Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting - via Microsoft Teams

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.

Additional documents:

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.

Additional documents:

3.1

Deputations

If any

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4.1

Minutes pdf icon PDF 1 MB

The City of Edinburgh Council of 30 June 2022 – submitted for approval as a correct record

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5.1

Leader's Report pdf icon PDF 146 KB

Leader’s report

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6.1

Appointments to Committees, Outside Organisations etc and Senior Councillor Allowances pdf icon PDF 115 KB

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6.2

Appointment of Religious Representatives to the Education, Children and Families Committee pdf icon PDF 826 KB

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7.1

Independent Review and Whistleblowing Culture Review Update pdf icon PDF 575 KB

Additional documents:

7.2

Elected Member Reference Group - Independent Inquiry and Whistleblowing Culture Review pdf icon PDF 129 KB

Elected Member Reference Group - Independent Inquiry and Whistleblowing Culture Review – Report by the Chief Executive

 

(Note: This report was continued from the meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council on 30 June 2022)

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7.3

Review of Member/Officer Protocol pdf icon PDF 373 KB

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7.4

Rolling Actions Log - May 2015 to June 2022 pdf icon PDF 175 KB

Rolling Actions Log - May 2015 to June 2022

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7.5

Council ALEOs and the Living Wage pdf icon PDF 94 KB

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7.6

Cost of Living Support - Response to a Motion from Councillor Biagi pdf icon PDF 160 KB

Additional documents:

8.1

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - US Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Rights

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - US Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Rights

“Council notes the ruling by the US Supreme Court on Roe v Wade with deep regret and concern and stands in solidarity with women and girls in the USA.

Council reaffirms its 2018 commitment to support the rights of women and girls everywhere to have safe access to sexual health and abortion services without fear of prejudice, intolerance, intimidation, and abuse.

Council instructs the Council Leader to convey the views and concerns of Council in writing to the US Consul General in Edinburgh and the US Ambassador in London.”

Additional documents:

8.2

By Councillor Nicolson - Keep Safe Spaces

By Councillor Nicolson - Keep Safe Spaces

“1)        Council notes:

a)         Recent studies show that the Covid pandemic has increased many people’s social anxiety resulting in people being at risk of becoming isolated.

b)         Keep Safe is a partnership between I am Me Scotland and Police Scotland and is an award-winning initiative operating across Scotland.

c)         Keep Safe is a network of safe spaces for vulnerable or disabled people to use and to seek assistance if necessary while going about their daily lives.

d)         Keep safe spaces are checked by Police Scotland and must always have two members of staff available.

e)         Keep Safe provide free training for all staff around their availability.

f)          Keep Safe aims to promote social inclusion and decrease disability hate crime making communities safer and more inclusive for everyone.

2)         Council agrees:

a)         To commission a report to return to full council in two cycles into how best to establish as many Keep Safe places across Edinburgh as possible, in addition to those already in existence. 

b)         In line with 20-minute neighbourhoods and the Three Conversations approach, staff will continue to support individuals to access their local communities and retain their independence for as long as possible.  CEC, through our H&SCP networks and partners in the Third and Private Sectors, will cascade information about this scheme to encourage vulnerable people to carry a Keep Safe card which holds information that provides useful information about an individual’s health, how they communicate and who to contact for help and to download the Keep Safe app which alerts people to where Keep Safe spaces are located.”

 

 

Additional documents:

8.3

By Councillor McVey - Respectful Political Debate and Councillor Safety

By Councillor McVey - Respectful Political Debate and Councillor Safety

“Council notes motions passed in the previous Council Term on “Respectful Political Debate” and “Threatening Behaviour Towards Councillors”.

Council further notes work by the Police, Council and COSLA to create a safer more positive environment, including the Council’s Protocol on Elected Member Personal Safety in November 2019 and training sessions organised by local Police for elected members.

Council understands that overly-personalised targeted comments can encourage verbal abuse and the threat of physical violence, including that faced by politicians and their families at both a local and national level.

Council also understands the impact this behaviour can have is discouraging people from frequently targeted and marginalised groups from standing for elected office.

Welcomes robust debate and close cross party working that is central to our role as elected members, and further recognises that challenging a political party’s record, policies and approach is a fundamental principle of our democracy and should be protected.

Council reaffirms the Council’s commitment to improve the level of discourse and acknowledges that it is our responsibility to set a respectful tone both in and out of the chamber to help foster a positive public discourse.

Council requests that Group Leaders meetings have a standing item to keep general issues of behaviour and conduct at Council and committee meetings under regular review, these should include the Lord Provost where appropriate.”

Additional documents:

8.4

By Councillor Jenkinson - Warm and Welcoming Public Spaces

By Councillor Jenkinson - Warm and Welcoming Public Spaces

“Council:

1)         Acknowledges that the cost-of-living crisis is currently hitting thousands of Edinburgh households and that this crisis is only expected to worsen with the Bank of England currently projecting inflation could climb as high as 15% in Q4 2022.

2)         Acknowledges that the impact of rising domestic energy and food prices will very likely adversely affect the health and well-being of many of our citizens, with unfortunately some having to choose between heating their homes or eating this winter.

3)         Recognises that local authorities have a duty of care to their citizens, to promote and protect their well-being and to do what they can to prevent any avoidable harm.

4)         Requests the development of a deliverable plan presented to the Policy & Sustainability Committee within 2 cycles which will set out how the Council will work with city partners to promote access to free of charge ‘Warm and Welcoming’ public spaces where Edinburgh citizens can keep warm and comfortable this coming winter and where they can receive support and advice services to help alleviate food and fuel poverty.”

Additional documents:

8.5

By Councillor Lang - COVID-19 and Council Services

By Councillor Lang - COVID-19 and Council Services

“Council:

1)         commends officers for their hard-work, dedication and professionalism in providing so many essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognises the unprecedented challenges which the health emergency and national restrictions brought to much of the Council's core work.

2)         notes that cases of coronavirus continue to be high and acknowledges the duty of care which the Council has to both protect its staff and to minimise the further spread of the virus.

3)         nevertheless recognises that all COVID rules and restrictions were lifted by the Scottish Government earlier this year and that the Council also has a responsibility to deliver services in a new business-as-usual environment.

4)         notes that some services continue to be unavailable, or are only being offered on a restricted basis, with COVID-19 being given as the reason.

5)         agrees that a report should be submitted to the Policy & Sustainability Committee within one cycle which

a)         lists all the services which are either not being provided or only being provided on a significantly restricted basis as a result of COVID-19,

b)         provides the reasoning and rationale for continuing these restrictions, and

c)         gives an indicative timetable for these outstanding services returning to normal levels of delivery.”

Additional documents:

8.6

By Councillor Lang - Parking on Pavements and at Dropped Kerbs

By Councillor Lang - Parking on Pavements and at Dropped Kerbs

Council:

1)         notes that almost three years have passed since the Scottish Parliament approved the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 which included new prohibitions on both pavement parking and parking at dropped kerbs.

2)         notes the Scottish Government’s confirmation that the necessary regulations to implement these new parking restrictions will be agreed by December 2022, allowing local authorities to complete the assessment of streets and install any signs and lines associated with exemptions by December 2023.

3)         regrets the lengthy period of time which the Scottish Government is taking to commence the new restrictions but believes it important for the Council to now plan on this basis of the timetable set out.

4)         recognises the strong, long-standing, cross-party consensus within the Council to use the new powers provided by the 2019 Act and agrees the work required to implement and subsequently enforce the new parking bans must be made a priority.

5)         therefore requests a report to the first Transport and Environment Committee following the Scottish Parliament approval of the remaining regulations, setting out a timetable and resource plan to ensure the necessary work is completed for the ban on pavement parking and at dropped kerbs to be implemented across Edinburgh from the permitted commencement date in December 2023.”

Additional documents:

8.7

By Councillor Kumar - Care Experienced Guaranteed Interview Scheme

By Councillor Kumar - Care Experienced Guaranteed Interview Scheme

“Council:

1)         Acknowledges that people with care experience do not have equal opportunities to access positive destinations.

2)         Recognises that care experienced individuals require additional support to navigate the work environment due to trauma and adversity.

3)         Notes current workplan and renews its commitment to #KeepThePromise.

4)         Agrees to explore options to record if an applicant is care experienced when applying for jobs within the Council.

5)         Guarantees to interview all applicants who are care experienced, provided they meet the essential criteria for that job.

6)         Agrees to collect data to periodically monitor and review the impact of this guarantee on outcomes for individuals.

7)         Signposts care experienced applicants to advisors and initiatives (including Through Care and After Care, Edinburgh Guarantee, and others) if

            a)         applications do not meet essential criteria or

            b)         are not successful following an interview

to help provide further support and signpost to develop CVs, apply for apprenticeships, work, training, or further education.

8)         Encourages all political parties to offer taster days, work experience of internship to care experienced individuals.”

Additional documents:

8.8

By Councillor Campbell - Edinburgh Leisure Toilet Facilities

By Councillor Campbell - Edinburgh Leisure Toilet Facilities

“Council,

Notes that part of the council’s public toilet strategy is making toilets in all publicly owned and operated buildings accessible to the public.

