Tag: city council

Climate Fund winners announced

A total of £140,000 is being awarded to community and voluntary groups to implement projects related to climate change.

The Edinburgh Community Climate Fund (ECCF) votes have been cast and counted and we are delighted to announce that eight different groups from across the city are to be awarded funding for their projects. There were 2,510 voters who cast 10,025 votes in total during the ballot process.

The successful projects, as voted for by the people of Edinburgh, are:

The ECCF received fantastic applications from no less than 56 community groups across the city.

Due to the high number of proposals submitted, £40,000 worth of extra funding was exceptionally made available in addition to the original £100,000, to allow as many projects to go ahead as possible. Given the high quality of the remaining projects that applied for funding, work will be undertaken to signpost groups to other opportunities to progress their ideas where possible.

The initiative was designed to support the delivery of the Council’s climate change targets together with providing learning to inform the wider approach to participatory budgeting (PB). 

Participatory budgeting is a way for citizens to have a direct say on how money is spent. In Edinburgh, PB has been used as an approach to distribute funding since 2010.

The Edinburgh PB Framework was approved in 2021 which included a commitment to a number of PB initiatives including running a green PB, the ECCF, for the first time this year.

The ECCF has provided £140,000 of one-off funding which is available for local groups to undertake projects which align with the objectives of the Edinburgh Climate Strategy and goal of becoming a net-zero city by 2030. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The Edinburgh Community Climate Fund is a very welcome approach which recognises the importance of sharing responsibility for decision-making with representatives from local communities. 

“We have a bold and ambitious plan to become a net-zero city by 2030. Our citizens and communities should rightly be at the heart of this. We hope that through this exercise we have provided an opportunity for communities to both identify problems and design and implement solutions. I very much celebrate this innovative approach to working with communities.

“A huge thanks to everyone who took part. We very much look forward to seeing the projects progress and hope that the community will enjoy the benefits from this exercise.”

Criteria for the ECCF are set out below:

  • Creating opportunities for community leadership and learning on climate change.
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions within communities and contributing to the net-zero agenda for Edinburgh.
  • Generating sustainable projects for the benefit of local people to build resilience or adapt to climate change within communities.
  • Building relationships between neighbourhoods of different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds to work together on just, equitable and accessible climate and resilience activities contributing to the city’s net zero agenda, also ensuring that activities work towards reducing or removing barriers for disabled people in the transition to net-zero.

Short-term let hosts across Edinburgh urged to obtain the essential licence ahead of October deadline

 All hosts of short-term lets across Edinburgh are legally required to obtain a new short-term let licence from the City of Edinburgh Council. Hosts who were already operating a short-term let before 1 October 2022 have until 1 October this year to apply for a licence.

They can continue to operate whilst their application is being determined.  New hosts from 1 October 2022, who wish to set up and operate a short-term let for the first time, are required to apply and obtain a licence before they can accept bookings or receive guests.  

The new licence will require hosts to meet a set of mandatory conditions – many of which are already best practice within the sector, or required by existing law. The new legislation introduces mandatory standards for all short-term lets across Scotland.  

There are a number of conditions that hosts will need to meet in order to be granted a licence such as displaying an EPC rating on adverts and listings (where applicable), ensuring there are valid buildings and public liability insurance in place for the accommodation, arranging an electrical safety inspection and completing a Legionella risk assessment. 

The tourism sector makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy – in 2019, there were around 17.3 million overnight visitors to Scotland, spending £5.7billion. The legislation ensures that hosts meet the mandatory standards, helping to protect the positive reputation of Scottish hospitality and confidence amongst visitors and local communities.    

Hosts will also be required to pay an application fee to obtain a licence, but the fee will typically vary depending on the property location, size and type of let. 

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “While short-term lets bring benefits to hosts, visitors and the Scottish economy they need to be balanced with the needs of residents and local communities. We are taking action to ensure all short-term lets are safe and local authorities have powers to tackle local issues. 

“The principal component of our licensing scheme is a mandatory set of safety standards, which many hosts will already be following as a matter of compliance with existing law or best practice. I encourage those existing hosts that have yet to do so to apply well in advance of the extended deadline to join the growing number of licensed premises in the sector. 

