Agenda and minutes

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 12 March 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee of 20 January 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Culture and Communities Committee of 28 January 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Transport and Environment Committee of 27 February 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Education, Children and Families Committee of 3 March 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Finance and Resources Committee of 5 March 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Regulatory Committee of 9 March 2020 – submitted for approval as a correct record

By Councillor Burgess - Re-opening of Schools - Consultation with Parents – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Mitchell - Spaces for People Spend – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Rust - Memorial Benches – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Lang - Litter Bins – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Changes Made to Improve Walking and Cycling – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Booth - Unsuitable Temporary Accommodation – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Staniforth - Short-term Holiday Lets – for answer by the Convener of the Planning Committee

By Councillor Rust - Council Vehicles – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Compulsory Redundancies – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Webber - Ringo Parking Revenue – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Johnston - Marketing Edinburgh Ltd – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Young - Collection of Grass Cuttings – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Young - Guidance for Schools and Pupils – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Bruce - Grass Cutting Equipment – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

Leader’s report

Revenue Budget 2020/21 Update – referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee

Lothian Pension Fund - Unaudited Annual Report (and Financial Statements) 2020 - referral from the Pensions Committee

By Councillor Webber - Dolphin Gardens West Park Rangers

“Council:

1)              Would like to thank the tremendous work and initiative of this group of residents from Currie and invites the Lord Provost to write to the group recognising this.

2)              Throughout the COVID 19 lock down period, they took it upon themselves to maintain key areas using their own grass cutting machinery and even ensured the arisings were all carefully removed and disposed of appropriately.

3)              Their focus was the long-neglected park at Dolphin Gardens West where they have also painted and had a blacksmith repair the swings.  They have cleared detritus from the safety matting and have resewn areas of grass that had long suffered damage from vehicles cutting corners and mounting the kerbs.

4)              They also came together to ensure Currie Kirk Cemetery and the surrounding grounds were maintained through the period of lock down.  This has been of immense importance to those visiting loved ones buried there and has been a huge symbol of respect that has moved the entire community to recognise and thank them for their work and dedication. 

5)       The group is now looking to develop a formal arrangement for the ongoing maintenance and investment in Dolphin Gardens West.  They have requested support from Parks and Greenspaces and the Waste and Cleansing Services to permit this, primarily via their local councillor.  As such requests that we look to facilitate and encourage their endeavours and support the DGW Park Rangers wherever possible.”

By Councillor Fullerton - Fire at Saughton Park Enclosure - Mr Kyle McAndrew

“Council notes:

The recent reported fire at Saughton Park Enclosure, caused by a deliberate act of mindless vandalism by a gang of youths in the area.

Council will have also read about the heroism of a local resident Kyle McAndrew who saw the fire from his garden and ran to the enclosure. Mr McAndrew pulled an injured man from the seat of the blaze without any regard for his personal safety.

Council agrees Mr McAndrew’s unquestionable bravery in saving a man’s life should be acknowledged and that the Lord Provost recognise this in an appropriate way.”

By Councillor Wilson - 50th Anniversary of Garvald Edinburgh

“Council notes that:

a)              In order to improve creative opportunities and support for people with learning disabilities in Edinburgh since 1969, they have provided creative working environments focusing mainly around craft, catering and artistic skills for over 200 people.

b)              Their approach brings together all the factors that are important for any person in their daily life. A work like environment provides meaning, structure and stability.  The physical environment is even more important for people with learning disabilities. Their day facilities are calm and creative spaces and they encourage respect for the natural world around them. This nourishes the senses and develops a feeling of community and respect that would be otherwise very difficult for their members to experience.

c)               They now support people across four locations.  They are also one of the founding organisations of get2gether Edinburgh, which arranges social activities for people with disabilities in safe and friendly places throughout.

d)              The Art and Design Studio at Garvald Edinburgh enables artists with learning disabilities to develop and exhibit their work. The artists have access to high quality materials and support, giving them space to explore and express their creative voice. Each artist is facilitated to produce a body of work to exhibition standard and their work is shown in a variety of locations in Edinburgh and beyond. Social Therapy.

In acknowledging the positive work of Garvald Edinburgh, Council requests that the Lord Provost, marks the 50th Anniversary in an appropriate way.”

By Councillor Arthur - Signage for Scotland's Largest Historical Mural

“Congratulates the Colinton Tunnel Mural Team (SC048476) on the progress they have made to date in creating Scotland's largest historical mural and the interest the project has attracted from around the world.

Recognises the strength of support for the project in the local community, not least from the many local children who have supported artist Chris Rutterford.

Notes that although the Colinton Tunnel Mural is not yet complete it has attracted up to 1,000 visitors each day throughout lockdown. Although many people approach Colinton Tunnel along the Water of Leith Walkway (National Cycle Network Route 75), it is recognised that others come via the road network (whether on foot, bicycle, car or bus).

Notes the Colinton Tunnel Mural team and local Ward Councillors are receiving increasing numbers of reports that some people find it difficult to find the tunnel from Colinton village although it is clearly marked on Google Maps. 

Notes the longstanding support the City of Edinburgh Council has provided the Colinton Tunnel Mural project due to its cultural and economic benefits.

Asks that the Traffic Signs Team brings forward a plan within two cycles to improve signage in the Colinton Area for those trying to find the Colinton Tunnel Mural and National Cycle Network Route 75.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Safe Re-opening of Businesses in Edinburgh

“Council welcomes the positive public engagement with the Spaces for People programme, designed to ensure the safety of people walking, cycling and wheeling; and the contribution of this, and other holistic measures which support the allocation of public space, towards a sustainable, economic recovery for Edinburgh.

