Agenda and minutes

Venue: Main Council Chamber - City Chambers

Contact: Gavin King 

Media

Items
No. Item

1.1

Order of Business

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

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2.1

Declaration of interests

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.

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3.1

Deputations

If any

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4.1

Minutes pdf icon PDF 1 MB

The City of Edinburgh Council of 25 August 2022 – submitted for approval as a correct record

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5.1

Leader's Report pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Leader’s report

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6.1

Appointments to Committees, Boards and Outside Organisations etc pdf icon PDF 88 KB

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7.1

Motion by Councillor Staniforth - Provision of Sanitary Bins in Council Buildings pdf icon PDF 139 KB

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7.2

Young People's Assembly pdf icon PDF 123 KB

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7.3

Annual Performance Report 2021/22 - referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Annual Performance Report 2021/22 - referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee

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7.4

Treasury Management - Annual Report 2021/22 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 948 KB

Treasury Management - Annual Report 2021/22 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

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7.5

Edinburgh Living LLPs - Acquisition of Homes 2022/23 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 223 KB

Edinburgh Living LLPs - Acquisition of Homes 2022/23 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

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7.6

Millerhill Energy from Waste Plant Heat Offtake Unit - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee pdf icon PDF 198 KB

Millerhill Energy from Waste Plant Heat Offtake Unit - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

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7.7

Changes to Charging Mechanism for Road Construction Consent Inspections - referral from the Transport and Environment Committee pdf icon PDF 188 KB

Changes to Charging Mechanism for Road Construction Consent Inspections - referral from the Transport and Environment Committee

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7.8

Strategic Review of Parking - Results of Advertising of Phase 1 Traffic Order - referral from the Transport and Environment Committee pdf icon PDF 6 MB

Strategic Review of Parking - Results of Advertising of Phase 1 Traffic Order - referral from the Transport and Environment Committee

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8.1

By Councillor Hyslop - Safer Parks

By Councillor Hyslop - Safer Parks

“Council:

Believes that our parks should be safe public spaces for all to enjoy, and that the presence of cars and large vehicles is not consistent with that.

Notes that Council waste teams often have cause to drive through parks with larger vehicles.

Notes that many of Edinburgh’s Parks have vehicle access points that are not locked by the Council.

Believes that the safety of park users should be of upmost importance.

Notes instances across the city where park users and Friends of Parks groups have reported private cars driving along paths and green space through parks.

Requests that the Council produce a report which outlines current vehicular access into all of the City’s parks and examines how best to prevent vehicular access to each of these spaces. This report should also include detail on the cost and feasibility of implementing the following:

1)         all park gates being padlocked where possible:

2)         collapsible bollards installed where necessary, accessible only by Council vehicles and agreed third parties; and

3)         the use of Council vehicles over 1.3 tonnes within parks being prohibited and replaced by a fleet of light-weight electric vehicles for use within parks across the city.

Furthermore, requests that the council produces a report outlining existing powers and a strategy for enforcement which can used to prevent and penalise unauthorised parking in public parks.”

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8.2

By Councillor Thornley - Bus Service Single Fares

By Councillor Thornley - Bus Service Single Fares

“Council;

1)             notes the recent changes made by Lothian Buses to its route network in response to current passenger numbers and wider challenges in the bus services market.

2)         recognises how these changes have resulted in many passengers losing direct services and mean they must now take two services to get to and from their destination, increasing costs and potentially discouraging the use of using public transport in Edinburgh.

3)         notes the findings of the Poverty Commission which identified the costs of public transport being a barrier to people accessing work and education.

4)         notes the ticketing schemes in place in some other UK cities, such as London’s ‘hopper fare’, whereby passengers can use any service within one hour for the price of a single fare.

5)         believes a similar scheme in Edinburgh is worthy of consideration and would ensure those passengers who need to get two buses rather than one are not unfairly penalised.

6)         therefore agrees that the Transport & Environment Convener should write to Lothian Buses to ask it to consider a similar ‘one hour’ scheme and for the response to be provided to all councillors.”

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8.3

By Councillor Neil Ross - Electric Vehicle Charging Points

By Councillor Neil Ross - Electric Vehicle Charging Points

“1)        Notes that the way people, goods and services are moved around the city accounted for 31% of the city’s total emissions in 2020, according to the 2030 Climate Strategy.

2)         notes the recognition within the City Mobility Plan on the importance of publicly available electric vehicle charging points towards meeting the Council’s transport goals and the commitment within the plan to create a comprehensive network of electric charging hubs.

3)         agrees that publicly available electric vehicle charging points have an important role in reducing air pollution and facilitating the transition to net zero by encouraging residents and businesses to replace fossil fuel vehicles with electric vehicles, as noted in the 2030 Climate Strategy.

4)         Notes and reaffirms the council’s existing policy to place EV charging units on the road and not the pavement.

5)         notes that while the Council’s website hosts a link to the Charge Place Scotland map of publicly available electric vehicle charging points, it does not provide a clear process for people to suggest or request new electric vehicle charging point locations.