“This will not only ensure the safety of guests and the wider community but also help to maintain the reputation of Edinburgh as a welcoming and responsible destination for visitors.” 

Councillor Neil Ross, Regulatory Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We have around a third of all short-term lets in the country here in Edinburgh.

“The new licensing scheme will not only support those already providing well run holiday lets but will help us address issues including safety and anti-social behaviour which have been having a detrimental effect on residents across the city. This will also help us to improve further the quality of accommodation we offer visitors coming to our Capital city. 

“I’d encourage everyone who needs one to sign up for a licence, if they haven’t already done so, to ensure they can continue to operate after 1 October 2023.” 

Short-term lets include home-shares (i.e. letting a room in your home out) or anyone who lets their home out while they’re not there (i.e. on holiday). The new regulation also includes the let of entire premises (i.e. full-time, self-catering properties such as holiday cottages) as well as hosts responsible for B&Bs and guest houses. 

The new licence is a legal obligation for all hosts, even if they occasionally let out a spare room or sub-let while on holiday for example. Those who fail to acquire a licence will be at risk of being fined up to £2,500 and ineligible to apply for a licence for a year.

Hosts are required to contact their local authority to find out about the specific licensing requirements within the area that their short-term let is located, including fees, any additional conditions and the application process. 

For more information about the licensing scheme, whether your accommodation requires a licence and how to apply visit gov.scot/shorttermlets.  

Edinburgh library service selected for pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ pilot project

Wester Hailes Library has been selected as one of the first in Scotland to host a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, as part of a trailblazing pilot project helping to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

Managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Wester Hailes Library will build on its current offering to introduce a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, giving the community free access to repair, reuse, rent and upcycle everyday items, to help keep items in use for longer, rather than them being thrown away.

Funded by The John Lewis Partnership’s £1m Circular Future Fund, the Edinburgh library will join eight other services across Scotland in developing the country’s first circular community hubs, forming a ‘network’ of sustainable ‘Lend and Mend Hubs’ across Scotland:

  • Aberdeen Central Library, Aberdeen
  • Wester Hailes Library, Edinburgh
  • Forfar Library, Forfar
  • South West Library, Inverclyde
  • Kilbirnie Library, Kilbirnie
  • Gorebridge Library, Midlothian
  • Orkney Library & Archive, Orkney
  • A K Bell Library, Perth
  • Girvan Library, South Ayrshire

Five of the services selected to take part in the pilot scheme were announced late last year, and work to source equipment, upgrade the space and train staff to deliver this promising project in these areas is well underway.

It is expected these public libraries – in Aberdeen, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Perth and South Ayrshire – will open their ‘Lend and Mend Hubs’ for public use early this year, with the other four services expected to open later in 2023.

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ library project has the potential to create a real impact – especially at a time when all of Scotland’s communities are experiencing economic and environmental challenges.

“The introduction of this network will build on the important role our public libraries play, giving people access to resources they might not otherwise have to support responsible consumption and learning – with the added benefit of it being local and free. 

“With all nine public library partners now selected, we can’t wait to see these local library services transform and thrive for the long-term benefit of the communities around them. And with such wide geographical spread and diverse community reach, we believe this pilot project will provide valuable learnings in promoting the urgent need to adopt a more circular way of living and help develop a long-term model for libraries to be a hub of circular economy activities.”

The projects, led by SLIC, follow a co-design approach with all service teams bringing local knowledge and expertise to the delivery to ensure each hub is tailored to community needs.

Upon completion, each hub will also introduce an education programme to support new skills development, helping to reduce inequality through equitable access to resources.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I am delighted that Wester Hailes Library will be leading the way on the ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ pilot scheme. I am confident that this scheme will bring great benefits to the local community as we continue to grapple with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.

“This scheme also does excellent work on reinforcing the circular economy and sustainability in our communities by emphasising the importance of repairing, reusing and upcycling. One of our strategic approaches and principles within our 2030 Climate Strategy is supporting a circular economy across the city.

“I look forward to seeing how this scheme progresses here in Edinburgh and across Scotland.” 

First trams on route to Newhaven

A little piece of local history was made on Monday night (13 March), when the first tram in over 65 years ran down Leith Walk, as the Trams to Newhaven project nears completion.

Ahead of the route opening for service in spring 2023, a period of testing and commissioning is required to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely.

