposals, the Council will continue to work closely with partners to determine the appropriate position, number and type of trees to be added.

Transport and Environment Committee members approved updates to the principles of the proposed GNT Operational Plan which include plans for the creation of a pedestrian and cycling zone where loading, servicing and licensed taxi access on George Street will only be permitted during evening and morning hours.

At this stage, automated bollards will provide additional public safety measures and enforce the pedestrian cycling zone restrictions. Blue badge holders will still be able to park in disabled bays on George Street and the surrounding streets.

The George Street and First New Town project is being supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme and delivered by City of Edinburgh Council.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In updating designs and operational plans for the GNT project, the project team has worked closely with the community, key stakeholders and elected members to develop proposals which will both enhance the space for all those travelling through and spending time in the area but also retain the First New Town’s unique historic value.

“I know the potential inclusion of trees on George Street will be welcomed by many, now their inclusion has been approved more work will be done to ensure the position and type of trees is sympathetic to the street’s iconic character.

“We have also listened carefully to the Edinburgh Access Panel and have agreed blue badge holders should have full access to up to 27 blue badge spaces in the George Street and First New Town area.

“This latest update marks an exciting milestone in the GNT project and it will allow us to move forward with the final stages of development before construction begins.”

Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie, said: “I welcome the latest approved designs for the George Street and First New Town project. With over £13 million being invested by the Scottish Government, the introduction of more trees alongside improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure will create a more pleasant environment for people to enjoy.

“This work, supported by Sustrans Scotland, is part of our record funding for active travel in 2023/24 and we remain committed to investing at least £320 million or 10% of the transport budget for active travel by 2024/25.”

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3 developed design principles were approved in November 2022, though these were conditional upon further discussions around factors such as the potential inclusion of trees and taxi access.

Amongst the ‘core elements’ of the design are significantly widened pavements, the creation of a European style cycling street and the removal of parking bays (while retaining blue badge parking). The First New Town operation plan will support the area’s transformation and, in addition to setting out taxi access and enforcement, the plan maintains bus services in the wider First New Town (Hanover, Frederick and North/South St David Street) and criteria for exempt vehicles.

The next stage for the project will be to progress the promotion of all the necessary statutory processes for George Street, which provide the powers to enable the construction of the project, scheduled for 2025. Further engagement and analysis will be carried out on planned layouts for Hanover, Frederick and Castle Street during the next design stage in the process, RIBA Stage 4.

Earlier this year the George Street and First New Town project was shortlisted in the Pineapple Awards, celebrate excellence in place-based design and development, and is in the running as a finalist for the Scottish Design Awards in the Master Planning category.

The report was approved with a series of addendums and amendments from groups. These include agreements to consider of the project’s impact on the wider Active Travel Investment Programme, to continue dialogue on licensed taxi access for people with disabilities and to explore how the plan can deliver priority for pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists while also ensuring accessibility for disabled people.

Read the full report, George Street and First New Town – Operational Plan and Project Update.

Simon Strain, Head of Places for Everyone Programme at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to see the final operational plan for George Street and First New Town approved by members of the Transport and Environment Committee, along with updates to the proposed design.

“The funding awarded for this project will help make everyday walking, wheeling, and cycling journeys a reality, as well as improving biodiversity and creating a new space for people to spend time and relax in Edinburgh city centre.”

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “Edinburgh is currently one of the least pedestrianised historic cities in Northern Europe, so we are delighted to see progress in the plans for a place that prioritises people, not cars. George Street has the potential to become the heart of the city, creating a much-needed public space of high quality.

New electric refuse collection vehicles to hit Edinburgh’s streets

Electric rocked down to Waterfront Avenue yesterday/this morning as the Council’s new Electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (eRCVs) were unveiled for the first time.

The introduction of these eRCVs to the fleet is the first major step to decarbonising the Council’s approximately 200 trucks. These are the first fully electric refuse collection vehicles and will drive forward the Council’s vision for services.

Stopping at Station Square in Granton, Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, alongside colleagues from waste and cleansing, got a first-hand look at one of the five new eRCVs that will soon be doing the rounds across the city. They also got the chance to inspect an electric mechanical sweeper and electric pedestrian sweeper.

