Tag: city council

Libraries launch new recycling programme to promote sustainability and digital reuse

Edinburgh Libraries have held the official launch of a new recycling programme aimed at promoting sustainability and digital reuse across the city.

The service secured £23,000 in funding from the Public Library Improvement Fund, awarded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), which supports innovative initiatives in areas such as digital upskilling, sustainability, and inclusivity.

This funding will allow Edinburgh Libraries to collaborate with Edinburgh Remakery to introduce Tech Donation Boxes to 15 libraries, these boxes will provide Edinburgh residents with an easy, welcoming, and accessible way to donate their old devices. Donated tech devices will be repaired and reused when possible or responsibly recycled when necessary, contributing to a circular economy and reducing electronic waste.

The programme was officially launched at Craigmillar Library this week (Tuesday 18 February), where attendees were introduced to the project and had the chance to participate in various activities, including a Making Jewellery with Recycled Materials workshop (featuring old computer parts, circuit boards, and more), a Climate Fresk Quiz, and an exhibition showcasing children’s crafts made from recycled materials.

Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: “In 2023 Edinburgh Remakery tech boxes were hosted within two libraries – Central Library and Wester Hailes Library. The response from the public was fantastic, and the library service was successful in securing an award from Edinburgh Remakery for the high volume of donations received.

“Thanks to this new funding, we’re able to extend our partnership with the Edinburgh Remakery, working across 15 public libraries to host Tech Donation Boxes and expand the role of our libraries in promoting sustainability throughout the city.”

Elaine Brown, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Remakery, said: “At Edinburgh Remakery, we are passionate about giving old tech a second life, and this partnership with Edinburgh Libraries is a fantastic step towards a more sustainable and digitally inclusive city.

“By making tech donation easy and accessible, we are not only reducing electronic waste but also ensuring that more people can benefit from refurbished devices. Together, we are creating a future where waste is minimised, and resources are maximised for the benefit of our community.”

From January to October 2025, the boxes will be installed in batches of four:

January to March: Central, Craigmillar, South Queensferry and Oxgangs

April to June: Morningside, Portobello, Wester Hailes, Corstorphine

June to August: Muirhouse, Piershill, Fountainbridge, Newington

August to October: Stockbridge, Moredun, Ratho.

Businesses: Meet the Council!

DROP-IN FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT

Businesses in Edinburgh are being invited to engage with dozens of Council services and business-facing partners face to face.

A Meet the Council event will be held on Tuesday 11 March at the Assembly Rooms on George Street between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Local businesses are encouraged to register in advance to secure a space to the drop-in, with opportunities throughout the day to meet with key Council teams and hear about opportunities for business growth.

Offering a single point of access for business support, the event will bring together Council officers from:

• Building standards
• Business Gateway
• Commercial property
• Cultural events
• Economic development
• Edinburgh Convention Bureau
• Environmental health
• Film Edinburgh
• Forever Edinburgh
• JET (Jobs, Education & Training)
• Licensing
• Non-Domestic Rates
• Parental Employability Support
• Planning
• Procurement
• The Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive
• The Edinburgh Guarantee
• Trading standards
• Visitor Levy

Throughout the day, external partners will also be on hand to present and share their expertise, including:

• Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, an independent membership organisation which supports over 1,000 organisations who employ more than 120,000 staff in the Capital
• British Business Bank, a government-owned economic bank specialised in helping businesses in the UK access financial support
• Federation of Small Businesses, a non-profit organisation that helps small businesses and the self-employed
• Capital City Partnership, the anchor delivery body for Edinburgh’s employability strategy, working together to tackle inequality and poverty
• Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, which works to create opportunities for Edinburgh’s Social Enterprise community to develop and thrive
• Forth Green Freeport, Scotland’s largest opportunity to deliver a just transition to net zero, to attract significant inward investment, to build international trade and export capability, and to create high quality and well paid jobs.

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Edinburgh continues to have the strongest local economy outside of London and the highest number of registered Living Wage employers in Scotland.

“The entrepreneurialism, success and resilience of Edinburgh business owners contributes hugely to what makes our City of Edinburgh a unique and special place to live and work.

“We would like to work much more closely with the business community in offering meaningful support, understand more fully the views, concerns and aspirations of business owners and work jointly in securing a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economic future for Edinburgh.

“We recognise that the current economic climate is challenging, and in working together with businesses and other partners, there is much we can do collectively to grow and sustain Edinburgh’s economy, promote the benefits of Fair Work, and become a fairer city for all. That’s why the Council is hosting this opportunity for businesses to meet us face-to-face and engage with our staff teams across a variety of services which support business.

“Whether you’re looking for advice on funding, navigating licensing, or exploring how we can support employers, this event is an ideal place to connect directly with the right people, who can provide the advice and support you need.”

The Meet the Council event is designed to support Edinburgh’s business community and help foster a thriving, greener, and fairer economy – as outlined in the Council’s Business Plan 2023-27.

Have your say on plans to transform Seafield

Seafield to become ‘new environmentally friendly neighbourhood’

The city council is inviting residents to share their views on the regeneration of Seafield to make sure it responds to the needs and wishes of the local community.

