Tag: city council

Councillors prevented from discussing hunger striking Palestine protestors

GREENS CONCERN OVER FREEDOM OF SPEECH CONSTRAINTS

Councillors in Edinburgh were not allowed to debate a Green motion at Thursday’s full council meeting due to concerns over the latest UK Government guidance around proscribed organisations.

Instead, Green Councillors withdrew the motion following pressure from other political parties who demanded that there should be no discussion – citing fear of arrest under anti-terror legislation.

The motion, prompted by people undertaking hunger strikes to protest their treatment in prison, stated that the Council “opposes the curtailing of human rights, intimidation, discrimination and victimisation of those currently imprisoned as a result of opposing genocide”, and “expresses concern for the health, wellbeing and human rights of prisoners who have undertaken hunger strikes”.

Due to concerns that being seen to provide moral support for a proscribed organisation – now classed as a terrorist offence – could open the entire Council to a criminal offence charge, the Lord Provost took the unusual step of changing the Council meeting process to remove the opportunity for debate.

However, both the Labour and Conservative groups proposed that the motion should instead be withdrawn, citing fear of risk of arrest from individual councillors.

Cllr Alys Mumford, who was due to move the motion, said: “If we needed any further proof that Labour’s obsession with cracking down on protest has gone too far, it is this.

“We’ve already seen countless protestors criminalised and arrested for peacefully holding pieces of paper, and now elected members of Scotland’s capital city are prevented from even discussing a motion highlighting important issues of human rights.”

Cllr Mumford continued: “Just yesterday we saw pro-Palestinian activists in Bristol being cleared of aggravated burglary, with lawyers instead comparing them to Suffragettes for their actions to protest UK involvement in the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

“This should highlight the ludicrous nature of anti-terror legislation being used in this way by the UK Government. For Councillors to be unable to discuss whether or not we agree with the UK Government is antithetical to everything we are supposed to uphold as a nation of free speech and democracy.”

In withdrawing the motion, co-convener of the Green Group Chas Booth said: ““Lord Provost, thank you, reluctantly our group has made the decision to withdraw the motion at 8.1 on the agenda.

“We understand from advice that the motion is competent as re-drafted and we have been advised the risk of considering the motion is very low. However, we appreciate that there are individual councillors in other parties who are uncomfortable with the situation, and we feel a duty of care towards our colleagues.

“We regret that the council is facing this situation, and we remain concerned about the impact on democracy and freedom of speech message.”

Speaking about the withdrawal, Cllr Mumford said: “This motion was simply meant to be a way to express our support for human rights, and for the ongoing plight of people being mistreated in UK prisons. Instead, it has descended into a surreal conversation about what we can and cannot say within the City Chambers.

“We hope that – despite being unable to say what we want to during the meeting – this situation will serve to highlight the fight of the hunger strikers for humane treatment, and make people think twice about the ramifications of restricting the rights to protest in the UK.”

New funding for sustainable projects after a year of LEZ enforcement

Following the first year of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) enforcement, around £793,000 of surplus income is set to be used on a range of initiatives.

The Low Emission Zone Annual Report (LEZAR) published today (February 2) outlines the progress of Edinburgh’s scheme in its first financial year since enforcement began in June 2024.

After meeting the scheme’s operating costs, any surplus LEZ income must be used towards the scheme’s wider objectives.

The Transport and Environment Committee agreed in August 2024 that surplus income would be used to fund citywide Council projects which contribute to air quality and/or climate change emission reduction. Committee also agreed that special consideration should be made to projects in areas bordering the LEZ.  

Some of the projects which funding is being allocated to include:

  • Supporting the delivery of the city’s 7-7-7 bus lane trial
  • Delivering traffic sensors to improve network data intelligence and monitoring
  • Research to support businesses on air quality issues
  • Engagement activities with local schools on air pollution and climate change
  • Measures to tackle engine idling

A full list is available in the LEZAR.

In our most recent Air Quality Annual Progress Report (APR), we’ve also seen a consistent downward trend in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) concentrations across both city centre and residential sites.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is preparing a separate report with a nationally updated model for the LEZ, which will include updated traffic and air quality information for Edinburgh.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement. Footfall data gathered from 2021 to 2025 shows that walking as a mode of travel in the city centre has increased.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: This report underlines the real progress that’s been made since LEZ enforcement began. I have no doubt that this new revenue will unlock many new and exciting projects which will benefit residents across the city.

“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a core responsibility to combat the climate and nature emergencies. Fundamentally though, the LEZ is about making our city healthier for everyone. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health, with road traffic being one of the main sources of harmful emissions.

