Tag: city council

Capital says it with flowers

FLORAL CLOCK PAYS TRIBUTE TO NHS and KEY WORKERS

Work has finished to complete this year’s design on the world’s oldest Floral Clock in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens.

In a change to plans for the clock’s 2020 design, the hugely popular landmark carries a message of thanks from the city to NHS and key workers and as a tribute to those working so hard through the Covid-19 outbreak. The colourful design is in honour of those who have kept the city moving as well as their counterparts across the country.

A team of three gardeners took six weeks to plant the 35,000-plus flowers and plants used to create the clock, which will be in bloom until October. There are over 20 different plants included in this year’s design including numerous Echeverias, Sedums, Saxifrages and Pyrethrum. The design states that Edinburgh thanks all key workers and includes the NHS logo and encourages everyone to stay safe.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross, who spoke at the official dedication said: “This year our legendary floral clock will be paying tribute to the ongoing hard work of the NHS and key workers who we are all so proud of.

“It is an honour to be able to support the invaluable work carried out by the NHS and key workers. Doctors, nurses and other health workers have been and should continue to be appreciated by us all. This year’s clock is a poignant symbol of our response to the pandemic I hope all NHS employees and key workers in Edinburgh will be able to visit and enjoy the floral tribute.

“It is also my hope that key workers in other areas know of our appreciation – there have been so many who have gone above and beyond that we can’t list them all but I hope all will be seen in a more appreciative light that they so thoroughly deserve. And to my colleagues in the Council who have continued to work in these most trying of circumstances to keep the city and its vital services running for the people of Edinburgh – I thank you.

“As always, I am delighted to officially unveil this striking and much-loved creation, which is a source of enjoyment and fascination for so many people every day, and I’d like to congratulate our dedicated and creative parks team who have put together the design and we can all now enjoy their realised vision.”

Professor Alex McMahon, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “We are so incredibly proud of all of our teams across NHS Lothian and grateful for the way they have worked so heroically over recent months in the face of such sustained adversity.

“This is a lovely gesture that I know will touch the hearts of many people and will help serve as a lasting tribute to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff and key workers throughout Lothian.”

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staff in the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, and those working with us in the third and independent sectors, have gone the extra mile to care for those who are most vulnerable.

“My heartfelt thanks goes out to each of them every day and it is a real honour that Edinburgh’s legendary floral clock will be dedicated to thanking them for their resilience during the pandemic. The clock’s beautiful design, and the hard work that has gone into creating it, is a fitting reflection of the hard work and excellent care our health and social care staff demonstrate every day.”

The Floral Clock was first created in 1903 by then Edinburgh Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. It initially operated with just an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904, followed by a cuckoo clock in 1952. Until 1972 the clock was operated mechanically and had to be wound daily.

Since 1946 it has been designed in honour of various organisations and individuals, including the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Queen, for her Golden Jubilee. In the clock’s centenary year in 2003 it won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Unfortunately, this year it will not be a fully functioning floral clock at first as important parts, due to the ongoing pandemic, are not immediately available.

Floral Clock fact file – did you know?

The clock was created in 1903 and is the oldest floral clock in the world

It is housed in the plinth of the Allan Ramsay Monument at the north-east corner of West Princes Street Gardens

Planting begins in May each year

Up to 40,000 plants are used in the design each year (compared to 13,000 in the 1930s; 25,000 in the 1950s)

1952 – a cuckoo clock was added and still chimes every 15 minutes

1973 – when the clock began being operated electrically

In 1946 the clock began celebrating a different event or anniversary each year

2003 – the clock won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Clock circumference: 36 ft

Clock width: 11 ft 10 ins

Weight of large hand (when filled with plants): 80lbs

Weight of small hand (when filled with plants): 50lbs

Floral clocks are now distributed worldwide and many were made in Edinburgh, where the idea originated.

They can be found in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, United States of America, Canada and many other European countries.

Excavation of medieval graveyard begins on Constitution Street

The excavation of human remains which could date back as far as 1300 has begun on Constitution Street, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.

Archaeologists are on-site outside South Leith Parish Church, where previous investigations have shown that in the medieval period the church’s graveyard extended across the road with graves surviving beneath the current road surface.

The team are removing any human remains that are likely to be affected by the tram works, and have so far exhumed more than ten bodies, dating from between 1300 and 1650, as well as finding the apparent remnants of the original medieval graveyard wall.

After the excavation the remains will be subject to examination and analysis that will reveal information on the origins, health, diseases and diet of the people of medieval Leith.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: This is an extremely fascinating, essential part of the broader project to bring the tram to Newhaven, shedding some light on centuries of history here in Leith.

“It’s crucial that we conserve the remains found here, and a team of archaeologists are carrying out the painstaking job of doing this. What’s more, further examination of the excavated graves will give us an invaluable glimpse into the lives of Leithers past.”

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “The Trams to Newhaven project is now up and running again and progressing well, as the main works get underway on Leith Walk.

“This element of the scheme is just as important as track-laying or landscaping and allows us to conserve a small piece of the area’s heritage for generations to come”.

Council Archaeologist John Lawson said: The historic port and town of Leith is one of the Scotland’s most significant urban archaeological sites with evidence of occupation going back over 900 years. 

“Although only just started, the excavations by our team from GUARD have already provided important new evidence regarding the history of the graveyard and earlier town with the discovery of what we believe are the remains of its original medieval graveyard wall.

“It is hoped that further new discoveries will be made and that we will learn important new evidence for the lives of Leith’s medieval inhabitants so that we can tell their story to modern Leithers.”

Last month, archaeologists from GUARD Archaeology Ltd, who are undertaking work on the council’s behalf under contractors Morrison Utility Services, shared images of discoveries made during initial investigations on Constitution Street. These include rare whalebones, a cannonball thought to date back to the 17th century and historic drainage.

Archaeological work began on Constitution Street in November 2019 and was stopped at the end of March, along with the wider project, to comply with Government guidance and to protect the safety of workers and residents in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

During the first phase, the team took down part of a wall surrounding Constitution Street Graveyard, dating back to 1790, ahead of excavation of the historic graveyard. Preparatory work led archaeologists to discover what appears to be a large charnel pit which may contain the remains of some burials recovered from the laying of 19th century services in Constitution Street. 

The main construction works on Leith Walk from Elm Row to Crown Place are currently underway, with traffic management involving Leith Walk being reduced to one city bound lane between London Road and Crown Place for the duration of the works.

All works, including archaeological investigations, are being carried out while maintaining physical distancing and with additional measures to protect workers’ and the public’s health in place.

Find out more about Trams to Newhaven on the project website.

Capital looks to green future

Ensuring Edinburgh’s future infrastructure and capital investments contribute to a green future is just one of the recommendations for a green recovery in a report by the Edinburgh Climate Commission.

  • Edinburgh Climate Commission calls on Scottish Government and City Leaders to commit to a green recovery for the future of the city and its people
  • Inaugural report makes 10 recommendations for ensuring a thriving, fair and sustainable Edinburgh that is resilient to future economic and public health shocks
  • The Edinburgh Climate Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland

The Commission’s inaugural report sets out 10 recommendations for Edinburgh’s green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 9 July.

Led by Chair Dr. Sam Gardner, the Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland and was created in February 2020 to accelerate the action on climate change in Edinburgh. It has 15 expert commissioners from a variety of sectors and backgrounds and has committed to a series of reports that will lead, inform and shape the ambition to be a Carbon Neutral City by 2030.

A working group, led by finance expert Commissioner Kaisie Rayner, has produced its first report ‘Forward Faster Together – Recommendations for A Green Economic Recovery in Edinburgh’ addressing the city’s compound emergencies: the global climate crisis and recovery from the global pandemic.

Dr Gardner is expected to call on the Council to commit to a green economic recovery, investing in net zero transport infrastructure; prioritising capital projects that deliver a greener, healthier city environment and investing in local economies with shorter supply chains that support local jobs and community wellbeing.