On Monday, the first stage of testing began, which involves trams travelling at walking pace along small sections of the route, starting at Picardy Place. This will continue through the week, taking place during the night to minimise traffic disruption.

Once the first stage is completed, the frequency and speed of tram testing will increase, and trams will start running to a timetable. Drivers on the route have carried out significant training in the lead-up to testing, including on a state-of-the-art simulator.

People are still being encouraged to take care and be aware of the presence of trams on the route for the first time over the coming weeks.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a huge milestone for Trams to Newhaven as we see the first trams on Leith Walk in my lifetime.

“We’re fast approaching the start of passenger services this spring, and that the project is set to be delivered on time and within budget, despite the challenges of recent years, is testament to the hard work of all those involved.

“Bringing the tram to Newhaven will be transformative for the area, and the wider city. As well as boosting the economy and providing sustainable, high-capacity public transport to this densely populated part of Edinburgh, the project has significantly improved the entire route, with new cycle links, spaces to relax and spend time and newly planted trees and shrubs.

“As we enter the final phase of the project, testing and commissioning will make sure the line and infrastructure works safely and efficiently, while also confirming service capacity. Of course, this is the first time there will be trams on Leith Walk and in Leith in recent years so I would urge people to take extra care when in the area.”

Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, said: “To see one of our trams running along Leith Walk was a proud moment for us, and this latest milestone in the project will enable us to step up our own preparations for the launch of passenger services to Newhaven.

“This includes real-world driver training on the new section of line following an intense period of familiarisation involving our state-of-the-art tram simulator.”

You could argue that this ‘historic’ event is actually running years late. The line to Newhaven and the Granton Spur were part of the original TIE network plans. The trams fiasco is the subject to a long-running inquiry led by Lord Hardie which is investigating the reasons why ‘the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.’

The council maintains that the Trams to Newhaven project ‘remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction now complete’. A specific date for when the route will be open for passengers will be announced in due course.

As part of the commissioning process every aspect of the new infrastructure will be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the required safety standards.

There will be some bus diversions around Leith Walk in place overnight during the week commencing 13 March to allow for the testing. 

The latest information on diversions is available on the Lothian Buses website.

The council warns: ‘Due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, impacted by Brexit and the war in Ukraine along with significant demand for labour in the UK and overseas, there are small pockets of public realm works that will now be completed over the coming months.’

Full details of the programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.

Maria Ortega, Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN), project director on Trams to Newhaven, said: “As contractors on the Trams to Newhaven project, the Sacyr Farrans Neopul JV team are extremely proud to be achieving this huge milestone.  

“We have been working successfully alongside our partners, supply chain and client for over four years to deliver this significant project in Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Despite the challenges of unprecedented times experienced throughout the life cycle of the project, seeing the first tram travelling down the newly completed line as part of the testing and commissioning process will be a memorable moment.

“The testing and commissioning phase will allow the new systems and infrastructure to be integrated into the existing tram network.

“As we reach the final stages of delivering this key piece of infrastructure to the people of the city, we appreciate the public’s continued support during this final technical phase of the project.”

Steven Jackson, Director, Turner & Townsend, said: “As the City of Edinburgh Council’s delivery partner for the Trams to Newhaven project, we’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone with the commencement of the testing and commissioning period, which will see trams travelling the full route.

“Following approval of the project in March 2019, we have worked closely with all members of the project team and third parties through an early contractor involvement period, significant utility diversions, and the install of new infrastructure and systems.

“The complexity of this ambitious project has required the team to tackle and overcome many challenges along the way, but collaboration has been key.

“We look forward to successfully delivering this major transport project in line with the programme set out in the final business case; and the start of the passenger services this Spring.”

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven, including landscape plans and timelines.

Council ramps up housing investment

Living standards will be improved for thousands of residents in Edinburgh after Councillors agreed a £173 million spending package to upgrade and build new homes.

At a meeting of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee on Thursday (9 March), decisions made during February’s budget meeting were built upon to agree a comprehensive spending programme for the year ahead.

Under the plans for the 2023/24 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme an extra £50m will be invested compared to last year. This will continue the city’s pipeline of new builds and ramp up capital investment into existing homes, including innovative energy efficiency upgrades.

The council is one of the first local authorities in Scotland to pilot a ‘whole house retrofit’ approach and this will be adopted fully in 2023.

This will focus on improvements to the fabric of buildings and energy performance including design and development work for at least four multi-storey blocks.

Retrofitting will not only help with issues like damp but help to lower tenants’ fuel costs and support Edinburgh’s net zero carbon by 2030 commitment, with largescale rewiring, roof replacements, new kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and doors due to be identified.

The spending programme is also set to involve improvements to common areas and stairwells, adapting homes in response to people’s health needs and transforming derelict sites and void properties into much needed new homes for tenants and people experiencing homelessness.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “More than 3,000 older homes all over the city are set to benefit from improvements – making them greener, safer, and more accessible for generations to come. Our capital housing programme is about spending money where it is most needed so that we can help as many residents as possible live well in safe, warm homes.

“That means making council homes more energy efficient which will help to drive down bills. It means building brand new homes in response to the huge demand we’re seeing, and we need to keep listening to our tenants so that we can invest in those areas which will make the biggest difference to people’s lives.

“Post-pandemic, Brexit and in the face of a cost-of-living crisis and war in Ukraine, it remains a challenging time for residents, for council budgets and for construction at large. Like everyone else we’ve seen our running costs rise, but we must remain committed to tackling Edinburgh’s twin housing and homelessness crises. We also need to improve the standard of the housing we provide.

“I’m proud that, despite many pressures, we’ve had agreement from the Chamber to invest so substantially this year. As we move forward, we’ll need to continue to work with partners and make our case to the Scottish Government to maximise funding opportunities and keep our longer-term plans on track.”

The capital budget is prepared annually, following consultation with tenants and regular review of the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Strategy. It is shaped by tenants’ and elected member priorities, the most pressing maintenance and improvements needed to keep homes modern and safe, statutory requirements and the commitments outlined in the council’s Business Plan.

Unique Assembly to produce Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2023/24

Councillors have confirmed UniqueAssembly will deliver both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals for 2023.

Following an update on performance of the 2022/23 editions of the festivals on Tuesday (7 March), the Culture and Communities Committee recommended the one-year extension for Edinburgh’s Christmas which was considered and ratified by Finance and Resources Committee on Friday.

UniqueAssembly already has a contract to produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 and Councillors today approved the continuation of this contract.

Councillors discussed the levels of success for both festivals including lessons learned, noting the short turnaround time UniqueAssembly had to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas.

The decision for UniqueAssembly to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 was taken at a special meeting of the Council’s Finance and Resources committee in October, convened following the request to withdraw from the contract by original producers Angels Event Experience (AEE).

Over the 39 days of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the market stalls and funfair rides in East Princes Street Gardens and Mound Precinct, Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, and Lidl on Ice (ice rink) on George Street saw an overall footfall of 2.4 million.

Edinburgh’s Christmas provided a number of community benefits to citizens. Over 6,000 tickets were given to 30 local charities and community groups and 82,200 20% discounted rides and attractions across all the sites for residents.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay welcomed over 65,000 people to events across the three days of the festival which included a Night Afore Concert at the Ross Bandstand, headlined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by Pet Shop Boys and large programme of free live events and family entertainment on 1 January 2023.

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 proved to be more challenging than usual to deliver, and my thanks to UniqueAssembly for taking over the contract last year with just seven weeks to deliver such a successful event in addition to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“Today’s decision not only confirms our satisfaction with the 2022/23 Winter Festivals, it gives our support to UniqueAssembly to realise more of our shared ambitions for even better events this year, including a greater spread across the city and ensuring that our greenspaces are used sensitively.

“There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.

“Following the termination of our contract with the original Christmas provider it was our absolute priority to ensure that we provided high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these were delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The update report shows this was achieved and I’m looking forward to this year’s offering.”

Directors of UniqueAssembly said: “The Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are so important not only for visitors to the city, but also for our fellow residents, local businesses and city economy.

“The confirmation of the contract for this year means we can build on the success of 2022, and with longer lead-time realise our ambitions for Edinburgh’s festive celebrations.”

KER-CHING!
 

Lib Dem landslide!