6)         agrees that officers should follow the example of the Cyclehoop scheme, where residents are able to suggest new locations, and

            a)         create a facility to allow residents and businesses to suggest new    sites for public electric vehicle charging points;

            b)         use the suggestions received to determine the locations of future       charging points; and

            c)         report to the Transport & Environment Committee within two cycles.”

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8.4

By Councillor Thornley - Playparks Investment

By Councillor Thornley - Playparks Investment

“Council:

1)         Agrees that playparks are a vital community resource providing opportunities for exercise and socialisation, and that it is important that playparks are fit for purpose and accessible to all.

2)         Notes that Council currently has responsibility for 165 playparks across the city, and that as of the Council’s meeting of 27th May 2021, only approximately 100 of them had surfaces suitable for wheelchair access.

3)         Notes the commitment of funding from the Scottish Government to upgrade playparks, and that in the 2022/23 this will amount to £406,000, plus any unspent funds from the 2021/22 year.

4)         Notes that Council does not currently receive a regular update on the state of playparks across the city, what investment is required and what works are planned.

5)         Requests a report to Culture & Communities Committee, within two cycles, containing but not exclusive to:

a)         The criteria against which playparks are judged when considering them for refurbishment, and how that affects prioritising locations for work.

b)         Details of which playparks are currently considered most in need of refurbishment, and which playparks are being prioritised for repair over the next three years.

c)         Which playparks are currently accessible including but not exclusive to; wheelchair accessible surfaces, adjacent disabled parking access and accessible play equipment.”

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8.5

By Councillor Davidson - Support for Roseburn Businesses

By Councillor Davidson - Support for Roseburn Businesses

“Council:

1)         Notes that the Council Leader recently met with the owners and operators of businesses on Roseburn Terrace and heard about the negative impact that the ongoing CCWEL works had on their operations;

2)         Further notes that many businesses have seen a sharp decrease in their takings throughout the programme of works and recognises the legitimate concerns that the resumption of construction activity will damage takings even further in the run up to the vital festive period;

3)         Believes that these businesses represent the heart of the Roseburn community, and that the council should do everything within its powers to makes sure they are able to survive the disruption caused by these works;

4)         Recognises that infrastructure projects that take a significant period of time to complete often have a more acute impact on business than roadworks generally;

5)         Understands that measures undertaken to help these businesses so far have proven to be insufficient and that more needs to be done to support them;

6)         As such agrees to look into the possibility of setting up a compensation scheme for those businesses who have been adversely affected by the works to ensure they continue to operate over the coming months that the roadworks are in place.”

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8.6

By Councillor Day - Transient Visitor Levy

By Councillor Day - Transient Visitor Levy

“Council notes at long last the Scottish Government will legislate for a transient visitor levy.

Edinburgh welcomes visitors and is a gateway for tourism that contributes to Edinburgh and Scotland’s hospitality sector and wider economy. Sector statistics say that it supports around 30,000 local jobs, with overnight visitors spending over £1.9bn a year in the city. Sustaining this level of activity, whilst balancing the needs of residents and visitors, requires investment in services and infrastructure. A well designed, progressive visitor levy could generate over £15m which would contribute towards those costs.

Given the Council is facing continued cuts from the SNP/ Green Scottish Government, Council agrees the Council Leader should write to the Scottish government to make clear that this funding must be additional to base grants and brought forward at the earliest opportunity.

Council agrees officers will engage with Scottish Government officials and provide an update at the Policy and Sustainability Committee at its meeting on 1 November 2022 including a timeline of the process.”

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8.7

By Councillor Meagher - Rent Freeze

By Councillor Meagher - Rent Freeze

“Council:

1)         Notes the Scottish Government’s intention to introduce emergency legislation which freezes rents for private and social rented homes until at least the end of March 2023.

2)         Notes that planned consultation on rent policy with council tenants is imminent, with any agreed rent increase due to come into place on April 1st, 2023.

3)         Notes that council rents in Edinburgh remain the highest in Scotland.

4)         Agrees that given the above, and in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, that planned consultation with council tenants on a potential rent increase should be reconsidered.

5)         Requests a report to the next Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on the implications of a rent freeze for council tenants in 2023/24.

6)         Requests a report to the next Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on the implications of a rent freeze for Edinburgh Living tenants in 2023/24.

7)         Agrees that the Council Leader will write to the Scottish Government requesting that the rent freeze across private and social rented homes is maintained until rent controls are in place.

8)         Agrees that the Council Leader will write to the Scottish and UK Governments, detailing the scale of Edinburgh’s housing crisis, and requesting both emergency and long-term funding to allow the council to purchase and build more homes for social rent.”

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8.8

By Councillor Miller - Bikeability in all Primary Schools

By Councillor Miller - Bikeability in all Primary Schools

Council:

1)         Notes the benefits of cycle training for children and young people in addition to the life skill of cycling such as confidence and health, and recognises the model of Bikeability provision via schools, which Edinburgh has implemented, is considered best practice.