Recognises the pressures from the pandemic, and that this required necessary curtailment of access to protect service users and staff and reduce the spread of the virus.

Notes that since restrictions have lifted Edinburgh Leisure have maintained a policy of only allowing customers to use toilet facilities in their buildings and preventing public access.

Agrees that this is not in line with existing council policy.

Notes that Edinburgh Leisure is an ALEO of the council.

Agrees, as shareholder, that toilets in Edinburgh Leisure buildings should be open to the public.

Further agrees to instruct council officers to work with the chief executive of Edinburgh Leisure, to review their current policy on public access to toilets in Edinburgh Leisure buildings, to ensure the council’s policy is implemented.”

Additional documents:

8.9

By Councillor Campbell - Portobello Transport Capacity

By Councillor Campbell - Portobello Transport Capacity

“Council,

Recognises that visitor numbers to Portobello significantly increased during the pandemic but have not fallen away and that especially on hot days Portobello beach is now one of the top destinations for residents and people travelling in from communities outwith Edinburgh.

Recognises the impact that this has on amenities, and core services. Further recognises that steps have been taken to increase capacity in terms of waste, cleansing and policing and thanks officers and wider public services for this increase in resource.

Recognises, however, that there is still more to do and that particularly transport solutions and traffic management still need to be improved in order to for this extra demand to be managed.

Recognises the narrow streets and high-density housing around the prom and the existing parking pressures, and that it is unsustainable and unacceptable to do nothing to address this as visitor numbers increase. Further recognises that over the extremely hot weather the challenges included driving on pavements, cars pavement parking in front of tenement doors blocking access, dangerous parking on corners and double yellow lines, and large vehicles being forced to reverse up streets due to blockages, causing risks to other road users and pedestrians.

Agrees, therefore, to have a workshop with key stakeholders including ward councillors, public services including the police, council officers, residents and community representatives to look at transport solutions in particular, but also wider destination management policies.

This should include examining increasing enforcement to address immediate pressures, but also to consider long term solutions such as bus gates, one-way systems and road closures to improve traffic management, limiting access where appropriate and improving road safety around all streets in Portobello, but particularly those close to the beach and promenade.

This should further include discussion of a strategy to discourage travelling to Portobello beach by car and encourage active travel and public transport use.

Agrees a report back to Transport and Environment in two cycles on actions that can be taken forward through the twenty minute neighbourhood work already ongoing for Portobello.”

Additional documents:

8.10

By Councillor Kumar - Shared Prosperity Fund Reporting

By Councillor Kumar - Shared Prosperity Fund Reporting

“Council,

Notes the shared prosperity fund report which allows officers to allocate around £10m of funding without returning to committee for approval.

Notes that due to time pressure there were flaws in the process, including a lack of diversity on the panel, potential conflicts of interest, and a lack of information for councillors.

Notes that the report was passed at committee with a verbal amendment from the convener to ‘keep projects under review through regular update reports; that defined representation of under-represented groups in project delivery will be specifically reported on’

Notes the amendment to the report in May which agreed the investment plan in August would include this information:

1.1.7    Agrees that the investment plan will set out in detail how any investment will be targeted towards areas of high SIMD in the city, equally spread so that projects are easily accessible to all residents across the city, and will set outcomes which help us achieve our objective of tackling poverty.

1.1.8    Agrees that the investment plans will include carbon impact assessments, especially for any capital projects, which set out how they will help us achieve our net zero target of 2030.

1.1.9    Agrees that the investment plans will include detail on how the skills development aspect of any investment will help us with our aim of achieving a just transition and developing the skills in our workforce to help us meet our net zero target of 2030.

Notes that none of this information was included in the August report.

Therefore agrees for this information to be included in all regular update reports:

  • A map of the city showing the locations where services will be delivered
  • A table which shows how much of the spend each year will be accessed by residents in each SIMD grouping
  • A table which shows how much of the spend each year will accessed by groups by:
    • ethnicity
    • age
    • gender
    • sexual orientation
    • disability
    • Violence or trauma experienced
    • other protected characteristics
  • A carbon impact assessment of any capital projects
  • An analysis of how the spend can help support a just transition

Agrees the update reports will come to HHFW committee on a six-monthly basis.”

Additional documents:

8.11

By Councillor Campbell - Community Centres and Lifelong Learning Review

By Councillor Campbell - Community Centres and Lifelong Learning Review

“Council:

Recognises the fantastic contribution that community centres can make, with many bringing in additional resources, maximising the council spend by building capacity around council resources, but rooting the work they do within local communities at a grass roots level.

Recognises too that there can be challenges for local centres where capacity within local communities needs to be developed and supported.