CLEAN SWEEP: LIB DEMS ROMP HOME IN CORSTORPHINE MURRAYFIELD BY-ELECTION

The Liberal Democrats have won the Corstorphine Murrayfield by-election. The rampant Lib Dems won at Stage One of the voting process 0 amassing more votes than all the other candidates combined – and they now hold all three seats in the ward.

Fiona Bennett’s emphatic victory reinforces the Lib Dem team at the City Chambers to 13 councillors, five behind the biggest party the SNP.

Edinburgh’s ‘ruling’ Labour group has just 12 councillors and last month was forced to adopt the Lib Dem budget plans to cling on to power.

Labour finished fourth in first preference votes in the by-election, which was brought about by the resignation of former SNP Lord Provost Frank Ross.

The declaration was made early this morning (Friday, 10 March) by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, city council chief exec Andrew Kerr.

Returning Officer, Andrew Kerr, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election helping to elect a new councillor to represent their views on matters affecting the ward and the entire city.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Fiona Bennett as a new councillor and I look forward to working with her.

“I also want to thank our elections team who have worked hard over recent months to make sure this by-election ran so smoothly.”

The turnout for the by-election was a fair 42.3%.

Jubilant Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton remarked on Twitter: “Get in! So delighted for Cllr Fiona Bennett and the team she built and inspired around her.

“Important observations-

🔶

Lib Dems now second biggest party in Edinburgh

⬇️

SNP down by almost 1/3rd

🔶

“This is the biggest council by-election win in our party’s history.”

Corstorphine Murrayfield by-election, first preferences:

LD: 4577 (56%, +6.2)

SNP: 1086 (13.3%, -5.4)

Con: 788 (9.6%, -6.3)

Lab: 568 (7%, -0.9)

Grn: 417 (5.1%, -1.8)

Elaine Miller (Ind): 327 (4%, new)

Pete Gregson (Ind): 295 (3.6%, new)

Scottish Family Family, Pro Life: 90 (1.1%, +0.3)

Libertarian Party: 20 (0.2%, new)

Ward_6___Corstorphine___Murrayfield_results_2023Download

More traffic chaos looms: Haymarket Terrace to close until NOVEMBER

Yet more misery for businesses and residents

Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.

The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.

The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.

The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.

Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.

Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.

This will tie into a new George Street cycling route delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.

“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”

SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said: “Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.

“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”

During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.

Information on bus diversions can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

CCWEL is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure scheme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. Find out more about the CCWEL project.

Make Edinburgh greener: Vote for your favourite environmental projects

EDINBURGH COMMUNITY CLIMATE FUND

You have five votes – but you must vote by 12th March.

Dozens of organisations have applied for a share of the £100,00 budget. Here are just a few of the projects looking for your support:

Seedlings to Seniors (Corstorphine Community Centre)

We need your votes for the CCC project ‘Seedlings to Seniors’ to get a share in the Edinburgh Community Climate Fund.

Full details of how to vote are on our website here : 

https://corstorphinecommunitycentre.org.uk

or go straight to the Council page listing the projects at: 

https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/budgets/1/investments

Note: registration with mygovscot is required in order to vote.

Edinburgh Climate Festival (ELREC)

Hey Edinburgh community!

The voting for the Edinburgh Community Climate Fund from The City of Edinburgh Councilis open and our project, Edinburgh Climate Festival is a part of it.

We need your help to make The Edinburgh Climate Festival a reality, so please vote for our project today!

You have 5 votes to support not only our project but other outstanding ones as well.

Here’s a guide on how to vote for The Edinburgh Climate Festival:

Step one: If you’re an adult, register on myaccount https://www.mygov.scot/myaccount to cast your vote. This is a secure online portal that provides access to various public services using a single login ID and password. You can find a registration guide on the Edinburgh Council website. Young people under 18 can vote through Young Scot https://getyournec.scot/ using their Young Scot NEC number.

Step two: Once your account is active, visit Your Voice website : https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/ and sign in using your myaccount details.

Help us create a sustainable future for Edinburgh!🌎🌲🍃

#VoteNow#SustainabilityMatters#GreenerEdinburgh

Community wellbeing for climate impact (Ferryhill Parent Council)

We are a parent council groups that’s passionate able helping the children learn and thrive in the community.

This project will enable us to create a forest school within the school grounds, giving the whole school the ability to learn more about climate through hands on learning.