2)         Notes the availability of free Bikeability training for all schools supported by Cycling Scotland and welcomes the provision of Bikeability by Active Schools across Edinburgh, resulting in Level 1 and Level 2 Bikeability offered in 40% of our primary schools.

3)         Agrees that access to Bikeability Level 1 and 2 training for all children and young people should be the aspiration.

4)         Calls for a report to the Education Children and Families Committee within 2 cycles outlining the path to 100% Bikeability for Edinburgh’s primary schools, including but not limited to:

a)         Support for Active Schools to promote Bikeability uptake by schools not currently offering both Level 1 and 2.

b)         Work with Head Teachers and Active Schools to identify any barriers to uptake and providing recommendations on ways to address these.

c)         Methods for re-communicating the scope and the benefit of the free offer to schools “

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9.1

By Councillor Dixon - The BIG Project

By Councillor Dixon - The BIG Project

“Council recognises and congratulates The BIG Project on its recent awards:

Notes that Sascha Macleod, Director of The BIG Project, won the Lifetime Award and gained Fellowship of Youthlink Scotland in recognition of her hard work and dedication given to the Youth Work sector.

Notes that the awards were hosted and awarded by Youthlink Scotland, the national agency that represents more than 100 youth organisation members across Scotland.

Recognises that The BIG Project which operates in the Broomhouse area of Edinburgh, support children and young people aged five to 18 to "learn, achieve, have fun and feel good about themselves". 

Wishes The BIG Project further success in promoting activities and interests targeted at Youth Development.

Notes that Margaret Halkett, volunteer at The BIG Project, won an Inspiring Volunteer award at the Lord Provost of Edinburgh's Award ceremony in summer 2022, for her dedication and passion to Youth Work.”

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10.1

By Councillor Younie - CAHMS pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Younie – CAHMS – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.2

By Councillor Flannery - Ukrainian children who have received school placements for this academic year pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Flannery - Ukrainian children who have received school placements for this academic year – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.3

By Councillor Parker - Use of Glyphosate pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Parker - Use of Glyphosate – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.4

By Councillor Staniforth - Abbeyhill Primary School Closure pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Staniforth - Abbeyhill Primary School Closure – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.5

By Councillor Thornley - Planned Upgrade to Queensferry Road-Clermiston Road North Junction pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Thornley - Planned Upgrade to Queensferry Road-Clermiston Road North Junction – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.6

By Councillor Caldwell - Disposal of Ground Floor Flats pdf icon PDF 14 KB

By Councillor Caldwell - Disposal of Ground Floor Flats – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

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10.7

By Councillor Caldwell - Phase 1 Parking Review Pavement Furniture and Conservation Areas pdf icon PDF 54 KB

By Councillor Caldwell - Phase 1 Parking Review Pavement Furniture and Conservation Areas – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.8

By Councillor Caldwell - Powderhall Active Travel Route Funding pdf icon PDF 59 KB

By Councillor Caldwell - Powderhall Active Travel Route Funding – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.9

By Councillor Neil Ross - Energy Saving pdf icon PDF 12 KB

By Councillor Neil Ross - Energy Saving – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

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10.10

By Councillor Neil Ross - Spend to Save pdf icon PDF 52 KB

By Councillor Neil Ross - Spend to Save – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

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10.11

By Councillor Booth - Licensing Board pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Booth - Licensing Board – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.12

By Councillor Booth - Bòrd na Gàidhlig pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Booth - Bòrd na Gàidhlig – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.13

By Councillor Booth - GME Schools pdf icon PDF 53 KB

By Councillor Booth - GME Schools – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.14

By Councillor Aston - Bus Tracker App pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Aston - Bus Tracker App – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.15

By Councillor Aston - Electric Scooters pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Aston - Electric Scooters – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.16

By Councillor Campbell - Clean Up Waste Collections pdf icon PDF 52 KB

By Councillor Campbell - Clean Up Waste Collections – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.17

By Councillor Campbell - Lifelong Learning Review pdf icon PDF 14 KB

By Councillor Campbell - Lifelong Learning Review – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

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10.18

By Councillor Dobbin - Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee APM pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Dobbin - Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee APM – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

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10.19

By Councillor Kumar - School Placements pdf icon PDF 50 KB

By Councillor Kumar - School Placements – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.20

By Councillor Macinnes - Contractors pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Macinnes – Contractors – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

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10.21

By Councillor Macinnes - Meetings with the Conservative Group Leader pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Macinnes - Meetings with the Conservative Group Leader – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.22

By Councillor Macinnes - Young Persons Assembly pdf icon PDF 50 KB

By Councillor Macinnes - Young Persons Assembly – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.23

By Councillor Nicolson - Flooding pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Nicolson – Flooding – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.24

By Councillor McFarlane - BT pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor McFarlane – BT – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.25

By Councillor Aston - Winter Conditions pdf icon PDF 47 KB

By Councillor Aston - Winter Conditions – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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