The Commission’s 10 recommendations call for:

  1. A joint commitment to Green Economic Recovery from Local and National Government  
  2. Public stimulus and organisational investment decisions should be conditional upon contributing to a greener future
  3. Redesign and invest in carbon neutral transport infrastructure
  4. A city-wide approach to energy efficiency and renewable heat
  5. Localise services, support and infrastructure to build community resilience
  6. Focus on wellbeing in natural and built environment investments
  7. Embrace new business practices to reimagine building assets and opportunities for the city
  8. Grow skills and knowledge to deliver a city green recovery and lead a global transition
  9. Develop low carbon sectors and business models to make the city globally competitive
  10. Become a global leader in sustainable investment

Edinburgh Climate Commission Chair, Dr. Sam Gardner, said: “COVID-19 has shown the power of common purpose; we must now seize the moment created by the devastating pandemic to tackle the climate emergency and secure a fairer more sustainable future for this City and its people.

Edinburgh must plot a path to recovery that delivers new jobs, builds resilience and attracts investment. A green recovery does this and gives meaning to the phrase ‘build back better’; it kick-starts the much-needed acceleration to a net zero city by 2030 while improving our health and resilience to future shocks.”

A green economic recovery is in the best interests of the whole city.”

Commissioner, Kaisie Rayner, said: “Throughout this pandemic we have acted together to protect our families, our communities and have placed the highest value on our collective wellbeing.

“As we emerge from lockdown, millions of pounds are expected to be spent on our city’s recovery and it is imperative that every penny is spent wisely, delivering an economic recovery that benefits us all.

“The climate emergency hasn’t gone away and while our response to COVID 19 has seen a temporary drop in emissions it is clearly not how we need to tackle climate change. We need a planned response that has a sustained impact and puts people’s wellbeing at its heart.

“This report recommends a way forward that will position Edinburgh as a fair and sustainable economic leader in the low carbon global economies of the future and we must make the right choices now so that we create a City worth living in for ourselves and for the generations that will follow us.”

Edinburgh Climate Commission Vice Chair and Council Leader, Cllr. Adam McVey, said: The Edinburgh Climate Commission was formed out of a necessity to tackle climate change in Edinburgh as an urgent priority. 

“I am very appreciative of the immense work and effort that has gone into the creation of this report by the other Commissioners and the support from the Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh.

“It has become clear that if we are to rebuild Edinburgh as a city of the future, then a green recovery is our only option. I welcome the Commission’s recommendations and I’m committed to making sure that these are central drivers within our post-Covid plans, both short term and long term, to deliver our 2030 carbon target.”

The Edinburgh Climate Commission is part of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN), which works to translate climate policy into action ‘on the ground’.

Supported by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and local partners, the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh, PCAN brings together the research community and decision makers across the private, public and third sectors through city-based climate commissions, in a network that is expanding across the UK.

Remember to apply for school clothing grant

A reminder that, even if you received a school clothing grant last year, you MUST APPLY again if you want one this year – see the city council’s guidance (below):

About school grants

Low income families can get free school meals, milk and a school clothing grant to help towards buying school clothes for their children.

All children in primary 1 to 3 receive free school meals, but not free milk or a clothing grant.

Find out if you match the conditions to claim free school meals on the Scottish Government website.

If you match these conditions you will also qualify for free milk and a clothing grant.

If you contact us please give your full name, address and names of all children. It would also be helpful if you can give us your Housing Benefit or Council Tax reference number.

Download our privacy notice – PDF

Award

Each award is valid for one school year. The award provides

  • each child with one school meal and milk each day they attend school
  • a clothing grant payment of £100 for each child.

We pay one clothing grant per year, per child, into your bank account. We pay clothing grants between July until 31 March the following year. Most clothing grants are paid throughout July and August before the new school year begins.

Coronavirus payments

We will continue to make payments towards the cost of lunches every two weeks over the summer for eligible families.

Payments are £22.50 per child.

You are eligible for these payments only if you received free school meals, milk and a clothing grant for your child.

If you have a child in P1 to P3, you do not automatically receive the payment. You must match the conditions to claim free school meals.

Renewing your award

If you get housing benefit and/or council tax reduction, in most cases we can use information we already hold about your benefits to give you an automatic award each year. Data from our school records is matched against our benefits records to identify families who are eligible.