We will also be looking to add to the schools existing orchard with some raised beds for the children to grow food and learn about sustainable practice. We also plan on linking up with the local community centre to support the garden project.

Starter Packs Project (Fresh Start)

Since 1999 Fresh Start has been supporting people moving on from homelessness to ‘make a home for themselves’ across Edinburgh. Responding to people with lived experience of homelessness we provide practical support as people move on from temporary accommodation into new unfurnished tenancies.

Our service-users typically are allocated unfurnished properties and do not have the means to purchase the goods that make a home. Fresh Start provides Starter Packs of essential household goods – crockery, pots/pans, bedding, towels – to homeless households within the first 3 days of them moving in to their new tenancies, relieving financial burden and ensuring they have the essentials they need to settle in their new home.

We supply 13 different Starter Packs of quality used-household goods which are donated by the public and local businesses. Teams of volunteers gather in these donations and sort them in our warehouse for distribution.  

In 2022 we distribute 14,430 packs and helped over 2,000 people moving out of temporary Housing. We diverted 75,500 kg (75.5 t.) of goods from landfill.

Community Shed (North Edinburgh Arts)

Vote for the North Edinburgh Arts Community Shed and support our ambitions for a more sustainable future!

Our Community Shed has been nominated for The City of Edinburgh Council‘s Edinburgh Community Climate Fund, and you can vote for it as part of the public participatory budgeting process until 12th March.

The primary focus of the Community Shed is to reuse wood and wooden furniture to enable our members to make and mend things for their homes, gardens and communities. Each year in Scotland we throw away tons of stuff into landfill, including wood and furniture, that should be recycled, reused, mended or made into something completely different and the Community Shed does its bit to convert this waste into useful and beautiful things.

Since its launch four years ago, the Shed has become a key community project in North Edinburgh with over 150 members. Being part of the Community Shed has a significantly positive impact on our members’ lives by improving their self-confidence, giving them meaning and purpose, making new friends and social connections, as well as providing them with an informal support network.

The Edinburgh Community Climate funding will enable us to purchase new much-needed technical equipment to cut and process wood, which will help speed up our processes while also significantly improving the quality of our output.

Please support our work and help create a greener community by casting your vote today!

This is a chance for you to decide how the Edinburgh Council money is spent on things that matter to you and your community.

Vote online at yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/budgets/1/investments/10 by using/creating your own account.

For those under 18 wishing to vote this can be done through Young Scot using your Young Scot NEC number. School libraries will be offering supported voting too.

If you would like to vote in person, please visit your local library.

For information for our local residents, Muirhouse Library is currently located in the foyer of Edinburgh College Granton campus near Morrisons (350 West Granton Road), and its opening times are as follows:

Monday – Friday: 10am to 5pm

Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Make sure you vote before 12 March.

Thank you for your support, and please share with your friends and families as every vote counts! 💙💙💙

All Aboard for Climate Action (People Know How)

The All Aboard canal boat run by People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church has been shortlisted in the Edinburgh Climate Community Fund to receive funding to run climate change sessions with children and young people on the Union Canal.

These organisations are now looking for votes from the public, which will decide the final projects that will receive the funding. 

The climate change sessions will focus on engaging children and young people with nature and the local environment and exploring the impact of climate change. Using fun and engaging activities, we will introduce them to small everyday actions that they can take at home and in their community to help tackle climate change. 

The sessions will be open to pupils from local primary schools that People Know How work with as part of their Positive Transitions service, supporting children, young people and families in the transition to secondary school.

They will draw on the charity’s established experience of running groups across Edinburgh and East Lothian, including previous sessions on All Aboard that have introduced young people to a green space in the heart of their community, seeing plants and wildlife up close. 

All Aboard was launched in 2021 and aims to nurture community cohesion and wellbeing in an innovative space on the Union Canal. It is open to the community, serving as a safe space in which to explore the canal, find new experiences and socialise, while surrounded by nature. 

To vote, visit the webpage below and select All Aboard for Climate Action as one of your five projects. Voting is open to all Edinburgh residents over the age of 8 and can be done online or at your local public library. Please note, you must use all 5 votes for your selections to be valid.

Further instructions can be found via the link below.

Vote today: https://yourvoice.edinburgh.gov.uk/budgets