In total the Council already have more than 150 electric vehicles within the fleet, including a large mechanical sweeper, three welfare buses, and over 140 cars and vans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Enviroment Convener said: “I was delighted to be here today to see the new eRCVs, procured with generous funding from Zero Waste Scotland.

“By introducing these vehicles in exchange for traditional diesel refuse trucks we will see a significant fall in carbon dioxide emissions across our waste services alongside reductions in fuel, servicing, and maintenance costs. These will also be quieter as they carry out services. We also have ambitious plans to electrify our entire fleet of over 400 cars and vans before the end of 2024.

“Unveiling these new eRCVs at Station Square, in the heart of our £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration, is particularly fitting as this will be the blueprint for sustainable urban development and regeneration for Scotland with around 3,500 new net zero carbon homes.

“Changes like these all feed into our wider commitment to becoming a net zero city by 2030, and achieving our other key goals set out in our 2030 Climate Strategy.

“With tomorrow marking Clean Air Day it’s more important than ever that we all play our part in making our city as sustainable as possible and I am proud that as a Council we are taking steps to do so.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s Head of Resource Management, Waste and Recycling, Jane Beasley, said: “I’m pleased to see the City of Edinburgh Council take delivery of these new electric refuse collection vehicles, which will help the council cut carbon while delivering its expanded recycling service.

“The Recycling Improvement Fund exists to help councils improve and invest in their recycling and reuse services, helping citizens up and down the country move towards a circular economy, where materials and products are kept in use as long as possible.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them in action across the city.”

FIX OUR HOMES!

NORTH EDINBURGH COST OF LIVING CAMPAIGN GROUP MEETING

The Cost of Living Campaign Group for North Edinburgh are meeting on Tuesday 20th June, 10.30am until 1pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre:

“We are the Cost of Living Campaign Group, we are residents of North Edinburgh concerned with the cost of living. A major issue contributing to the cost of living is the state of housing. Our homes are filled with damp and aren’t well insulated. Reporting repairs to Repair Direct and other services doesn’t seem to solve the issues.

“Structural lack of investment in the existing housing stock is undermining the human rights of residents, impacting on health, wellbeing and our personal finances.

“We invite you to listen to our stories and contribute to our campaign to improve homes across North Edinburgh and demand Repair Direct be made fit for purpose and a comprehensive response to dampness.”

Edinburgh 2050: Thriving, Welcoming, Fair and Pioneering?

LORD PROVOST RELAUNCHES EDINBURGH CITY VISION 2050

Edinburgh pupils and local business representatives came together to share their vision of what the capital city should look like in 2050.

Earlier this month, pupils from Granton, St David`s, Pirniehall, Forthview and Craigroyston Primary Schools joined pupils from Craigroyston, Broughton and Trinity Secondary Schools and representatives from Edinburgh businesses to share their ideas of what they expect and what needs to be done to make it happen before 2050. 

2050 Edinburgh City Vision is a city-wide campaign beginning in 2016 and has heard from thousands of people. In 2020, the city developed four Vision Principles, shaped by over 22,000 responses to the public consultation – the largest such exercise ever undertaken by the Council.

The four 2050 Edinburgh City Vision principles are:

Fair: creating a more inclusive, affordable and connected city where opportunities are available to all and support is given to those who need it most

Pioneering: helping the local economy and society to prosper, leading the way in culture, data and business

Welcoming: striving to ensure Edinburgh’s citizens are happy, safe and healthy and that Edinburgh is a place where citizens belong and visitors are welcome; and

Thriving: delivering a low carbon, clean, green and sustainable city

While work continued to build on the campaign during covid, the event marked the beginning of fresh discussions across the city, with more events being planned.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It was my pleasure to attend this celebratory event to remind us all about our shared Vision for Edinburgh. 

“I was delighted to see so many people, particularly the number of young people, from our local schools, from Edinburgh College and our other universities, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament alongside others who have played a part in making our 2050 Edinburgh City Vision a reality. 

“Our 2050 City Vision builds from a position of strength.  Edinburgh is a world-class city of international significance and can more than hold its own among the capitals of the world. It is, however, important that the benefits of that success are available to all of our citizens. A great city is one which commits to sharing success and improving the wellbeing and life experience of all its citizens.