“We’ll continue to encourage people to use active travel and public transport wherever possible, whilst reducing their car use and considering lower polluting vehicles. Our commitment to this can be seen in new developments like the trial cycle hire scheme along with projects under our City Mobility Plan, giving our residents greater choice and creating a better city for us all.

“The latest air quality data, average decrease in PCNs, and positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport, shows clearly that we’re headed in the right direction.

2The LEZ remains an important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”

Facts and Figures:

From June 2024 to March 2025, 40,945 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued, of which 70% were paid across all stages (from discount to debt recovery).

£1,050,780 income was received from PCNs. Net surplus after costs was £793,187.

84.5% of PCNs issued were for first contraventions.

62.4% of PCNs were paid at the discounted rate.

Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number of PCNs issued decreased by 56%.

Over 95% of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant.

Positives of pavement parking ban in Edinburgh praised two years on

The benefits of the pavement parking ban have been hailed by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets Edinburgh. The Council previously worked with these organisations to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.

January 29th marks two years since enforcement began against parking on pavements, at dropped kerb crossing points and double parking. Edinburgh was the first local authority in Scotland to enforce these rules.

The City of Edinburgh took this decision to make the capital’s streets safer for pedestrians and road users. Pavement parking particularly impacts people who use wheelchairs and mobility aids, those who are blind or partially sighted and people pushing prams or buggies. It also damages pavements, which are expensive to repair and become a trip hazard for everyone.

From enforcement beginning to date there were a total of 9,467 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for footway parking. Last year saw an overall reduction of over 700 PCNs; from 5,098 in 2024 to 4,369 in 2025.

Since enforcement began there has been an overall decreasing trend in PCNs being issued for pavement parking.  

There was a total of 3,497 PCNs issued for dropped kerb parking and 4,165 for double parking in the same period.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Since we first introduced these changes two years ago, we’ve seen drivers changing their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across Edinburgh.

“We brought the ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies. We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road to avoid parked cars.

“I’m also grateful for the support we’ve had from groups including Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland, which has been key in helping us to deliver this positive change for our city.

“All drivers have a responsibility to park considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. Whilst we ultimately want to see zero fines, the overall gradual decreasing trend shows we’re headed in the right direction.

“I’m proud that we prioritised making our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland have been looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implemented schemes of their own since.“

Niall Foley, External Affairs Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “The City of Edinburgh Council led the way on enforcing pavement parking prohibitions two years ago and now the majority of local authorities across Scotland have followed their example. 

“We commend the commitment of the City of Edinburgh Council to keeping pavements clear for pedestrians. People with sight loss tell us they can now get out and about in the capital more safely, without the fear of being forced on to the road by inconsiderate parking.

“We’re pleased to be celebrating two years of boosting the independence and safety of all pedestrians. Congratulations to Edinburgh on reaching this key milestone.”

 Living Streets Edinburgh Group Convener, David Hunter said: “The Council deserves credit not only for being the first in Scotland to apply the national ban on pavement parking, but also for adopting a “no streets exempt” policy.

“It’s encouraging that the Council has been consistent with the no exemptions approach, which ensures a level playing field for everyone – no parking on the pavement means just that. Enforcement has been handled well in general too.

“This been the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits.”

‘Significant progress’ made on capital’s Visitor Levy revenue funding

City councillors have made ‘significant progress’ towards a £41.1m capital investment package, over the next three years, for the City Operations and Infrastructure (COI) fund.

These proposals, discussed at a meeting on Thursday, are subject to final full Council approval, which will be debated on February 12. 

The report outlines how part of the revenue from the Edinburgh Visitor Levy will be spent under COI across a wide range of projects and workstreams.  

These include supporting capital borrowing for the George Street and First New Town project, developing a masterplan for Portobello Promenade, upgrading and replacing bins, accelerating our setted streets programme, alongside improving existing and providing new, more accessible public toilets.

The full list of recommended projects can be found on our website.

Reports on the remaining Visitor Levy revenue spending will now be debated at executive committees throughout February:

• All Programmes: Finance and Resources Committee

• Destination and Visitor Management: Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

• Culture, Heritage and Events and specific elements of City Operations and Infrastructure: Culture & Communities Committee.

Commenting on Thursday’s decision, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The Visitor Levy is a transformational development for the Capital, with today marking an important milestone in the process.

“Edinburgh is already one of the world’s premier visitor destinations, but this comes with a responsibility to properly manage the impacts tourism has on our residents whilst improving visitor experience.

