Tag: city council

Friday is fuel poverty voucher deadline

Households in Edinburgh are being urged to check if they are eligible for over £1.3m of unclaimed fuel poverty vouchers before the deadline for using them runs out on Friday this week (30 June). 

The Energy Bills Support Scheme, which ran between October 2022 and March 2023, enabled households to save £400 off the cost of their energy bills over the course of the six months.

Whilst most households received this discount automatically via their energy supplier, traditional prepayment meter (PPM) users were required to redeem monthly vouchers sent to them by their supplier for use at either Post Office or PayPoint top-up points. 

Although the majority of vouchers have been redeemed there are still over £1m unclaimed vouchers in the city and the City of Edinburgh Council is calling on anyone with friends or family on a PPM electricity meter to make sure all eligible households benefit. 

The deadline for claiming fuel poverty vouchers was highlighted in a motion from Forth Green Cllr Kayleigh O’Neill at Full Council on Thursday 22 June.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We know there are many people in the city suffering from fuel poverty especially since the high levels of energy costs came into force. There is financial support out there for people on prepayment meters suffering from fuel poverty but the voucher scheme ends this Friday. 

“According to Ofgem 34% of eligible households in Edinburgh have not redeemed vouchers which is the equivalent of £1.3m of crucial financial help going to waste. I would really urge anyone on prepayment meters who hasn’t claimed their vouchers to do so in the next few days before the scheme ends.”

Claiming a voucher is simple. PPM users should bring their voucher, ID and energy prepayment key or card to the top up point specified by their energy supplier. Vouchers can then be redeemed in store immediately. 

Previously issued vouchers expire after 90 days but can be reissued before 30 June. If a person thinks that they have missed their vouchers, they should contact their energy supplier.  All vouchers must be used by 30 June. 

For more information, visit gov.uk/helpforhouseholds. 

‘INTOLERABLE’: Parents fighting at Ferryhill Primary School

Commenting on news reports of fights breaking out between parents at Ferryhill Primary School, UNISON has denounced the actions as intolerable and are demanding that more must be done to protect all staff, parents and pupils from the threat of violence at work.

UNISON Edinburgh City branch secretary, Tom Connolly said: “This is a serious situation, which we have been working with stakeholders to ensure all pupils, parents and staff are safe.

“It is not acceptable that staff regularly feel threatened at work. We can’t allow any aggressive behaviour towards anyone in our school.”

“UNISON, with other unions, has been trying to find a solution for some months. We are working together with the head teacher, who is extremely supportive, the police and local authority. We are doing everything we can to support staff and parents.

“The unions have met with senior leaders at Edinburgh Council and requested community police to support staff at the beginning and end of the school day when the behaviours are at their worst. We are also looking to see if a voluntary sector family support organisation can provide help.”

“UNISON will continue to work collaboratively over the summer, with the school management team, city councillors and others, to ensure pupils, parents and staff can return to a safe environment for learning.”

The Chair of Ferryhill Parent Council made this statement back on 1st June:

It is with a heavy heart that I must make this statement.

As parents, our top priority is always our children. We willingly sacrifice our free time and forego attending events in order to organize activities and provide treats for the kids at Ferryhill. We strive to ensure that every child is included and receives equal treatment. Over the past few months, we have taken days off from work and given up our personal time to address significant issues that were left behind by the previous parent council.

As the Chair, it is unacceptable for our members to be subjected to backlash, derogatory comments, and verbal abuse.

Regrettably, we have experienced two separate serious incidents today, which will be thoroughly investigated, and the police will be involved if deemed necessary.

Additionally, we have received negative feedback from parents about the selection of activities we have on offer. Taking all of this into account, I have made the difficult decision to suspend any upcoming events that we had planned, as well as future projects aimed at supporting the children at Ferryhill.

After the investigation concludes, we will assess the situation and make a decision regarding whether to proceed or not. Furthermore, we will seek support from the parent forum for any future decisions.

It is important to note that we are here to represent parents and caregivers. However, it is crucial to remember that we are also parents ourselves.

If there is any parent that witnesses the two incidents and would like to come forward please contact me on ferryhillparentcouncil@yahoo.com

MS Victoria: Council Statement

The City ouncil has agreed to write to the UK Government about their decision to use the cruise ship to accommodate asylum seekers.

Council Leader Councillor Cammy Day said: “Over the last year and a half, we’ve shown solidarity with, and support for, thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have fled Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine, as we have for Syrian, Afghani and, most recently, Sudanese refugees.

“Thankfully most of us will never experience the horrors these communities have faced, and we remain absolutely committed to supporting them in whatever way we can.

‘As Ukrainian refugees continue to disembark MS Victoria following the Scottish Government’s decision to end its use next month, we were extremely surprised to be contacted by the Home Office about their intentions to commission the ship to house asylum seekers. All the more surprising given their previous advice that it would be impossible for it to remain. 

‘We were not consulted on this and urgently require further details from the UK Government on their plans. I know the Scottish Government and COSLA are in the same position and, having written jointly to the Minister of State for Immigration, Robert Jenrick MP, we’ve yet to receive a satisfactory response to our questions and concerns.

‘The fact that Forth Ports, who own the dock and have said they can’t accommodate the ship, haven’t yet been contacted sums up the complete lack of engagement by the Home Office.

‘The potential consequences for the Council in terms of the pressures on our services – and the city as a whole – are severe and, barring robust partnership discussions involving NHS, police, and other colleagues, we will continue to oppose these plans in the strongest terms. 

‘Many of these people have risked their lives to make it to Europe and what they need is recognition and rights, not an unknown future without the support they so desperately need.

‘While the MS Victoria has been a place of refuge for many Ukrainian people, until we have adequate reassurances from the UK Government regarding welfare and ongoing engagement and support, we cannot allow it to become a floating prison for asylum seekers.’

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office has a statutory obligation to provide accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute while we consider their claim.

“The significant increase in illegal, unnecessary and dangerous Channel crossings has put our asylum system under incredible strain and made it necessary to continue to use hotels to accommodate some asylum seekers.

“We are committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and continue to engage with local authorities as early as possible whenever sites are used for asylum accommodation.”

The decision was taken at Thursday’s Council meeting; the motion: 8.11 and addendum can be read on CEC’s website. A webcast recording can also be watched online.

Edinburgh to show support for Armed Forces Day

West Princes Street Gardens will welcome a parade of serving personnel, veterans and their supporters today as special events are held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Celebrations in Edinburgh will start from 10.30am on Saturday 24 June as the annual parade of up of 300 – 500 serving personnel and veterans takes place along George Street and round to Castle Street. Then they will reassemble in West Princes Street Gardens where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and there will be live music until 3pm.

Highlights will include: The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Amy Hawthorn, Stuart Mclean, Maria Townsley and Angus Munro. The event will be hosted by BFBS Broadcaster Mark McKenzie.

On Monday (19 June), the Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron and Council Leader Cammy Day and raised above the City Chambers to honour Armed Forces personnel past, present and future.

‘Raise the Flag Day’ is when hundreds of civic and government buildings throughout the United Kingdom will fly the Armed Forces Day flag until just after the weekend.

The Armed Forces Day events in Edinburgh are open to all to show their support for the Armed Forces and veterans.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “This city has a long and proud tradition of supporting the Armed Forces and our veterans. Holding a day of celebration in their honour is just one of the ways the people of Edinburgh can show their support.

“This is the city’s way of saying thank you and allows us to show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices being made every day on our behalf by so many courageous men and women.”

Brian Ward at Legion Scotland, said: “Legion Scotland is proud to play a part in the Edinburgh Armed Forces Day parade to honour Armed Forces personnel and show our gratitude and support for our veterans.

“We stand together to pay tribute to so many brave members of our Armed Forces who made enormous sacrifices to help protect our freedom.”

Similar events will take place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for Armed Forces personnel and their families.

City council’s commercial property strategy generates £15m for local services

Council sets sights on new business park

Commercial property investment by the City of Edinburgh Council has provided space for local businesses to thrive while raising over £15 million a year for vital public services, reveals a new report.

A revised version of the Council’s Commercial Property Strategy – which supports existing, new, and expanding enterprises across the Capital – has been approved by the Finance and Resources Committee.

It reveals that the Council is the biggest landlord of commercial property in all of Edinburgh, with a portfolio of 949 assets worth in the region of £245m. This has helped the Council generate income to reinvest towards frontline services and make profits from sales, which have helped with budget savings.

The strategy also supports a number of grassroots and community-based clubs and organisations with low-cost lease arrangements.

Under the refreshed plan, the Council will continue to maximise income growth from buildings in the year ahead while also prioritising support for start-ups and the Capital’s ambitious net zero by 2030 climate commitment.

A change to the strategy will also allow the opportunity for funds from property sales to be reinvested back into the portfolio, helping to streamline and make the most of the council’s assets.

This involves a vision for designing inhouse and building a new, sustainable, business park on Council-owned land at Peffermill – mirroring the successful business park launched in East Hermiston in early 2018. Five years on, the East Hermiston Park is providing 16 fully let units in a 1,600sqm modern industrial space yielding an annual income of £185k.

Councillor Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “I’m pleased that the refreshed strategy has received Committee’s approval and that we’ll be able to improve on the £15m of income already raised from the council’s property portfolio.

“The opportunities available to support even more jobs at the new low carbon business park in Peffermill are exciting, and I’m looking forward to plans being brought forward later in the year.

“Over the last year, the council has used its properties to support the economic success of the city post-Covid and helped budding businesses to thrive, in ways that maximise income for delivering Council services. The results speak for themselves and we’ve seen first-hand the benefits business parks like the existing one at East Hermiston can bring.

“Against a backdrop of reduced government funding, we’ve had to think creatively to make the most of any income that we can raise for council services. This property strategy is a good example of that.”

New parking controls in Leith and Pilrig from next Monday

From Monday (26 June) new controlled parking zones will become operational in some streets in Leith, meaning you’ll need a permit or pay and display ticket to park.

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith)

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith) will be operational from 26 June 2023. Parking permits will be available for sale from 5 June.

The new controls will mean that, during the controlled hours Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, all parking is controlled. During those hours all kerbside space will be managed by yellow lines or parking places. Some restrictions such as double yellow lines and some parking places llike disabled bays and car club bays operate 24 hours a day.

Most parking places will be a mix of permit holder only, shared use which can be used by permit holders and visitors paying to park and pay and display bays, with signage situated at each parking place confirming the restrictions that apply.

Pay and display

The parking charge for pay and display parking in Zones 7 and 8 will be £3.10 per hour.

The signage at the pay and display and shared use parking places will indicate the maximum stay period for paying customers.

Maximum stay periods do not apply to resident permit holders in shared parking places and the relevant RingGo parking code for that location.

Payment for parking can be made using the available pay and display ticket machines, or through the RingGo cashless parking service.

Please note that the new pay and display ticket machines will only accept contactless payments and will not be able to accept cash.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “New controlled Parking Zones which will soon become operational in some streets in Leith have been designed to protect residents’ parking.

“Controls aim to address issues like commuter parking, which people across the city have told us is a problem in their neighbourhoods.

“We’ve been writing to residents and businesses to keep them up to date on when the changes but I would also encourage anyone who lives in or visits the area to visit our website to find out more about the changes and to purchase a permit, if they need one.

“As part of our Strategic Parking Review officers have spent a great deal of time speaking to residents and gathering information on each area. Once in place, they’ll also be monitoring the impact of the changes to make sure they work for everyone.

“Parking controls don’t only help to maintain priority for residents, but protect against vehicle dominance, encouraging alternative modes of transport, while improving the safety and efficiency of the city’s streets.”

Find out more > https://edinburgh.gov.uk/parking/strategic-parking-review-1/4

Find out more about all of the parking restrictions that apply across Edinburgh.

Pride Month: Council shows support for LGBTQ+ communities

The City of Edinburgh Council, in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, expresses its support for Pride Month.

The Pride Flag is flying from the City Chambers and the annual Pride March will take place this Saturday (24 March). 

Pride Month is an annual celebration that commemorates the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledges the ongoing work that still needs to be done.

Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday met with Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE, the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network, as the flag was raised at the City Chambers.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This weekend our city will be filled with a bit more colour and love in the form of the annual Edinburgh Pride March and Festival. First established in 1994, Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, Pride Edinburgh will ensure the rainbow shines over the capital city. I’m looking forward to taking part. 

“Pride month is significant in the city’s calendar each year and a celebration of the diversity, history and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. We hope to help raise awareness of this important month and continue to progress and encourage inclusiveness.

“I’m proud that we will support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and citizens by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers once again. It’s also important to consider the heritage of the Pride movement, which came from protests to address deep rooted issues of discrimination, intolerance, injustice and prejudice that exists and sadly still exists in some places.

“Edinburgh has always been a welcoming and inclusive city – and we’re rightly proud of our thriving LGBTQ+ community.

“An attack on anyone because of their sexual orientation or transgender identity, or their race, religion or disability is abhorrent. On behalf of the Council, I repeat my call for tolerance, understanding and respect right across our city. I hope everyone who is taking part this year has a great time.”

Richard Denholm, Chair of STRIDE network, said: “STRIDE is the Council’s LGBTQ+ staff network. We welcome all colleagues who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supportive allies.

“We are passionate about people being able to bring their whole selves to work, not just here at The City of Edinburgh Council, but across our entire capital city. I would like to thank STRIDE members and supportive allies for their continued contribution over the past year. This vital effort ensures that LGBTQ+ members of our workforce can feel respected and included.

“Council colleagues have been invited to join Edinburgh Pride march this weekend, in support of raising awareness that diversity is valued and celebrated across all our workplaces.

“I’m pleased to let you know that the Council have recently joined Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.

This Programme will promote a more inclusive working environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues. We are committed to supporting the Programme, to embed it within all Council Directorates, in the months and years ahead.”

Find more information about equality and diversity at City of Edinburgh Council 

Edinburgh honours Dog Star

Edinburgh honoured the life of the dog who played Greyfriars Bobby in the famous film with a special event on Friday (16 June).

Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal terrier known for guarding his master’s grave for 14 years after his death, is an iconic story in the Capital and the Disney adaptation of his story in 1961 made a star of the acting pooch who portrayed the local hero – also called Bobby.

The remains of the Skye Terrier who starred in the film have been donated to The City of Edinburgh Council and now form part of its archaeology collections. They have been loaned to Greyfriars Kirk for a special exhibition commemorating the legacy near the real-life grave of Scotland’s most loyal companion.

At a ceremony in Greyfriars Kirkyard, Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron was joined by David Hunter who led the campaign to commemorate the occasion as well as members of the church and friends of the graveyard.

Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, said: “Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial reads ‘Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all’. 

“Countless visitors continue to see Bobby’s grave, his statue, and the many mementos of his life displayed in our Museum of Edinburgh.

“I’m delighted this further part of the iconic and timeless story of a little dog who would not leave his master’s grave, is going to be on display for visitors to discover.

“Bobby’s is a story held in enormous respect and affection by people around the world, as is the famous film it inspired. Bobby truly is a world-famous pet, holding a special place in people’s hearts and it’s lovely to be part of this special commemoration.”

David Hunter, said: “I’m extremely grateful to The City of Edinburgh Council and Greyfriars Kirk for working together with me to make this possible.

“I’m delighted that there will finally be a place to where all those that love the story of Greyfrairs Bobby and the film, can come and pay their respects and learn some facts about Bobby’s life, including his charity work.”

Rev Richard Frazer, minister of Greyfriars Kirk, said: “The story of Greyfriars Bobby goes on touching people’s hearts.

“We are glad to remember this ‘Bobby’ who starred in Walt Disney’s film. The search for his remains is a story in itself, but David’s tenacity and persistence has paid off and now we have an additional item in our museum for people to visit, with a casket made in our Grassmarket Community Project workshop holding the ashes of the wee dog.”

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, said: It’s not often as an archaeologist that you work on such a unique project to preserve the remains of 1960’s film star.

“It has been fantastic to work with David, the Kirk and Grassmarket Community and my colleagues in Bereavement Services on this project and to see the enthusiasm and care that everyone has shown in finding a fitting home for his remains.”

The exhibition will be at the Church and will be open Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm.

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”.