As a key site for delivering the goals set out in the Edinburgh City Plan 2030, plans for the narrow stretch of land include a new promenade, GP surgery and opportunities for new shops and workplaces.

The coastal site could also include as many as 2,700 new homes, with 35% of homes being affordable, to address the Capital’s housing emergency. Future residents will benefit from the provision of a heat network which will help keep energy bills down whilst contributing to the city’s net zero targets.

The consultation, which closes on Wednesday 30 April 2025, will build on the first two stages of engagement and consultation carried out to date. Residents can attend a drop-in session to discuss the plans, or they can take part in an online survey via the Consultation Hub.

Planning Convener James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood will take us one step further to tackling our housing emergency and reaching net zero by 2030.

“This is a chance for residents to shape the future of the area – whether it’s about improving transport links, preserving green spaces or introducing new community facilities and we’re eager to hear everyone’s ideas for a Seafield that serves the whole community.

“I’d encourage everyone to share their views with us by filling in our online survey or coming along to one of our consultation drop-in events.”

 The in-person events will take place on the following dates and times:

  • Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH15 1AU, Saturday 8 March 10:30-1:30pm
  • Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4AE, Friday 21 March 12:30-3:30pm
  • Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6JE, Saturday 22 March 10:30-1:30pm

North Bridge to close for six weeks to northbound traffic

As part of the ongoing refurbishment of North Bridge, there will be a northbound closure for six weeks from Monday 17 February.

During this period traffic will only be permitted to proceed southbound (from Princes Street towards South Bridge).

The six-week closure is to undertake resurfacing on both the southbound approach to the bridge (both lanes outside Waverley Gate toward Princes Street) and the southbound departure of the bridge (both lanes from the entrance to the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton on North Bridge to the junction at High Street).

For updates please visit the temporary closures section on the North Bridge project page of our website, and on the EdinTravel social media accounts on X and Facebook.

The wider work on North Bridge has included refurbishing the cast iron bridge facades, grit blasting and repainting structural steelwork, repairing and improving the footway paving and underdrainage amongst a host of other improvements. A full list of the improvements and the wider project benefits is on our website.

The council is targeting the end of this year for the end of major repair works.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I appreciate this temporary closure will be frustrating for our residents and businesses. I want to thank them for their continued patience as we carry out these essential works.

“These works are part of the wider project to restore this crucial link between the north and south of the city – and of course preserve it for future generations.  

“I’m conscious that this work is taking longer to complete than we had initially anticipated, but this is this a hugely complex project, with the historic nature of the bridge requiring painstaking and specialist work to restore it to its former glory.”

Unite CEC branch: Budget Demo

The City of Edinburgh Council will decide its budget for financial year 2025 to 2026 at the Full Council Meeting next Thursday – 20th February 2025.

A demo will take place outside the City Chambers on the High Street from 8.30am to 9.30am on the day.

The council budget debate starts at 10am and is also broadcast live on the City of Edinburgh Council webcast site

Our branch will send a deputation to the meeting to speak on behalf of our branch members.

Look at the council budget papers on the council website for more details on what is being planned

Take the chance to represent your community

YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!

It’s been over half a century since community councils came into existence in Scotland in 1973 – and in that time, we’ve seen over 1,200 established across the country (writes Culture and Communities Convener CLLR VAL WALKER).

These bodies are groups of residents who are passionate about their communities and play an important role in grassroots democracy.

Here in Edinburgh, the election period for our community councils has begun. Last week nominations opened to stand for election as a community councillor, this closes on 27 February. Following that we’ll hold an election only if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.

This is your chance to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. From campaigning on key local issues, organising meetings, chairing debates, looking out for vulnerable individuals and groups, to liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.

I’m continually inspired by the stories I come across of community councils. In Lady Nairne, the Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council worked tirelessly to ensure that a solution was found when the previous 69 supported bus service ceased operations several years ago.

Following extensive engagement with ward councillors and Council officers a new route was implemented just in time for Christmas last year, which I know was a welcome gift to those residents who had long campaigned for its reinstation.

We’ve also seen Longstone Community Council lead a campaign to erect a new bridge to link their community to the Hutchison/Chesser community, as part of a new active travel project.

Initially a bridge was not part of these plans but following successful meetings with their ward councillor, Council officers and the developer some £170,000 worth of contributions were earmarked to support the delivery of the bridge. This will now go to consultation as part of the as the Longstone Link project.

These are just a couple of the many examples of the excellent work community councils are doing across our city every day. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor.

“From Pilton to Portobello, Muirhouse to Morningside and beyond, Edinburgh draws its strength from its people, and we need their views, ideas and expertise to move forward together.

Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on CEC website.

Scottish Budget: Edinburgh urged to bid for free school meals extension 

 Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.  

The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.

This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations. 

Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes. 

By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit. 

Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible. 

Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland. 

“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches. 

“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.  

“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.” 

Council unveils new £25m HGV and welfare bus fleet

Safety is at the heart of the city council’s fleet, with the entire fleet of new Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) along with their welfare buses all equipped with enhanced safety features.