“From short term measures such as increasing the amount of waste and cleansing patrols, alongside long-term strategic projects such as George Street and First New Town, the opportunities which the Visitor Levy could provide for our city cannot be understated.

“We’ve long debated the many things that we’d like to do as a city. We now have the chance to make these a reality, which is something that we should seize with both hands.”

Further Information on Visitor Levy:

After administration costs, which includes establishing and maintaining a contingency fund, a fixed amount has been assigned to: 

  • Housing and Tourism Mitigation (£5m per annum) 
  • Participatory Budgeting (£2m over three years); and 
  • Reimbursement of 2% of remitted funds to Accommodation Providers, to offset the administrative cost incurred from operating in accordance with the Scheme and collecting visitor data.  

The remaining funds are then split into the following investment streams:  

  • City Operations and Infrastructure (55%) 
  • Culture, Heritage, and Events (35%)
  • Destination and Visitor Management (10%). 

Meet the Council drop-in event for business support

Businesses in Edinburgh are being invited to meet with 30 Council services and business-facing partners face-to-face. Meet the Council will be held on Tuesday 3 February at the Assembly Rooms on George Street between 10am and 1pm.

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:

  • Business Gateway
  • Edinburgh Guarantee
  • Edinburgh Project Search
  • Parental Employability Support
  • The Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive
  • Edinburgh Means Business
  • Commercial property
  • Trading standards
  • Forever Edinburgh
  • Cultural Partnerships, Events and Film
  • Visitor Levy
  • Procurement
  • Convention Bureau
  • Climate & Nature Strategy
  • Environmental Health
  • Street Enforcement
  • Licensing
  • Scientific Services
  • Building Services
  • Planning
  • Non-domestic rates

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

  • Capital City Partnership
  • DSL Business Finance
  • Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
  • Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network
  • Federation of Small Business
  • Scottish Enterprise Sustainability Team
  • Zero Waste Scotland
  • Forth Green Freeport
  • Adaptation Scotland
  • Supplier Development Programme

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Edinburgh continues to boast the strongest local economy outside of London and has the highest number of accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland.

“The innovation, success and resilience of Edinburgh business community play a key role in shaping our city as a distinctive and exceptional place to live and work.

“We are keen to build much closer relationships with local businesses, offering meaningful support, gaining a deeper understanding of the views, challenges and ambitions of business owners and working together to secure a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economic future for the capital.

“We recognise the current economic climate presents real challenges. By working collaboratively with businesses and partners, there is significant opportunity to support and grow Edinburgh’s economy, champion the principles of Fair Work, and help to create a stronger, greener and fairer city for everyone.

“To support this, we are hosting an event that brings businesses together with our teams in person, offering the chance to engage directly with staff from a range of services that support the business community.

“Whether you’re looking for advice on funding opportunities, navigating licensing requirements, or exploring how we can better support employers, this event is an ideal place to connect with the right people and access tailored advice and support.

“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.“

Holyrood elections looming: Register to Vote!

It’s now just 99 days to the Scottish Parliament elections on 7 May.

Here’s are the key dates to make sure you can vote in this election:

– register to vote by Monday 20 April

– apply for a postal vote by Tuesday 21 April

– apply for a proxy vote by 28 April (if you can’t vote in person).

Remember, if you’re aged 16 on the day of the election, you can vote too.

And foreign nationals from another country who are permitted to enter or stay in the UK can also vote.

Register today.

Don’t forget, if you’ve moved home, update your registration too to make sure you get your polling card.

https://www.mygov.scot/voting-in…/register-to-vote

New solar-powered lighting improves safety and sustainability in Edinburgh’s parks

New solar hybrid lighting has been installed by Signify across several Edinburgh parks, making pathways safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors while supporting the city’s climate goals.

The City of Edinburgh Council has introduced the innovative lighting system in Baronscourt Park, Hailes Quarry Park and Ferniehill, with an off-grid solar solution installed at Dundas. The project includes both new lighting in previously unlit areas and upgrades to existing infrastructure where lighting levels were insufficient.

The hybrid lights use solar energy wherever possible and automatically switch to grid power when needed, ensuring reliable lighting all year round. Smart sensors dim lights when paths are empty and increase brightness when people approach, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists while reducing energy use and light pollution.

The improved lighting encourages greater use of parks during evening hours, supporting active travel, wellbeing and community use of green spaces. Smart dimming also helps protect wildlife by limiting lighting to areas and times where it is needed.

Edinburgh is the first city in the UK to implement this type of connected solar hybrid lighting in parks, setting a new benchmark for sustainable, people-focused public spaces.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener said: “Working with Signify on these park lighting projects has been transformative for our city. The innovative solar-powered lighting system has not only enhanced safety for park users during evening hours but also aligns perfectly with our sustainability and climate goals.