Council notes officers across relevant departments are working up a clear framework within which Edinburgh businesses can safely reopen and operate within all social distancing guidelines; and without detriment or compromise to accessibility; and to health and safety.

Council requests an update report on work to support business reopening, including actions taken to support business operating in outside spaces as soon as practicable.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Impact of Covid-19 on Equalities in Edinburgh

“Council calls for a report to the Policy and Sustainability Committee within 3 cycles on actions taken, during the period of the Covid-19 lockdown commencing on 23 March to date, to safeguard and support inclusion, accessibility, equality and fairness for protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.”

By Councillor Corbett – Green Recovery

“Council

1)       Welcomes the work by Edinburgh Climate Commission to develop an Edinburgh Green Recovery plan from the Coronavirus pandemic which also aligns with the council’s 2030 zero carbon commitment.

2)       Agrees that this work should be integrated within the Adaptation and Renewal Programme for the city.

3)       Recognises that the £1.33 billion City Region Deal was developed to deal with a very different set of circumstances than those facing Edinburgh in 2020.

4)       Recognises that those changed circumstances equally affect regional partners and the business and university sectors.

5)       Therefore also agrees that the Council Leader should seek agreement with City Region Deal partners to present an updated prospectus to the Scottish and UK Governments which is consistent with recovery plans and the city’s 2030 zero carbon target.”

By Councillor Rust - Engagement with Employees

“Council:

1)              Agrees that the contribution of The City of Edinburgh Council employees is vital to the operation of the Council and the Council owes a duty of care to its employees and engagement and consultation, such as in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on working practices, is a key part of that;

2)              Notes that based on Council information through deduction from pay as at January 2018: 35.6% of non-teaching employees were members of a non-teaching trade union (Unison; Unite the Union; GMB) and 0.47% of teaching staff were members of a trade union.

3)              Accepts that data is incomplete due to some employees paying their trade union subscription directly, and that anecdotally it is anticipated a majority of teachers will be members of a trade union, nevertheless recognises that there is clearly a remaining and potentially sizeable group of employees that are not trade union members.

4)              Recognises that trade unions have a role in the workplace in representing the interests of their members and through national frameworks or partnership agreements will for some purposes have a recognised role, but that a significant number of employees choose not to join a trade union.

5)              Therefore calls for a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in three cycles on Council engagement with its employees, to include

a)              details as to the ways in which both non-trade union member and trade union member employees are currently engaged and consulted with:

b)              options to improve engagement and consultation such as through the establishment of employee forums in order to give a voice to those employees who choose not to be trade union members; and

c)              research /information from other authorities, and unionised sectors of industry as to potential models for ensuring appropriate staff engagement and consultation.”

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Prioritise Education Now

“Council:

1)       Recognises that re-opening schools in August is the single most important step it can take to support the recovery and renewal of our City and that the same national and local efforts which have gone towards employment and business and other challenges faced over this period now urgently require focus on pupils’ education.

2)       Expects all young people attending Council schools to be offered the same level of in-classroom education.

3)       Observes that the threat from the Coronavirus is one that could exist for some considerable time, and that medium to long term solution for a full return to school must take this into account.

4)       Insists on a costed action plan from the Chief Executive within one cycle setting out how all Council schools could offer 75% and 100% attendance under all responsibly foreseeable scenarios from re-opening in August 2020, or very shortly thereafter.

5)       Accepts that different levels of Government need to work together on providing this solution, and that discussions are required regarding the need to relax any perceived constraints provided health and safety can be maintained.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Liberton Primary School

“Following Council’s approval of a Motion on 12 March on the rebuilding and refurbishment of Liberton Primary School; and the subsequent onset of COVID-19 lockdown on 23 March, Council notes the recent request from LPSA to their Liberton Gilmerton Ward Councillors, seeking an update on rebuilding and refurbishing progress and timescales; and confirmation that, given COVID-19 lockdown, plans to site temporary classroom units would still happen in good time before schools reopen on 11 August.

Council requests that officers ensure Liberton Primary School parents, guardians, kinship carers and the Liberton Primary School Association to be advised and kept informed of progress to date on the siting of temporary classrooms, the refurbishment and rebuilding programme; and to be consulted with regards to the proposals and plans for the rebuilding and refurbishment of the school.

Council notes that work to install temporary units on site is ongoing as well as classroom space secured in neighbouring community centres. Officers are planning, alongside third sector partners, to ensure children have all the necessary support and facilities for the schools reopening in August, without decant to other schools.

Council agrees an update report to the Policy & Sustainability Cttee in three cycles setting out the timescale and progress made to date on the rebuilding and refurbishing of Liberton Primary School to a quality and standard which meets 2020 guidelines for class sizes and communal areas; and which also creates the necessary additional space to accommodate continually rising school rolls.”

By Councillor Burgess - New school session 2020-21

This Council:

1)         Welcomes statements from the First Minister on the priority being given to restarting schools in August in a way that is as close to normal school experience as possible;

2)         Recognises that school arrangements need to be consistent with public safety advice;

3)         Further recognises that a prolonged period of limited access to direct teaching will widen the attainment gap, with a long term negative effect on many of the most disadvantaged young people;

4)         Notes that a significant number of young people will have not engaged with online resources provided in the period April – June;

5)         Therefore agrees that the Council leader will write to Scottish Government Ministers in support of seeking additional funding required to ensure that schools can operate safely in a way which provides the education which young people need and also to request that there is a co-ordinated effort to improve the quality and consistency of online resources, including online teaching.”