Recognises as part of GIRFEC a vision and blueprint of holistic whole family support has been developed which includes an assets and community based approach where ‘Support should be empowering, building on existing strengths within the family and wider community. Families should be able to ‘reach in’ not be ‘referred to’. Support must be explicitly connected to locations that work for local families and the community, such as schools, health centres, village halls and sports centres.’

Notes that the review of lifelong learning has taken place during the political instability of the election period and over recess, limiting elected member oversight of this process. Further recognises the uncertainty this is causing for community centre management committees, with inevitable impacts and consequences for the way they deliver services to their local communities.

Agrees with the principle that best practice should be recognised and scaled up and recognises the important role that community learning and development officers play in building this capacity, and that these roles being strongly rooted in communities is vital for success.

Agrees that no final decisions will be made around any changes to structure without a full consultation with management committees. Agrees further that this consultation should focus on learning from community centres with a track record of strong delivery and a report on sharing and scaling best practice must be included as part of the review.

Agrees that a report on the changes to the delivery and structure of lifelong learning in our communities must come back to Policy and Sustainability committee, including information on the strategy for scaling best practice across all our community centres and providing assurance as to how the above principles have been included in the restructure.”

Additional documents:

8.12

By Councillor McVey - Recruitment Committee - Membership Imbalance

By Councillor McVey - Recruitment Committee - Membership Imbalance

“Notes the need for Director and Head of Service appointments to be made and the involvement of Elected Members through the Recruitment Committee.

Notes the current imbalance of one party with only 20% of Councillors currently making up as much as 50% of the members of the Recruitment Committee (with an additional casting vote).

Agrees to limit Recruitment Committee to Council Leader, one appropriate Executive Conmittee Convener and Group Leaders (one representative from each other Party) to provide a better balance of decision making in the process. Agrees to keep all other elements the same, including substitutes.”

Additional documents:

8.13

By Councillor McVey - Tram Extension

By Councillor McVey - Tram Extension

“Council:

1)         Notes the work of the team in delivering Trams to Newhaven, keeping the project on track in the most difficult of circumstances. Notes successful delivery of this project being able to weather the circumstances of the last 3 years is due to the approach approved by Council with the right governance controls, the right team and collaborative approach, prudent business planning and straightforward communication with local residents and businesses.

2)         Notes the importance of public confidence in the delivery of such a major infrastructure scheme and notes the June 29th 2022 “Elected Member Briefing Note - Trams to Newhaven Project” which set out a holistic response giving assurance on issues relating to recent media reports. Requests this information is set out in a full update report on the project be brought to Transport and Environment Committee in once cycle to set out the projected timeline, costs and any other relevant issues for Councillors and residents.

3)         Further that 2 further extensions are planned within the City Mobility Strategy and agrees of the importance of progressing these to ensure Granton Waterfront and Bioquarter can deliver new communities, much-needed housing and job opportunities in the most sustainable way possible.

4)         Therefore, agrees by January 2023, officers will bring forward next steps to Council to progress these projects, including information for Councillors on light rail's inclusion in the Scottish Government's "Strategic Transport Projects Review 2" which opens significant opportunities of national funding to support the delivery of these extensions.”

Additional documents:

8.14

By Councillor McVey - North Bridge

By Councillor McVey - North Bridge

“Council:

1)         Notes the essential work on North Bridge to keep this vital north-south connection.

2)         Notes reports that the works will run significantly beyond schedule and require yet more funding to resolve the fundamental issues with the bridge.

3)         Agrees that Transport and Environment Committee will receive a detailed project update in one cycle setting out:

            3.1       revised projected budget position of the project.

            3.2       revised projected completion date.

3.3       a detailed breakdown of the reasons behind the revisions in 3.1 and 3.2 and a detailed timeline of the Council’s project management arrangements and when the Council was aware of information that the project would be further delayed and would require further capital resource.

3.4       Requests officers carry out additional and sustained communication with the affected north bridge businesses and local resident groups through the works and an update is included in the report.

3.5       Further requests additional work with contractors to restore a pedestrian crossing (where possible and safe to do so) to improve footfall at times of site closure -as happened in previous Christmas periods and an update is included in the report.”

Additional documents:

8.15

By Councillor Caldwell - Air Quality in Primary Schools

By Councillor Caldwell - Air Quality in Primary Schools

“Council notes;

1)         That the November 2021 report to Policy and Sustainability Committee updated Council on the implementation of addressing indoor air quality in schools, as required by the Scottish Government.

2)         That £775,000 was made available to the City of Edinburgh Council in 2021 from the Scottish Government to undertake such work during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included, but was not limited to, assessments, portable Co2 monitors and adjustments to windows.

