Agenda

Including any notices of motion and any other items of business submitted as urgent for consideration at the meeting.

Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest.

If any

The City of Edinburgh Council of 6 February 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

The City of Edinburgh Council of 20 February 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

By Councillor Miller - Road Maintenance – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Rust - Comiston Farmhouse – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Directors of Marketing Edinburgh – for  answer by the Convener of the Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Mowat - Bus Stops – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Mowat - Picardy Place – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Rust – Webcasting – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Lang – Rosshill Terrace – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Bo'ness Road Crossing – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Whyte - Social and Affordable Homes Project – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor McLellan - Legal Advice Costs – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Main - Impact Assessments – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Booth - Taxi and Private Hire Car Complaints – for answer by the Convener of the Regulatory Committee

By Councillor Burgess - Council Pensions – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resource Committee

Leader’s report

City Strategic Investment Fund - Powderhall Stables – referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee

Capital Strategy 2020-2030 – Annual Report – referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Annual Treasury Management Strategy 2020-2021 – referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Edinburgh Living LLPs - Acquisition of Homes 2020/21 – referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

EICC Hotel and Hotel School - Business Case – referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Jim Campbell - SailGP

“Council:

1)            SailGP is an exciting international sailing series established by Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts in 2018.  The racing is fast, and close to shore, attracting considerable interest when held in other cities such as Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Marseille, Cowes and Copenhagen.

2)         An opportunity exists to bring this to Edinburgh and the Granton Waterfront in 2021.

Council is asked to voice its support to the efforts of Edinburgh Marina to attract this spectacle.”

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Reported Service Failures Maps

“Council:

Instructs the Chief Executive to produce a report for the Policy & Sustainability Committee in one cycle, setting out how and when Councillors and their Office support teams, will be given access to real time online mapping, displaying historic and live reports made by constituents of service failures, and the ability to report service failures in real time through the same interface.”

By Councillor Staniforth - Policy on China

Council:

Notes that in August 2019 the Policy and Sustainability Committee approved a report on Edinburgh’s International Activity that included twin city status with Xi’an and a memorandum of understanding with Shenzhen.

Notes that the same report gave tackling inequality as one of three key strategic themes for international activity.

Notes that since August 2019 reports of human rights in China have grown increasingly concerning. Since that time the extent of the imprisonment of the minority Uighur population has become clear and during that time the attempt to suppress democracy in Hong Kong was global news.

Resolves that in light of these concerns Edinburgh’s relationship with Chinese cities should be reviewed with an emphasis on how those relationships can best serve the city’s aim of tackling inequality and how our city’s position on the world stage can be used to promote the value of human rights.

Resolves that a report covering the above review should come before Policy and Sustainability Committee within two cycles.”

By the Lord Provost - 20th Anniversary of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership

Council notes that:

a)               In order to improve collective action across to protect the City’s natural environment across our localities, in 2000, the Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership (EBP) was formed and produced  Edinburgh’s inaugural joint Biodiversity Action Plan.

b)               The Partnership, comprises input from 40 partners across the City, including voluntary groups, volunteer groups, and friends of greenspace groups.

c)               The work of EBP is coordinated and facilitated by the Council’s Planning Service located in the Place Directorate.

d)               In 2016, the EBP produced the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan 2016-2018. In 2016 and 2017, the Partnership produced annual progress reports, detailing substantial progress achieved in delivering outcomes.

e)               In celebration of twenty years of continuing operation, the Partnership plan   a series of events throughout 2020.

In acknowledging the positive sustainability impacts of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership, Council requests that the Lord Provost, marks the 20th Anniversary in an appropriate way.”

By the Lord Provost - 20th Anniversary of the International Womens Club Edinburgh

Council notes that:

a)    The International Women's Club Edinburgh (IWCE) was founded on 11th April 2000.

b)    IWCE runs a programme of social, cultural and welfare activities in Edinburgh and the surrounding regions. The Club is open to women of international background and experience, or who have an interest in international issues.

c)    The mission of the Club is to expand upon the rich tapestry of nationalities and cultures of its members, and in doing so, promote cultural awareness, social networking, philanthropic endeavours, women's issues, and to assist those new to the City (and to the Club) in their appreciation of Scotland.

d)    Membership is open to all women, including those out-with Scotland, and those who are interested in the objectives of the International Women's Club Edinburgh, and are willing to contribute time and effort to its activities.

e)    Reflecting Edinburgh’s multicultural community, IWCE currently has around 170 members comprising over 21 different nationalities.

f)       The Club gathers on a monthly basis, with a number of supplementary tours and activities throughout the year.

In acknowledging the work of the Club in supporting the international profile of the City and in welcoming a broad range of women of diverse heritage to the City, Council requests that the Lord Provost, marks the contribution of the Club in an appropriate way

By Councillor Watt - International Women's Day

“This Council:

Continues to support International Women’s Day as a day to celebrate women’s achievements and give focus to campaigns for women’s rights.

Recognises that gender-based violence is a major public health and human rights issue; that gender inequality is a root cause of this violence; and that such violence is devastating to all of the individuals involved and detrimental to society as a whole.

Requests a report in three cycles to the Policy and Sustainability Committee summarising the specific policies that have been put in place by the City of Edinburgh Council, during the year to 31 March 2020, that seek to prevent gender inequalities and improve our support for survivors of gender-based violence.”

By Councillor Neil Ross - Commercial Sponsorship of Civic Receptions

“Council:

Notes the value of civic receptions as an appropriate way to recognise the achievements of local community organisations and to welcome visiting groups to our city.

Appreciates the dedication and personal commitment of the Lord and Lady Provost and City Officers to ensuring that civic receptions run smoothly and reflect well on the city within a very limited budget.

Recognises that commercial sponsors have occasionally played a role in the success of civic receptions.

Recognises that some local businesses have existing relationships with community groups and may wish to participate in marking special events.  Similarly, local businesses may have an interest in supporting the city’s welcome to visiting groups.

Instructs officers to investigate the potential for commercial sponsorship of some civic receptions, taking into account previous policy decisions on the suitability of sponsors, and to propose an approach to facilitate this for consideration by the Policy and Sustainability Committee.”

By Councillor Cameron - Fire at Liberton Primary School

“Council formally express its gratitude to everyone who responded so swiftly to the Liberton Primary School Fire; all parties involved in drawing up and implementing arrangements to ensure that the disruption to Liberton Primary School pupils’ learning is minimised; and to pupils, parents and staff for their forbearance and cooperation with these interim arrangements.

Council welcomes John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Education, comments expressing his concern about the recent fire at Liberton Primary School; and pledging Scottish Government support to the City of Edinburgh Council.

Council requests that the Convener of Education, Children and Families write to the Cabinet Secretary to welcome and follow-up this offer of support.”

By Councillor Rust - LED Lighting – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee