Visitor Levy legislation confirmed to come into force
The commencement date of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act has been confirmed as Friday 20 September 2024.
Welcoming the news of the legislation soon coming into force, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity for Edinburgh and I’m pleased to see Government move quickly on this. We’re looking forward to harnessing the opportunities the new legislation will bring.
“Since the Visitor Levy Scotland Bill became an Act on 5 July, we’ve been working on our plans to run a widescale public consultation that will seek views on our draft scheme. We’ve spent many years designing a scheme that works for our city, and we’ve published details of our plans for a 5% levy on overnight stays.
“This charge could raise up to £50 million per year once established, presenting a welcome and innovative way of sustaining our tourism sector and our incredible city. I’m looking forward to people from all over the city, and the world, sharing their views.”
The Council will launch a formal 12-week public consultation on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for Edinburgh soon after the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act commences on 20 September. The results will inform the final scheme, which will be considered by Councillors early next year.
Hundreds of homes in Edinburgh are undergoing major energy upgrades – helping to tackle fuel poverty and carbon emissions in some of the city’s most deprived areas.
Edinburgh’s ambitious multi-million-pound retrofitting roll-out and mixed tenure improvements will make council homes ‘net zero ready’ in the coming years, with measures such as external wall insulation and solar panels being installed to improve living standards in many low-rise buildings and multi-storey blocks.
Marking the Council’s latest set of insulation upgrades, the Housing, Homeless and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher visited tenants in the North of the city to see how their homes have been transformed.
Along Crewe Road North and Crewe Road Gardens, at least £2.23 million has been invested this year towards making 90 homes in mixed tenure buildings warmer and cheaper to heat. The vast majority of these (70) are Council homes.
Funded by a mix of EES/ABS grants, owner contributions and Council funding, properties in the area have benefited from external wall insulation and in many cases replacement roofing, with all works delivered by Insulated Render Systems (IRS) in partnership with the Council, Changeworks and Home Energy Scotland.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:“It’s hard to describe the huge difference these measures will make: to the fabric and warmth of these homes, to people’s fuel bills and to the environment, and of course to the lives of everyone who lives in them now and in the future.
“By bringing these older homes up to a newer energy efficiency standard, we’re not only driving down carbon emissions, we’re clamping down on issues like damp and fuel poverty. It’s complex work but it’s vital because it prioritises our tenants and their living standards.
“It has been a pleasure to meet with some of the residents and to hear their feedback and I’m pleased to see the real difference the building work is making. The works taking place along Crewe Road are an indication of more upgrades to come. Just think what we could achieve if we were to receive the funding we need to roll this programme out even further, to improve even more of our tenants’ homes?
“I’m grateful to the partners involved in supporting this roll-out and to our tenants, whose rents help towards paying for improvements to council homes alongside grant funding. Edinburgh faces a Housing Emergency and we need to tackle it together.”
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Changeworks has worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council on a number of EES ABS projects and it’s great to see the fabric improvements made to properties here on Crewe Road.
“Ongoing high energy costs mean that these energy efficiency projects make a real difference to householders, helping them stay warm and save energy as well as reducing carbon emissions.”
Green measures have also been installed to homes in Gilmerton, where over 180 eligible private home owners and tenants are benefitting from £2.5 million investment over two years towards solar PV panels and battery energy storage, external wall insulation and upgrades to the look of buildings. Future upgrades with Changeworks are also planned for homes in the Liberton area in the year ahead.
Elsewhere in the city, at least £2.2 million has been invested by the Council to transform a block of 36 homes in Oxgangs into a modern looking, sustainable building with upgrades to the roof and coverings, external walls, stairwells, and common landings.
The Council is now looking to undertake a whole house retrofit of the multistorey blocks May and Gunnet and is carrying out design work for blocks in Leith, Mixed tenure improvements also taking place in Lochend, Restalrig and in Wester Hailes.
The city council is to repair the road surfaces and drainage on the A8 at Glasgow Road and the Ingliston interchange to improve driving conditions and enhance road safety.
Work will start on Monday 16 September and is expected to finish in March 2025.
Each phase of work will be split into two parts:
Drainage improvement work. This will take place between Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am – 3.30pm.
Road resurfacing work. This will take place overnight between Mondays and Fridays from 7.30pm – 6.30am.
Phase 1: 16 September 2024 – 25 October 2024 A8 Eastbound – from Ingliston Interchange North West slip-road To Gogar Roundabout.
Phase 2: 28 October 2024 – 15 November 2024 Glasgow Road – From Gogar Roundabout to Maybury Road.
Phase 3: 18 November 2024 – 29 November 2024 Ingliston Interchange North East slip road.
Phase 4: 6 January 2025 – March 2025 Ingliston Interchange dumbbells and remaining slip roads.
Work will temporarily stop between 30 November and 5 January to minimise disruption during the busy festive period.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and making sure our roads are properly maintained and serviced. This is why we’re carrying out this major work on the A8 through the autumn and into the New Year.
“Whilst there may be some disruption whilst work is ongoing, this is a key arterial road and it’s essential that we make these repairs.
“I’d like to thank all road users for their patience during this time.
“I’m also conscious that this was one of the key issues raised by our residents in the recent Budget Engagement Consultation. We’re listening and fixing the roads.”
A masterplan to transform Seafield in north-east Edinburgh into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood, was published yesterday by the Council.
The masterplan will also connect its coastline to the surrounding communities in Leith, Portobello and Craigentinny.
Currently, the area is primarily made up of car showrooms, trades, light industry as well as Lothian Buses’ Marine Depot and the Council’s Seafield Household Waste Recycling Centre. The draft ‘Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’ have been produced to add detail to the allocation in the Council’s local development plan, City Plan 2030, as one of 44 pieces of land across Edinburgh allocated as an ‘Opportunity Site’ for development.
Planning Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan focuses on the creation of a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood at Seafield to help address the city’s housing emergency.
“Options for higher density flats, with the clear aim of 35% of homes on site being affordable, are being explored with stunning views across the Firth of Forth alongside excellent community facilities.
“We’re estimating the site could potentially deliver as many as 2,700 homes with a range of other styles of housing such as colonies and townhouses. We’ll also make sure there are opportunities for employment and community uses.
“Our bold vision to transform this area would open up the Seafield section of Edinburgh’s coastline creating an attractive and seamless promenade linking to the waterfront communities that already exist on either side.
“I’d like to thank the local people and businesses whose views have helped get us to this stage and I look forward to receiving further feedback from the upcoming consultation to help us finalise our plans.”
A new primary school, GP surgery and plenty of green space are also proposed for Seafield as well as a Waterfront Park. Improved public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling routes linking to the wider area are also included. The provision of a heat network to help the city with its net zero target is planned. This would also help to keep utility bills down for future residents.
The area under consideration stretches from Seafield Street in the north to King’s Road in the south. The eastern boundary of the site is the Forth Estuary, while the western boundary is defined by a railway line and by Seafield Recreation Area. Seafield Road East, part of the A199, runs through much of the site. As Seafield is a coastal area, work is also ongoing with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to make sure we mitigate against any future flood risk.
If approved for consultation by the Planning Committee next week, residents, businesses and other organisations interested in the area will be asked to give their views on the ‘Draft Seafield Place Brief’ and ‘Draft Seafield Masterplan’, developed following extensive consultation with local people and businesses.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson has been appointed as the new convener of the Transport and Environment Committee.
He replaces Councillor Scott Arthur who has served as convener since May 2022. Councillor Jenkinson has been the Labour member for the Pentland Hills ward since May 2022, and has previous experience sitting on the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee along with the Lothian Valuation Joint Board.
He takes on the role with immediate effect and will also chair the Transport and Local Access Forum.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:“I’d like to thank Councillor Arthur for his service, dedication and expertise as convener over the past two years.
“Scott has led us through some challenging times for our city. From delivering more safer streets, increased active travel routes, such as the City Centre West to East Link, pushing for better air quality in the city with our Low Emission Zone, spearheading a vision to extend trams to the north and south of the city and much more, he can be very proud of his record.
“Our loss of a convener is the UK Parliament’s gain, and I have no doubt he’ll diligently represent Edinburgh South West as their new MP as he did for his constituents while serving as a councillor.
“Looking forward, I’m delighted that my friend and colleague Councillor Jenkinson will take up the mantle on what is one of the Council’s busiest and most important committees.”
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to Councillor Arthur for his hard work and commitment to the Council and the role – and for all he’s achieved over the past two years as ‘interim’ convener! I’m also grateful for his valuable advice to me as I take on this exciting new challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with this new role and working with colleagues across the political groups and our council teams to continue delivering for the people of Edinburgh.
“This is an exciting time for Edinburgh as we continue to work towards our ambitious goals whilst getting the basics right for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
In other appointments agreed by Council yesterday, Councillor Margaret Graham was appointed as Vice-Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee and Gareth Barwell as the Executive Director of Place (Interim).
City councillors have announced plans to increase the Tenant Hardship Fund maximum average payment to around £480.
Launched in 2023, the Fund was created in response to the additional financial burden that tenants were facing from the cost-of-living crisis. It offers financial assistance to tenants struggling to make rent payments.