3)         That despite the de-escalation of Covid-19 restrictions and mitigations, airborne viruses and diseases still have a high chance of incubating in school classrooms, and it is within the Council’s duty of care to mitigate such occurrences where reasonable, unrestrictive and cost-effective.

4)         While natural cross-ventilation is an effective method of reducing Co2, increased ventilation from natural sources such as open windows during Winter months has a significant impact on indoor air temperature.

5)         The current increased availability of HEPA Air Purifiers from institutions such as the University of St. Andrew’s through Public Contracts Scotland.

Council also notes;

6)         It is ultimately an aim of the Council to reduce pollutants, including Co2, from traffic, particularly around schools, using initiatives such as the Safer Routes to Schools Programme.

7)         Despite this aim, the December 2021 Local Air Quality Management APR still listed one site near London Road (ID81) as exceeding the air quality objectives during 2020, a year which was marked by historically low traffic levels in Edinburgh.

8)         Multiple studies including Heliyon Journal (ISSN 2405-8440), Johns Hopkins University Department of Medicine (PMID 24329966) and the Kharagpur Department of Architecture and Regional Planning (ISSN 0013-9351) which demonstrates the effectiveness of certain models of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) to remove both Co2 and PM2.5 pollutants from the air.

Council therefore agrees;

1)         That relevant officers update the Policy and Sustainability Committee in two cycles of the Air Quality in Schools work carried out and any analysis on the impact since November 2021 including an update on how the Scottish Government funding was spent.

2)         A report to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in three cycles on the feasibility of rolling out suitable HEPA Air Purifiers to all primary schools managed by the City of Edinburgh Council. This may be included in the ‘Air Quality in Schools update’ in point 1) if it’s ready by that time.

3)         That increased air filtration for Edinburgh’s Primary Schools is not a substitute for the overall target to reduce emissions from traffic, but instead should run in parallel with actions to help Edinburgh meet our Net Zero target by 2030.”

Additional documents:

8.16

By Councillor O'Neill - Rollout of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

By Councillor O'Neill - Rollout of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

“Council:

1)         Welcomes the rollout of the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) to residents of Edinburgh from 29 August 2022;

2)         Notes that ADP will replace the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for adults (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which is a welcome move according to many disabled people and disabled people’s organisations;

3)         Further notes that there are multiple Council services (for example issuing National Entitlement Cards and Blue Badges) which may require proof of ADP to allow disabled people to access local services;

4)         Acknowledges the exponential hardship disabled people face and the trauma put upon them by the Department of Work & Pensions through intrusive and degrading assessments and that this hardship has increased under successive Conservative led Governments since 2010;

5)         Further acknowledges the more humane and compassionate process that the ADP is designed around; acknowledges Social Security Scotland’s dedication to deliver with dignity, fairness and respect;

6)         Looks forward to a more inclusive, humane and accessible process for first time applicants and those who will be transitioning from PIP and DLA and hopes that all are fully supported and receive what they are entitled to;

7)         Agrees that relevant frontline support officers should be enabled through training to signpost and assist new applicants of ADP and those who wish to appeal decisions by Social Security Scotland;

8)         Requests a report within 3 cycles which:

a)         Looks at the probable uptick in people accessing welfare rights advice due to the ADP rollout;

b)         Looks at monitoring capacity and possible additional support options to recipients/applicants and advisors;

c)         Examines what more the Council can do to support disabled people accessing what they are entitled to.”

Additional documents:

8.17

By Councillor Davidson - National Care Service

By Councillor Davidson - National Care Service

“Council

Notes the publication by the Scottish Government of the National Care Service bill and the significant impact this legislation could have on carers services in Edinburgh. Further notes concerns about the centralisation of care services and the loss of local decision making. Calls on the Council to begin consulting with as wide a range of stakeholders as possible via the IJB and other services in order to provide as rounded a submission to the legislative process as possible.”

Additional documents:

8.18

By Councillor Hyslop - Cost of Energy Crisis

By Councillor Hyslop - Cost of Energy Crisis

“Council:

Notes that the cost-of-living crisis is already having an impact on communities throughout Edinburgh, with resident severely worried about the impact.

Notes that the rising cost of energy bills is a significant element of the increasing cost of living.

Notes that the average price of household energy bills increased by 54% in April and are projected to rise again in October by upwards of 70%- pushing thousands more of our residents into fuel poverty.

Notes the Conservative UK government's failure to act in line with other Governments, such as France, to take decisive action to protect those on the lowest incomes from sharp energy bill increases and resultant fuel poverty.

Notes that, as a result many residents will be unable to afford to heat their homes in cold weather this year and the real threat to life this poses in our communities.