“By 2050, our citizens want Edinburgh to be a city without barriers to achievement, where poverty has been eradicated and a good quality of life is a basic requirement enjoyed by all. 

“Edinburgh should be Fair, and by that citizens told us that they wanted the city to be affordable, connected and inclusive. Edinburgh should be Thriving – green, sustainable, litter free.  Citizens told us that they wish Edinburgh to be Pioneering with our local economy leading the way in culture, data and business. 

“There was also a proud recognition that Edinburgh is a fantastic place in which to live, work, invest, study or to visit and that that Welcoming approach should be extended to ensure that all who live here are happy, safe and healthy. 

“Whilst the pandemic prevented us from convening sooner, these values and principles are central to how we have acted as a city since the Vision was agreed.

“I look forward to more of these types of events speaking to the people of Edinburgh in the future. “

Bridie Ashrowan, Chief Executive of EVOC, said: “I was delighted to see so many children and young people, from local schools, from Edinburgh College and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, alongside many others who have played a part in making the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision a reality, at the Granton site of the College.

“We asked the children & young folk, and the adults present, to bring their imagination to bear, to help the public partners hear had what needs to be done to make the city vision happen before 2050.  

“With their brilliant imagination in gear, the young people came up with the most fantastic ideas to present, and had no fear in raising their hands to speak to the Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council about them.

“There was energy, optimism, and great practical and visionary ideas in the room, and huge talent – potential future employees of all the partners and young entrepreneurs!”

It is still possible for any Edinburgh bodies get to sign up to the 2050 Edinburgh Charter which will help keep the priorities of the City Vision firmly in view when making any decisions about future plans.

Recruitment campaign to boost childminding workforce in Edinburgh City extended

A campaign to recruit new childminders in targeted urban and rural areas to help establish more childminding places for families has been extended, providing more time for people living in Edinburgh City to tap into funding and support available to get started in a new career.

Led by the Scottish Childminding Association, and funded by Scottish Government and participating local authorities including Edinburgh City Council, the ‘Scottish Childminding Partnership’ aims to increase the number of childminding businesses in areas where there are currently not enough childminders to meet the level of demand from families seeking local, high-quality, nurturing and flexible childcare.

A fantastic package of fully funded support and training available to successful applicants, providing everything needed to establish a new childminding business.

The campaign has seen almost 60 new childminders complete or apply for registration with the Care Inspectorate to establish new childminding businesses throughout Scotland but more are needed throughout target areas, including Edinburgh City, to help address the need for more high-quality childcare for families.

Skye Jolly has started her own childminding business in Moray after accessing support and funding available through the recruitment campaign and is delighted with her new career.

“When I first decided to become a childminder I didn’t have a clue where to start so I did some research online and quickly found this new childminder recruitment campaign.

“I think this is a brilliant way for anyone thinking about becoming a childminder to get started because you’re very supported every step of the way. I’m so glad I decided to take the leap, I really love my new career!”

No previous childcare experience is required to become a childminder but applicants do need to be passionate about working with children. It’s an extremely rewarding career option – contributing to children’s development, learning and wellbeing and providing a valuable childcare service within the local community.

Often, people who are looking to get back into work, or who want to switch career into professional childminding, do so to enable them to combine caring for their own children whilst running their own business from home and earning an income.

Those who apply and are accepted on to the pilot will be supported every step of the way by a dedicated member of the SCMA team, from induction training and support through the registration process to establishing their new business.

On completion of registration, new childminders have access to a start-up grant so that they can be reimbursed for some of the initial costs associated with setting up their new business from home*. They will also receive a unique package of childminding-specific training courses.

Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association, said: “Whether in rural areas, towns or cities, this form of high-quality childcare is a vital asset to families and the recruitment of more childminders is another important step towards addressing the urgent demand for high-quality childcare from parents and carers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people who may be considering getting back into work, or looking for a change of career which supports a better work / life balance, to access a wealth of support in setting up their own sustainable childminding business and to begin a new, rewarding career working with children.”