“By reducing grid energy consumption by 53% and minimizing ecological disruption, this project sets a new benchmark for environmentally sensitive urban development. I’m also pleased that the technology has been rolled out in three other parks, namely Ferniehill, Hailes Quarry and Dundas.  

“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to lead the way with a solution that balances safety, sustainability, and innovation. This collaboration demonstrates how technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand to benefit both people and nature.

“This initiative sets a new standard for sustainable and connected public lighting systems. I’m proud that Edinburgh has taken the lead here as the first UK city to implement such a scheme.”

Michelle McLaughlin, Key Account Manager, said: “The vision for this project was rooted in environmental responsibility and community empowerment. The Council aimed to enhance safety by illuminating park pathways while minimizing reliance on grid electricity and protecting the park’s ecosystem.

“The solution also sought to adapt dynamically to user activity and provide actionable data for future improvements. We are proud to be a part of such a great initiative and are happy that our solutions can benefit the visitors of the parks.”

Consultation opens on mobiles phones in Edinburgh’s schools

Pupils, families and school staff encouraged to share their views

A report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday (20 January) provided an update on mobile phones in schools.

Following the decision made by Councillors in September 2025 to restrict the use of mobile phones in all primary schools, the report presented a range of next steps and options to support potential restrictions on mobile phones in secondary schools.

An interim Integrated Impact Assessment has taken place with consideration for pupils with medical or caring needs who may need access to a phone during the school day.

A citywide consultation is now live, and will run until 2 March, encouraging pupils, parents/carers and school staff to engage with the consultation and share their views:

Parents/carers: Mobile Phones in Schools – Parent/Carer survey – City of Edinburgh Council – Citizen Space

Pupils: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/cf/7c310789/

School staff: Mobile Phones in Schools – Staff survey – City of Edinburgh Council – Citizen Space

The report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee outlined an initial evaluation of the two-year pilot underway at two Edinburgh secondary schools, Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, using lockable pouches, restricting access to mobile phones during the school day.

Both schools report that, in the relatively short time pouches have been in use, feedback is largely positive.

Elected members were presented with a range of options for implementing restrictions, with the preferred option outlined being the use of lockable pouches to support restrictions on mobile phone use across all secondary schools, and lockable cabinets in primary schools.

This would create a position of equity for families and schools but would require additional funding, factored into the Council’s budget setting process.

Next steps in the coming weeks and months include:

  • Conclusion of the Integrated Impact Assessment later this month
  • Focus group sessions carried out as part of the consultation process in January and February
  • Citywide consultation running until 2 March
  • Findings analysed and report presented to Education, Children and Families Committee later in the year

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “In September 2025, it was agreed that restricting the use of mobile phones in our schools would be a positive step forward.

“We want these new measures to be brought in as soon as is practical, but it is the right thing to do to make sure that citywide consultation with families and communities, alongside an integrated impact assessment, takes place to explore and address any issues or concerns.

“Through many conversations, I understand that there is broad support for keeping smartphones out of the classroom, however there are individuals who have concerns which makes it even more important that as a Council we get this change right.

“Pilots, using lockable pouches, at Queensferry and Portobello High Schools have anecdotally been broadly successful, and as such the rollout of pouches in other settings needs to be explored. This includes options for financing mobile phone restrictions and the potential use of lockable pouches in secondary schools and lockable cabinets in primary schools.

“I am working closely with officers to move this forward as quickly as we can, while also making sure that we have done our due diligence to ensure that restricting mobile phones in our schools will have the intended positive impact.”

Jewellery making with Flourish at North Edinburgh Arts

We’re excited to share a fantastic creative opportunity for local adults who would like to develop skills in jewellery making at North Edinburgh Arts.

We have a couple of places available for an extended jewellery programme with Flourish Jewellery Project, open to local adults living in Granton or Pilton.

Workshops will run weekly on Thursday mornings, 10.30am – 12.30pm, from February to August 2026.

As places are limited, participants must be able to commit to attending weekly to ensure they get the most out of this opportunity.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

Places are being offered to adults (aged 18+). The course is funded by City of Edinburgh Council Forth Ward so to be eligible to attend you must live in Granton or Pilton.

If you are interested in taking part but unsure if your address is eligible, please get in touch.

TO APPLY FOR A PLACE:

Email Lisa at hello@flourishjewelleryproject.com and include the following information:

– Your full name

– Your address and postcode

– Contact telephone number

– Tell us why you would like to attend the extended Jewellery programme?