By 31 March 2024, the Council had received 2,741 applications to the Fund with 2,585 approved.
For 2024/25, the award has increased to a maximum of two fortnightly charges which will help tenants who need intervention to prevent court escalation and secure an affordable repayment plan.
Around 80% of Council tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent in the form of housing benefits or Universal Credit. The changes will also apply to new Universal Credit claimants, where deferred payments may create a rent pressure.
The new two fortnightly payment is expected to support tenants during this period and protect them against an arrears spike.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We don’t want tenants to fall into a situation where their debt becomes unmanageable, and we absolutely want to help people remain in their home. It’s so important that we continue to collect rent but that we do everything we can to support tenants in arrears.
“By extending the fund, we are providing a vital lifeline for those facing difficult times, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid the devastating impact of eviction. I want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”
Views are being sought on proposals to build two new non-denominational primary schools and nurseries in and Granton Waterfrontand Gilmerton.
The Council is looking for people’s views on proposals to build two new non-denominational primary schools and nurseries in the city. The plans include both creating new catchment areas and changes to the catchments of nearby existing schools.
One proposed new school would sit within the Granton Waterfront development area in north Edinburgh. This would affect the existing catchment areas of Craigroyston, Granton and Pirniehall primary schools, and Broughton and Craigroyston Community high schools.
The other would be located within the Gilmerton Station Road housing development in south east Edinburgh. This would affect the existing catchment areas of Gilmerton Primary School, Gracemount High School, and Liberton High School.
Proposals for both schools include ideas to bring daily services together for everyone in the local area to use. This approach is designed to help create more social, inclusive and accessible communities that are connected by safe travel routes.
Education, Children and Families Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths said:“These proposals represent exciting new possibilities for flexible, inclusive and diverse schools in the heart of our communities across the city.
“We’re committed to ensuring our children get the best possible start in life in Edinburgh. We also want this improved way of using our school buildings to help everyone across the city to live well locally in healthier, greener and thriving neighbourhoods.
“We hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to share their views on the proposals via our website or by coming along to one of our meetings or drop-in events.”
More information on the school proposals for Granton and Gilmerton can be found on the Council’s Consultation Hub, where visitors can share their views.
A mixture of public meetings and drop-in sessions to discuss the proposals will also take place in September:
Granton:
Public meeting:
Craigroyston Community High School on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Drop-in public information events:
Broughton High School on Wednesday 4 September 2024 5.00pm – 7.30pm
Granton Primary School on Monday 9 September 2024 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Craigroyston Primary School on Tuesday 10 September 2024 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Pirniehall Primary School on Thursday 19 September 2024 2.30pm – 5.00 pm
Gilmerton:
Public meetings:
Gilmerton Primary School on Thursday 12 September 2024 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Gracemount High School on Wednesday 18 September 2024 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Views and comments can also be submitted direct to the Council by end of Thursday 3 October 2024.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to clarify how the funds allocated for improving the junction of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road will enhance pedestrian safety.
Labelled ‘Deathtrap Junction,’ this is one of the busiest junctions in the capital, yet its pedestrian crossing facilities are woefully inadequate. The complex layout, coupled with fast-moving traffic, makes it dangerous and inaccessible for all pedestrians and nearly impossible to navigate for most blind and partially sighted individuals.
The pedestrian crossings lack audible signals and revolving cones, with many in need of basic repairs. The limited protective barriers at the junction increase the vulnerability of all pedestrians, while Strachan Road is particularly hazardous, as it has no pedestrian crossing facilities at all despite the constant flow of fast-moving traffic.
The charities, along with local Inverleith Ward Councillors, are concerned that the limited budget allocated for improvements will do nothing to enhance pedestrian safety.
Caroline Hedley, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Worker with Sight Scotland, expressed her concerns: “While we appreciate the Council’s acknowledgment that the junction needs upgrading, I am left very disappointed by the limited funding being allocated.
“I struggle to see how this will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, especially those with vision impairments. We’re talking about people’s lives here. This is a densely populated area where residents need to cross these roads to reach the only local doctor’s and then again to get to the chemist for prescriptions.
“With schools and a mosque nearby, it’s clear that upgrading this junction is essential, even if it’s costly and causes traffic congestion.
“People’s safety should never be compromised, and I worry that the Council is prioritising traffic flow over pedestrian safety. I have clients living close to this junction and I need to explain to them that it’s just not safe for them to cross on their own, which is unacceptable.”
Local Inverleith Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) expressed appreciation to Sight Scotland for bringing attention to the well-documented issues at the Farmers junction: “The Council must do better and prioritise projects like this, as providing safe, accessible crossings for the most vulnerable benefits everyone in our society.