The council is investing over £25m into their new HGVs and welfare buses as part of our wider £56.8m Fleet Asset Management Plan 2023-2029.  

Edinburgh has taken inspiration from the Progressive Safe System (PSS) which was implemented by Transport for London (TfL) in October 2024 to enhance vehicle awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

There are seven key requirements under PSS:

  • Camera monitoring system fitted to the vehicle’s nearside
  • Class V and VI mirrors
  • Blind spot sensors fitted to the vehicles nearside
  • Moving off sensors fitted to the front of the vehicle
  • Side under-run protection on both sides of the vehicle
  • Audible warning alerts when vehicles turn left
  • Prominent visual warning signage

In addition to adhering to PSS requirements, all new vehicles are fitted with an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS). AEBS uses sensors to monitor a vehicle’s surroundings and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is likely.

Whilst there are no such safety requirement anywhere else in the UK outside of London, the council took the decision to ensure all HGVs purchased as part of the replacement programme were equipped with the technology to meet this standard.

The city council’s 152 strong HGV fleet is comprised of refuse collection vehicles, road sweepers, road gritters, mobile library uses, construction vehicles in roads services, and utility trucks for maintaining streets and greenspace.

Whilst our 27 welfare buses, which transport children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), are not classed as HGV Edinburgh took the decision to order these buses with the new safety features. These vehicles operate in and around schools and built-up areas during peak travel times so it’s important they are as safe as possible for everyone.

The council has now taken delivery of over 70 of our new HGVs, with all new refuse collection vehicles due to arrive by the end of March 2025 and all other HGVs due to be in service this year.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I was delighted to go down to Bankhead this morning to see some of these new vehicles firsthand and talk to our colleagues who operate them.

“We have a responsibility to our colleagues and our residents to make sure our fleet is as safe as possible. This is why we’re investing tens of millions of pounds into our fleet.

“With these changes I’m confident that we have the most advanced local authority fleet in Scotland when it comes to safety features. I hope that other parts of Scotland and the UK will look to London and Edinburgh’s example and follow suit.

“Safety is an absolute priority for us when delivering our services and I have no doubt that these new features will have a positive impact.”

Edinburgh council facing £1 million compensation payouts over unlawful planning fees in ‘shambolic’ short-term let licensing rollout

More than a hundred self-catering operators have lodged formal complaints of maladministration against City of Edinburgh Council, citing unlawful charges amounting to thousands of pounds in unnecessary planning fees.

These fees were imposed during the rollout of the Council’s controversial short-term let (STL) licensing scheme under the leadership of former Council Leader, Cammy Day.

A recent Judicial Review at the Court of Session confirmed that self-catering businesses operating before 5th September 2022 were not required to apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness. However, in 2024, operators were compelled to incur these costs, which could now lead to financial repercussions for the Council exceeding £300,000.

With additional complainants expected, the total compensation owed could surpass £1 million in unlawfully levied fees.

This development follows multiple legal challenges by self-catering operators against the Council’s STL licensing policies. Edinburgh Council has already been forced to amend its policies twice following rulings against it in the Court of Session.

A third legal threat recently prompted the Council to concede once again that its policy was unlawful.

Ralph Averbuch, spokesperson for Justice for Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “Edinburgh Council’s recent actions have caused immense distress and in some cases loss of employment to self-catering operators that had historically been advised no action was required other than moving from council tax rolls to non-domestic rates.

“Now that we have a new regime in place, it has never justified the retrospective hounding of those that traded prior to the introduction of STL Licensing and the opportunities the Council took to use this as a pretext for closing down a sector that accounts for well under 1% of all homes in the capital.

“To be clear, this city needs self-catering to function and the Council’s lack of recognition of the wider impacts has already done great harm, adding cost to operators and visitors alike.”

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), added: “It is deeply regrettable that the self-catering community must yet again challenge Edinburgh Council’s STL policies which amount to an ideologically driven de facto ban.

“Despite being a professional and integral part of Edinburgh’s tourism economy, legitimate businesses continue to face an existential threat. The mishandling of STL regulations by the Scottish Government was evident from the outset. We continuously warned that they were not fit for purpose and now we are seeing the consequences unfold.

“With the shambolic roll out of licensing across the country, it is only a matter of time before further compensation claims emerge throughout Scotland.”

The city council has yet to comment on this latest development.

Flying the Flag: Council Leader welcomes LGBT+ History Month

This February marks the 20th anniversary of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender plus (LGBT+) History Month, with Council Leader, Jane Meagher, showing her support.

Following the repeal of Section 28, LGBT+ History Month was created to recognise and honour the contributions of the LGBT+ community.

The Council is marking the annual celebration by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the entire month of February.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the LGBT+ rights movement and campaign for equal rights. On the twentieth anniversary of this vital awareness month, we must recognise those individuals who have pushed the boundaries and advocated for social progress, creating a more inclusive world for all of us.

“We are proud of Edinburgh’s diversity and that anyone is welcome to make the city their home, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“It’s important that we demonstrate our support by proudly flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the month of February. The flag is an international symbol of LGBT+ pride, showing all who live in and visit our city that we not only value but champion respect, tolerance, and inclusivity for all.”