Requests that Council Officers produce a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in one cycle which identifies all public buildings in the City which could be used as warm spaces for public access through the colder months and any other action that can help mitigate the devastating choices our residents face between heating and eating.

Requests that Council Officers invite partner organisations and ALEOs to identify any spaces they would be willing to open to the public as warm spaces through the colder months.

Finally, regrets that in one of the most energy-rich nations on earth, actions to prevent our residents freezing are needed and agrees to write to the UK Government to condemn their inaction and encourage a far stronger response to reduce energy bills for all residents and support people most in need to meet the costs.”

Additional documents:

8.19

By Councillor Younie - Sexual Entertainment Venues

By Councillor Younie - Sexual Entertainment Venues

“Council

1)         Notes that the key aims of civic licensing are the preservation of public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.

2)         Notes the implementation of a Nil Cap policy on Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) on 1 April 2023, which may lead to the closure of four venues.

3)         Notes that entertainers would continue to work in the industry despite the closures and will be working in less safe and completely unregulated environments.

4)         Recognises that this will lead to the further deterioration of women's safety in the City.

5)         Therefore agrees that a report shall be presented to the Licensing Board within 2 cycles to consider this.”

Additional documents:

8.20

By Councillor Parker - Extreme Heat, Climate Adaptation and Resilience

By Councillor Parker - Extreme Heat, Climate Adaptation and Resilience

“Council recognises that recent episodes of extreme heat have been severely disruptive, put significant pressure on key infrastructure and services, and seen residents at risk of loss of life.

Council also recognises that climate change will mean that such episodes will become more frequent, more severe, and significantly more disruptive in the future.

Council accepts it has a responsibility to keep residents safe and understands that failure to take radical action to reduce climate emissions and limit the frequency and severity of episodes of extreme heat, and failure to adequately resource plans to mitigate the effects of such weather when it occurs, is to neglect this responsibility.

Therefore, Council:

·         Reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Climate Strategy and intentions to meet all targets within the strategy as soon as possible, and

·         Requests a report to Policy & Sustainability committee within 2 cycles which:

a)    provides an update to the work of Edinburgh Adapts on climate resilience; and,

b)    outlines measures to accelerate efforts to adapt the city including detail on, but not limited to:

o        Increasing greenspace and canopy cover to keep temperatures down

o        Reviewing management and maintenance of public parks, in particular the frequency of grass cutting and tree watering

o        Measures to restrict barbequing in parks and open spaces during periods of extreme heat

o        Reviewing and changing the fabric of buildings in the city, including exploring the possibility of introducing restrictions around material choices for new builds

o        Provision of water points and public toilets

o        Provision of benches and other rest points

o        Measures to limit private vehicle use during periods of extreme heat

o        Public health messaging and interventions such as sunscreen for children and other vulnerable residents

o        Guidance around flexibility within the work and school day, and guidance for safe working temperatures for Council employees and others.”

Additional documents:

8.21

By Councillor Mowat - Festival Review

By Councillor Mowat - Festival Review

“1)        Council congratulates the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Society, Edinburgh Book Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Festival and Edinburgh Film Festival for delivering successful and full Festivals, after 2 years of very limited programmes and in bringing the return of the activity to the City;

2)         Council notes that after 2 years not holding the Festivals’ events and restructuring within Council departments, there have been some challenges in the delivery of Festivals and the required interdependencies with Council Departments in supporting that delivery and calls for:

a)         A report to the relevant Committee (to be determined according to what issues come out of the two meetings below) by the end of November at the latest  detailing – issues raised; areas that need improving and any inter service concerns so that we capture any weaknesses in process that have emerged and how we can work to improve these processes to ensure delivery of future festivals works for the Council, the Festivals, Residents and visitors.

b)         The report should be informed by a separate meeting of interested councillors and officers convened by the end of September to capture concerns raised with councillors and to consider what worked, what didn’t and what needs to be improved;

c)         The report should be informed by a meeting by the end of September with Festival organisers and officers to determine what worked, what didn’t and what needs to be improved.”

Additional documents:

8.22

By Councillor Mumford - Local Government Finance

By Councillor Mumford - Local Government Finance

Council;

·       Notes the decision of the last meeting of Council to lobby the Scottish Government over their settlement for local government and City of Edinburgh Council;

·       Agrees to make representations to the UK Chancellor about the need for a fair settlement given the Scottish budget is likely to see a cut as a result of the UK Government’s Resource Spending Review;

·       Further agrees that the Finance & Resources Convenor supported by officers makes representation to the Scottish Government to make the case for greater fiscal freedoms for the Council, in particular:

o       Devolution of Non-Domestic Rate Relief on empty property next year

o       Reform or replacement of council tax to allow for redistributive tax arrangements by Local Authorities

o       Completion of work on Scottish Government-Local Government fiscal framework

o       Reduction in ring-fencing of council budgets through a new outcomes-based agreement

o       Progress on reforming capital accounting   

o       Welcoming and committing to make full use of new revenue-raising powers such as Transient Visitor Levy and Workplace Parking Levy as well as seeking to reduce pressures on the city;

·       Requests an update report to Finance & Resource committee in two cycles.”