In some cases, data on the school records does not match the information held on our benefits records. When this happens, we cannot automatically award.

If you qualify for an automatic award, we’ll send you a letter telling you before 31 July. We will ask you to confirm your bank account details using the form below before we pay your clothing grant.

You won’t get an automatic award if

  • you do not currently get housing benefit or a reduction on your council tax
  • you receive tax credits or support under Immigration and Asylum Act
  • you live outside the City of Edinburgh Council area.

Apply or confirm your payment details

If you do get an automatic award, use this form to confirm your bank account details.

If you don’t get an automatic award, use this form to apply for school grants.

Apply for school grants or confirm payment details

End of the road for Lothian Buses?

Changes to the way we travel around the Capital could be introduced through the reform of Edinburgh’s transport companies, according to a report to be discussed by councillors this week.

The proposals could see Lothian Buses merged with Edinburgh Trams to form a single entity. The report claims the merger would eliminate competition between the two organisations and cut management costs.

Recommendations in the Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations report, which will be considered by Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday recognise the need to encourage the use of public transport to and around the city and region by making it as accessible and joined-up as possible.

A shift from car to sustainable public transport alternatives will help Edinburgh achieve its ambitious carbon neutral goals by 2030, managing the impact of rapid population growth and aligning with local and national sustainable travel policies.

Three options for the future operation of Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and Transport for Edinburgh are explored in the report, ranging from a ‘do nothing’ scenario to the creation of a single company to deliver all functions.

Once a preferred option has been agreed upon by councillors, the plan will be consulted on through discussion with the existing companies, the other councils in the Lothians and trade unions, alongside robust legal analysis.

The report notes that Edinburgh, like other cities, will experience significant change to employment, leisure, and wider activity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new approaches to public transport will be central to the overall adaptation and renewal process.

The recommendations aim to improve governance structures, collaboration and, importantly for the travelling public, integration across the transport network.

The report acknowledges the ongoing success of the companies in providing high quality, award-winning transport services which are greatly valued by the public and predicts a growth in transport provision across the city. It is intended to retain and capitalise on the valued Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams brands while eliminating unnecessary competition between the two, particularly as the Trams to Newhaven project progresses.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: This is about creating a sustainable, accessible and joined-up public transport system that is fit for the future. As we’ve experienced over recent months, and will continue to do so, our city, like others, is undergoing a significant period of change as a result of COVID-19, and we must adapt in response.

“We simply must change the way we move around the city if we are to meet our ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to create a fairer, more inclusive environment.

“We wholeheartedly appreciate the roles of both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams in providing high quality, award-winning public transport and excellent customer service, and will always do everything we can to help our companies achieve that.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “For the many employees across these companies who play such an important role in delivering essential services, particularly during the current COVID outbreak, I want to reassure them that these changes will not negatively impact on their jobs.

“Rather, as we lead the charge toward a zero-carbon future, we want to increase reliance on sustainable public transport, and as bus and tram use continues to grow, we’ll need more drivers and staff to run the companies.

“However, we can’t move forward with these aspirations as it stands – we know that the current structure has led to inefficiencies. Of course this will take time and a great deal of engagement and planning, but by driving better integration, ensuring improved governance and putting the needs of the public at the centre of public transport delivery, I know we can provide a system that future generations will thank us for.”

Transport for Edinburgh Limited was formed by the Council in 2014 as parent company, with a wholly owned subsidiary Edinburgh Trams Limited and a 91% ownership of Lothian Buses Limited, where East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian are minority shareholders. This model was intended to achieve maximum integration between transport companies.

As Edinburgh continues to grow, so too does the need for seamless, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport as an attractive alternative to private car journeys, helping to reduce congestion, drive down air pollution and limit carbon emissions.

The report says that the current structure of ownership – shareholding, parent company and group of companies, all responsible for delivery of different aspects of the transport network – has led to inefficiencies and a lack of collaboration, hindering aspirations to provide joined-up travel options.

Efficient and effective public transport is a key driver of several emerging national and local policies for sustainability and mobility; in Edinburgh this includes the City Mobility Plan, City Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and Low Emission Zone policy development and implementation.

In order to improve upon the current model, officers have undertaken an analysis of the outcomes required from a public transport company structure and in light of these have considered three options.

These are:

  • Do nothing: Leaving the existing corporate structure and agreements in place but looking to strengthen existing relationships between companies and the Council to deliver change
  • Do minimum: Retaining existing corporate structure or parts of it but reviewing Shareholder Agreements and Memorandum and Articles of Association to promote transport priorities of the Council and improve integration
  • Single company model: Creating a single company to deliver an integrated transport system. Owners of the company would provide strategic direction as well as exercising shareholder power to ensure accountability

The third option, to create a single company, is being put forward as the preferred option.

The council says this will allow ‘the ongoing delivery of high-quality public transport with no negative impact on the travelling public or frontline staff’.

It is proposed that existing bus and tram services, as well as the city’s cycle hire scheme, would be maintained as separately branded divisions, while integrated back office functions would be delivered, along with potential senior management savings.

A single company would require a new shareholder agreement between the owners and the company, with the new structure to be developed in consultation with the minority shareholders. The needs of partner councils, both from a transport policy and financial perspective, must be fully addressed.

Before a final preferred option is confirmed, a further report will be brought back to Committee for decision. This will follow discussions with the public transport companies, minority shareholders and trade unions to gather views on proposals and will set out any changes required on the shareholder side.

Read the full report, Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations, on the Council website. This will be discussed by Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday (9 July) – you can watch the webcast of the meeting online.

Councillors to consider reopening public toilets

A proposal to reopen public toilets in ‘hot spot’ areas near busy parks and beaches has been published by the city council following a city-wide review.

Councillors on the Policy and Sustainability Committee will consider a report on Thursday ( 9 July) which outlines how some public toilets could be reopened safely following government guidance, having been closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With lockdown restrictions being gradually relaxed in recent weeks and the weather improving, areas such as the Meadows and Portobello Beach have become increasingly popular. Unfortunately, this has also led to people relieving themselves outdoors and in the vicinity of people’s homes causing a significant health hazard.

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “The city is slowly starting to return to a ‘new normal’ and as more restrictions are gradually eased we know a lot of people are out enjoying our beautiful parks and beaches, and more recently returning to visit the many and varied quality shops and other businesses Edinburgh has to offer.

“We are reopening some toilets to ease the situation but I would ask that everyone is respectful they’re when out and about. Plan ahead and if you’re caught short, get home to use your own facilities if there are none open nearby.

“It’s only possible to reopen some public toilets in busy areas as we must make sure we’re following government guidance and putting in all of the necessary measures required such as additional deep cleaning and physical distancing to keep everyone safe. The cost of reopening can’t be underestimated but it’s important that we do all we can to support our communities and combat the negative anti-social behaviour some of our residents have experienced.”

Depute Leader, Cammy Day, said: “We know the situation is far from ideal, but we have limited resources and the priority here must be protecting public health.

“We’ll keep everyone updated as soon as it is possible to reopen all of our toilets safely. Until then we’ll be using signage, our website and social media to keep everyone up to date with health and safety measures we’re putting in place and which toilets are open when.”

Assuming the report is approved, and all health and safety measures are put in place, selected public toilets would reopen on Monday, 13 July.

This would be on  a temporary basis until 30 October from 11am to 6pm, seven days a week. A further review will be carried out in September and an update report will be considered by councillors in October. This report will outline details of customer numbers, costs incurred, and any updates on public health advice.

Public toilets to reopen 13 July – 30 October:

  • ·         Pipe Lane in Portobello
  • ·         Hope Park in the Meadows
  • ·         Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens
  • ·         the Courtyard at Saughton Park
  • ·         Bruntsfield Links
  • ·         Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
  • ·         Cramond

Help shape the new vision for Edinburgh’s parks and Greenspaces

The city council is leading on a project to develop a new vision for the Capital’s green spaces which will ensure their ongoing enhancement, protection and care – and they want your views.

The Thriving Green Spaces project will shape an ambitious new vision for Edinburgh’s natural environment and produce a 30-year strategy and action plan to deliver that vision. 

The next stage for the project team is to ask residents and visitors how they use our parks and green spaces and, importantly, what their aspirations are for them. Launched yesterday, the team have three short, interactive surveys for anyone who lives or works in Edinburgh. 

How do you use and what do you think of Edinburgh’s green and blue spaces?

Active commuting in Edinburgh

Using quiet routes after dark 

These surveys have been developed with the help of a number of masters students from the Landscape and Wellbeing programme at the University of Edinburgh, one of the partners working with the Council on this project. 

The project has been made possible by a £899,500 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and the Natural Trust (NT), who have joined together to provide funding to local authorities to enable them to develop bold and innovative financial and management solutions for their green spaces against a backdrop of financial uncertainty. 

Alongside the Council, bid partners are: Greenspace Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Green Spaces Forum (the umbrella group for Edinburgh’s friends of parks groups). 

City of Edinburgh Council Parks Leader and Project Champion, Amy McNeese Mechan, said: “Edinburgh is already a wonderfully green city – the UK’s greenest, in fact – and we want to ensure it remains that way for generations to come.

“Thanks to this much-sought-after funding we’ve been able to get to work on our approach to this challenge. I’m excited that we are ready to launch this stage of the project and open dialogue with the public, together with our partners, to explore what it means to be a thriving green city.

“The data gathered in these surveys will be key information which we will use to inform the new 30-year strategy for the Capital’s parks and greenspaces. It will determine how we change and adapt the ways in which we manage our outdoor spaces, to make sure that they continue to play an active role in delivering benefits in areas such as health and wellbeing, active travel, biodiversity, recreation and social cohesion.

“I would encourage everyone to learn more about the project through the website and share your views in our surveys.” 

Dave Gorman, Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at University of Edinburgh, said: “The Covid19 emergency has demonstrated in the most tangible way possible the vital importance of nature and green space for everyone’s health and wellbeing.

“We are delighted to support this ground-breaking project as it moves into its public dialogue phase. I’m particularly pleased to see that our students and staff are supporting the work and urge people to take the chance to give their views.” 

Simon Bell and Catharine Ward Thompson, of the OPENspace Research Centre at University of Edinburgh, said: “We are very pleased that we can contribute, especially to the three surveys being launched today which are also part of research being carried out by masters students on our Landscape and Wellbeing programme.

“We want to help ensure that the health and well-being of the citizens of Edinburgh and those who work and visit here can be promoted through the provision of the best green and blue spaces the city can offer in the long term.” 

John Kerr of Edinburgh Green Spaces Forum said: “There is an army of volunteers across the city who work alongside the Council to support our parks, green spaces and cemeteries.

“They are passionate about our green spaces, and now, as more people begin to realise how important these green spaces are to the health and wellbeing of all our residents and visitors, they look forward to this project creating a sustainable long term environment for managing and supporting our green spaces into the future.”

More funding for councils

Almost £258 million of additional funding for vital local services, such as food provision for those in need, education and social care, has been approved by the Scottish Parliament.

The provision of a further £72 million is being agreed with COSLA and will be subject to Parliamentary approval in due course. This will bring the total additional funding provided to help Scotland’s local authorities combat coronavirus (COVID-19) to almost £330 million.

This extra funding is on top of the local government finance settlement of £11.4 billion, which already provided an increase of £589.4 million (5.8%) compared to the previous year.

To prevent local authorities experiencing cash flow problems the Scottish Government is providing £455 million in weekly advanced payments to councils until Parliamentary approval is secured. Councils received an additional £150 million in May, £255 million in June, and will receive £50 million in July.

Public Finance Minister Ben Macpherson said: “We have taken exceptional measures in every area of government as we deal with the challenges of COVID-19 – and that is particularly clear in our support for local services.

“To date, Scotland’s councils have received £405 million in advanced payments this financial year, and by the end of July this will have risen to £455 million.

“The Scottish Government has also relaxed current guidance on some of the education grants to allow additional resource to be diverted to the COVID-19 response.

“We will continue to work with COSLA and local authorities, as well as pressing the UK Government for urgent additional funding and flexibility for our partners in local government.”