“The funding allocated for this upgrade is far too low, and more must be done. While the Council claims to prioritise pedestrians over traffic, their actions don’t reflect this commitment.
“Ensuring that everyone can safely navigate this junction shouldn’t be up for debate—it’s a necessity. It’s great the Sight Scotland campaign has made the Council start listening, but it’s not enough, and once again, the most vulnerable are being overlooked.”
Fellow local councillor Cllr Max Mitchell (Conservative) adds: “I have been proud to support Sight Scotland’s campaign, and while the inclusion of this junction among the prioritised projects is a step in the right direction, it’s also a clear acknowledgment of the significant safety issues here.
“Although I welcome the funding allocated to address some aspects of Strachan Road, I am deeply concerned that the £40-50k budget will barely make a difference given the numerous dangers across the entire junction.
“People with vision impairments cannot cross this junction safely, and by failing to address these issues adequately, we are once again excluding them from our community. Safety must be our top priority, and it cannot be compromised.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We recognise that a full upgrade of the junction will require more funding in the long term, but immediate interim measures—such as installing tactile paving, cones, audible signals, and light boxes, particularly at Strachan Road—are essential and must be implemented as soon as possible.
“There are blind and partially sighted people in the local area who we support who are currently not able to get about independently because of this junction. It is simply too dangerous to cross. Without basic upgrades, we’re risking people being left housebound.”
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urging people to join their campaign to push the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade the crossing at Strachan Road, Hillhouse Road, and Telford Road.
You can support this campaign by writing to your local Councillor and calling for urgent action to fix this dangerous junction.
The platform, which provides a safe place to find advice, local support, tips, and tools to help maintain positive wellbeing, was launched at Bonaly Primary School this week (Wednesday 21 August).
The online space features a series of short films where children and young people from Edinburgh schools discuss why it’s important to talk about feelings and share their tips for emotional wellbeing.
There is also advice on apps, information on local supports and signposting to other websites that provide other sources of helpful advice and resources which include helplines and chat-based support.
It follows research which shows that understanding our emotions and learning coping mechanisms can help prevent more serious health problems later in life.
Education, Children and Families Convener Joan Griffiths said: “The wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, and we understand they’ll face challenges which might cause them to struggle with their feelings and emotions.
“The launch of this new online platform marks a positive step forward in providing them with the tools and resources they need to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.
“Whether they’re seeking advice, finding support or want to connect with others, the platform is designed to be a go-to digital space. I’m confident it will make a real difference to the lives of Edinburgh’s children and young people.”
Gillian Barclay, Depute Principal Psychologist, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious, angry, sad, or frustrated some of the time, but recognising that we are struggling with feelings or emotions is really important. The new platform aims to support children, young people, and the adults around them to maintain positive wellbeing.
“I hope children, young people and their families in Edinburgh will find it helpful. We’ll continue adding information, support and resources and welcome feedback, particularly from young people and families, to help us do this.”
A minutes silence was observed by many in Edinburgh including the Culture and Communities Special Committee at 11am, followed by an evening event at Cornerstone Centre, St John’s Church.
The event, hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, remembered the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism and its legacy in our city, while honouring those who fought so hard for its abolition.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge delivered a message of unity, which was followed poetry readings as part of Disrupting the Narrative from outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery, Jeda Pearl Lewis and Shasta Ali and a keynote speech by Briana Pegado, Author of Make Good Trouble: A Guide to the Energetics of Disruption.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said:“Today marked an important and poignant opportunity for us to reflect on our past, while reminding us that we must do everything in our power to ensure that such horrific and degrading exploitation can never, ever happen again.
“Back in 2020, the Council agreed to address historic racial injustices in Edinburgh and stem modern day discrimination. This led to a comprehensive review, involving a huge amount of research and public consultation, and to a series of recommendations – one of which was for me to make a public apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh.
“I’m extremely grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group for their ongoing commitment and support – helping us to ensure Edinburgh remains a welcoming and diverse city, where people from different backgrounds and beliefs can continue to get on well together.
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “As the City of Edinburgh marks the second-year observance of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, it is a chance to inspire and give hope to our future generations as our city faces its troubling history.
“The Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group has a number of recommendations that require action to address this troubling past. This year must be the one we now make progress in delivering a future that is equitable for those who are forging a life in our city from both the trauma and privilege of our city’s past.
“Though the slave trade has been abolished, its pernicious legacy persists, continuing to perpetuate racism, discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality. We all have the responsibility to confront and address racism promptly and firmly within our city.
“Education is essential in reconciling with the past and is vital to our collective goal of creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone in our city.”