Additional documents:

8.23

By Councillor Rae - Cost of Living Crisis

By Councillor Rae - Cost of Living Crisis

“Council:

1)         Notes the significant pressure on the cost of living, with inflation, exorbitant fuel bills, rising rents and the fastest fall in real pay on record.

2)         Notes that the Cost of Living Crisis has been caused by a combination of external factors such as the war in Ukraine, the Covid pandemic and Brexit, and compounded by Tory incompetence and cruelty following years of their deliberate adoption of economic austerity, and that the primary responsibility for addressing the Cost of Living Crisis lies therefore with the UK Tory Government;

3)         Therefore agrees that the council leader will write to the relevant UK Government ministers urging them to take urgent action to address the Cost of Living Crisis and its impact on those on the lowest incomes;

4)         Nonetheless also agrees the council should explore all options within its power to address the Cost of Living Crisis, and in particular the impact on those on the lowest incomes;

5)         Therefore agrees the council leader will convene an urgent working group to examine ways in which the council can address the Cost of Living Crisis, including, but not limited to, the following:

a)         Re-examining the recommendations of the recent Edinburgh Poverty Commission to examine whether further action is needed to implement them;

b)         Examining additional steps the council could take to maximise income and improve benefits uptake, especially amongst those on the lowest incomes;

c)         Examining additional steps the council can take to address rising energy costs, including consideration of extending and expanding existing energy efficiency measures, consideration of establishing an ‘Energy Bank’ and exploring the potential to transform Energy for Edinburgh to provide low-cost energy to residents;

d)         Examining additional steps the council could take to address rising food costs, including collaboration with community food initiatives and food banks;

e)         Examining additional steps the council could take to address rising housing costs, including action to highlight existing powers for private rented tenants to challenge excessive rent increases, consideration of a further council rent freeze and re-examining the council’s policy on eviction for rent arrears;

6)         Agrees that recommendations from the urgent working group on the Cost of Living Crisis will be reported to the relevant executive committee for decision.”

Additional documents:

8.24

By Councillor McVey - Council Staff Pay

By Councillor McVey - Council Staff Pay

“Council notes the ongoing cost of living crisis and the need to support Council staff with a fair pay deal.

Notes Edinburgh Council has already budgeted 3% for a pay uplift this year.

Council notes the Scottish Government has made available an additional £140m to support Councils to increase the pay offer to local government staff.

Notes COSLA decided against making a 5% pay offer to Unions and that the Leader of Edinburgh Council voted instead for a 3.5% pay offer, resulting in industrial action.

Agrees to instruct the Leader of Edinburgh Council to vote for a revised 5% pay offer at COSLA.

Agrees continue to lobby the UK Government, and support COSLA in doing so, to increase public sector pay awards which will provide consequentials to the Scottish Government.

Agrees to continue to lobby the Scottish Government, and support COSLA in doing so, to meet the full gap between Edinburgh Council's budget and the final pay uplift when settled.”

Additional documents:

9.1

By Councillor Day - Jake Wightman

By Councillor Day - Jake Wightman

Council notes:

Britain's Jake Wightman produced a stunning run to take 1500m gold at the World Championships in Oregon on 19 July 2022.

Council further notes Jake’s long standing active membership of Edinburgh Athletics club, having previously trained at Meadowbank Sports centre 

The 28-year-old produced a brilliant final burst to pass Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and clinch the title in three minutes 29.23.

He is the first British man to win the world 1500m title since Steve Cram in 1983. Jake's win continues the great tradition of Edinburgh 1500m runners at the highest-level following Chris O'Hare in the World Championship finals in Moscow in 2013 and London in 2017 and Josh Kerr's stunning bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics last year."

Council agree to request the Lord Provost celebrate this amazing athlete and world champion in an appropriate manner.”

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9.2

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes and Metal Recycling - The First 75 Years

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes and Metal Recycling - The First 75 Years

“Council notes that Bernard Hunter, has achieved the significant milestone of 75 years in business.

Established in 1946, and located in Gilmerton, Bernard Hunter is a successful family run business which is well known throughout the UK within the crane hire, scrap metal recycling and machinery movement industry.

Bernard Hunter is committed to sustainability and being at the forefront of carbon reduction in construction. The company owns Scotland’s first hybrid crane, currently in situ, helping to build the new residential development at The Engine Yard on Leith Walk, site of Edinburgh’s historic tram depot.

Council congratulates everyone at Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes and Metal Recycling company, headquartered in Gilmerton, on achieving the significant milestone of 75 years in business and asks the Lord Provost to mark this in an appropriate way.”

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9.3

By Councillor Day - The Caledonian Thebans

By Councillor Day - The Caledonian Thebans

“Council notes that The Caledonian Thebans are Scotland's foremost inclusive rugby team.

Since formation in 2002, they have been pushing boundaries on and off the pitch to provide a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to play rugby.

Council notes that Caledonian TheBans will host their biggest ‘new to rugby bootcamp’ and hopefully their bid to establish a permanent home at the former Ferranti Bowling Club at Inverleith will be successful.

Councill acknowledges that Caledonian Thebans Rugby celebrates 20 years of inclusive, progressive sport in our capital city and therefore requests the Lord Provost celebrates this occasion in an appropriate manner.”

Additional documents:

10.1

By Councillor Key - Education, Children and Families Committee pdf icon PDF 12 KB

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

Additional documents:

10.2

By Councillor Campbell - Homelessness Task Force Meetings pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Campbell - Homelessness Task Force Meetings – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

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10.3

By Councillor Thornley - Homes for Ukraine pdf icon PDF 14 KB

By Councillor Thornley - Homes for Ukraine – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.4

By Councillor Neil Ross - Planning for Home EV Chargers pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Neil Ross - Planning for Home EV Chargers – for answer by the Convener of the Planning Committee

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10.5

By Councillor Thornley - Drain Clearing pdf icon PDF 13 KB

By Councillor Thornley - Drain Clearing – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.6

By Councillor Young - Cruise Liner Docking Fees pdf icon PDF 51 KB

By Councillor Young - Cruise Liner Docking Fees – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

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10.7

By Councillor Lang - Lothian Buses Route Changes pdf icon PDF 12 KB

By Councillor Lang - Lothian Buses Route Changes – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.8

By Councillor Lang - Davidson's Mains Roundabout - Statutory Process for Redetermination Order pdf icon PDF 50 KB

By Councillor Lang – Davidson’s Mains Roundabout - Statutory Process for Redetermination Order – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.9

By Councillor Lang - Bus Stop Shelters pdf icon PDF 13 KB

By Councillor Lang - Bus Stop Shelters – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.10

By Councillor McFarlane - Trams to Newhaven pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor McFarlane - Trams to Newhaven - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.11

By Councillor McVey - Cables Wynd House pdf icon PDF 55 KB

By Councillor McVey - Cables Wynd House – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

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10.12

By Councillor Biagi - Planning for Industrial Action pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Biagi - Planning for Industrial Action – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.13

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - Million Tree City pdf icon PDF 50 KB

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - Million Tree City – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

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10.14

By Councillor Davidson - Attainment Gap pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Davidson - Attainment Gap – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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10.15

By Councillor Davidson - PrEP Medication Access pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Davidson - PrEP Medication Access – for answer by the Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board

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10.16

By Councillor Davidson - Monkeypox pdf icon PDF 10 KB

By Councillor Davidson – Monkeypox – for answer by the Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board

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10.17

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Victoria Park Bins pdf icon PDF 11 KB

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Victoria Park Bins – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.18

By Councillor Booth - Gaelic Medium Education pdf icon PDF 13 KB

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

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10.19

By Councillor Heap -Energy Bills pdf icon PDF 49 KB

By Councillor Heap -Energy Bills – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.20

By Councillor Booth - Gaelic Implementation Group pdf icon PDF 50 KB

By Councillor Booth - Gaelic Implementation Group – for answer by the Leader of the Council

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10.21

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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10.22

By Councillor Mitchell - Inverleith Park Allotment Bins pdf icon PDF 52 KB

By Councillor Mitchell - Inverleith Park Allotment Bins – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.23

By Councillor Whyte - Building Project - Leith Links pdf icon PDF 100 KB

By Councillor Whyte - Building Project - Leith Links – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

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10.24

By Councillor Biagi - Redford Barracks pdf icon PDF 49 KB

By Councillor Biagi - Redford Barracks – for answer by the Convener of the Planning Committee

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10.25

By Councillor Neil Ross - Addition of New Parking Bays pdf icon PDF 12 KB

By Councillor Neil Ross -  Addition of New Parking Bays – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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10.26

By Councillor Neil Ross - EV Charging Points pdf icon PDF 12 KB

By Councillor Neil Ross - EV Charging Points – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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