More information and how to get started by visiting :

www.childminding.org/childminder-recruitment

  • *£750 minimum business start-up. The value of start-up grant may vary across local authority areas
  • SCMA is a national charity and is the only organisation dedicated to supporting all aspects of childminding in Scotland. We provide a wide range of support and professional services including training and events as well as delivering local services for childminders, children and families.
  • More childminders are needed across the whole of Scotland. This unique pilot is helping to address the specific and urgent need for childcare in particularly remote and rural areas as well as specific urban areas.
  • Childminding settings provide low child-adult ratios. This means a childminder can provide tailored one-to-one care for each child.  Evidence has shown this form of childcare can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and their social development and is particularly helpful in supporting children with additional support needs, or for children who may struggle in a larger childcare setting such as nursery. 

Sign up for the final consultation events for Leith parks this month

There’s still time to sign up for our final events that are looking at plans for 6 parks in Leith! 🌿

We are holding further events with updated designs – come along to have your say! 🌳

📅In-person event: Thursday 15th June, 6pm-7.30pm, Duncan Place Community Hub

💻Online event: Tuesday 20th June, 6pm-7.30pm – this will be on Microsoft Teams (link sent to attendees)

📧Booking is essential: email thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk to book your place

The City of Edinburgh Council

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Greenspace Scotland

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Local SNP politicians visit new anti-flooding bridge

Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson and Inverleith Ward Councillor Vicky Nicholson visited the newly completed bridge crossing the Water of Leith at Bell Place, which can be raised during high water periods. The bridge was completed recently by the City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team.

Increased incidences of high water in recent years have caused stress for residents and damage along the Water of Leith, including to the old bridge. The new rising bridge forms one part of the flood prevention team’s work to bolster defences.

Levels in the Water of Leith can rise from ankle-deep to 5 metres in a matter of hours. 

Along with the rising footbridge, Edinburgh Council’s flood prevention team have been installing removable flood barriers that can be inserted on top of existing walls to prevent water breaching. 

Angus Robertson MSP said: “The work City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team are doing is really impressive. The rising footbridge means water will not be caught and diverted over the side by the bridge and, having spoken to a constituent on our visit, I know the insertable walls are giving peace of mind to residents. 

“Councillor Nicolson and I have been working hard with locals, the council and other groups to ensure the risk of flooding is reduced all along the Water of Leith in our constituencies and I am very thankful we have such an expert and dedicated flood prevention team to help tackle the issue.”

Councillor Nicolson said: ‘We are seeing more and more bouts of heavy rain and, consequently, there is an increased risk of flooding in many areas along the Water of Leith.

“Gordon McOmish and the whole flood prevention team are doing a brilliant job making sure the City is better prepared for these events, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do. 

“Angus Robertson and I remain available to constituents who are concerned about water level risk and we will continue to work with all to ensure no one has to go through the awful experience of being flooded and our public areas are better protected from damage.”

Have your say on Waterfront plans again

The creation of a £1.3bn connected and sustainable new ‘coastal town’ at Granton Waterfront has reached its next major phase. The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to transform Edinburgh’s largest brownfield site has now been published.  

The plans have been developed in partnership with Cruden Homes (East) Ltd. They include plans for over 700 net zero homes, of which at least 35% will be affordable, capacity for a primary school, commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.

The Council would like to find out what people think about the plans for Phase 1 and have organised in-person events: Tuesday 13 June from 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 17 June from 11am to 2pm at the Granton Station building, 1 Granton Station Square.

People will also be able to share their views online.

2111-F1-Consultation-Flyer-REV-ADownload

An online event will be held on Thursday 22 June from 6pm to 7.30pm and a ‘You Said, We Did’ event will be held in person on Wednesday 23 August from 4pm to 7pm at 1 Granton Station Square.

The City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “It’s great to see that plans have now been submitted for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront. The PAN is for the first phase of this ambitious and exciting £1.3bn regeneration project for the city.

“Sustainable regeneration like this is so important as we transition towards a greener economy in our Capital. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here to build a 20-minute neighbourhood completely from scratch with affordable net zero homes, shops, cultural and leisure and education facilities all close by.

“We’ve been consulting with people at every step of the way during this project so please be a part of this transformation of the north of the city and give us your views either at one of our events or online.

“This will help us to make sure we get it right for those who will be living in, working, and visiting this new area as well as everyone currently living in the many established communities nearby.”

Further information: