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 8 February 2024 – Special Meeting – submitted for approval as a correct record

The City of Edinburgh Council of 8 February 2024 – submitted for approval as a correct record

The City of Edinburgh Council of 22 February 2024 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Leader’s report

If any

People Strategy 2024-27 - referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee

Annual Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Capital Strategy 2024-34 - Annual Report - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Caldwell - Reporting Broken Communal Bin Lids

“Council

Notes;

1)         The Communal Bin Review Phase 1 and 2 have fully rolled out in predominately tenemental areas for residential waste and recycling streams.

2)         This review has led to new model of 1,100L communal bins, with the waste bins having hatch-based lids.

3)         That many of these lids have succumbed to the elements and/or have been broken off which exposes a large quantity of waste contents to be blown away by the wind or scattered by seagulls.

Therefore requests the Waste and Cleansing Department;

4)         Investigate how the lids could be strengthened for both the current stock and potential new stock.

5)         Investigate the implementation of a ‘Report a Broken Bin Lid’ function on the website, potentially using a similar system to the ‘Report an overflowing communal bin’ interface.

6)         Report back to the Transport and Environment committee’s next appropriate Communal Bin Review update.”

By Councillor Caldwell - Proactively Maximising Income

“1)        Notes that the 2024/25 City of Edinburgh Council Budget included a provision of £0.5m revenue to proactively support families to maximise their income through providing advice on benefits and related issues to reduce child poverty.

2)         Notes that this funding may be utilised via several methods, such as the Poverty Prevention and Transformation team, the Advice Shop, Benefits Support, targeted crisis services, advertising of existing services, outreach into schools, libraries and community centres, and many other channels.

3)         Requests a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee, targeting one cycle, outlining proposals for the additional funding.”

By Councillor Osler - Right to Grow – Support

“Council

1)       Notes in December 2023 the Culture and Communities Committee agreed to investigate looking into the possibility of whether Edinburgh could adopt “a right to grow” policy on Council-owned land that is deemed suitable for cultivation.

2)       Notes that a report is due to come back to Committee later in the summer.

3)       Notes that in the Council budget passed on 22nd February 2024 that £750,000 was set aside to Flood Prevention/Biodiversity (additional Trees & Grow Your Own” Allotments Investment.

4)       Notes that work is being done on progressing Flood Prevention, tree planting and an update is being prepared for Culture and Communities on Allotment Provision.

5)       Knows that there is a huge demand for growing food and allotment provision is limited and not suitable for all users.

6)       Knows access to land is only part of the issue for Individuals wishing to grow food and support is vital.

7)       Agrees that in the report due to come back to Culture and Communities Committee (mentioned in point 2) to include what support is already available (outside of allotment provision) and what more could be provided to allow residents to grow food.”

By Councillor Lang - Safety of Council Operated Heavy Vehicles

“Council

1)         notes the recent tragic events in Scotland where children have died following collisions with waste collection vehicles, including the death of Thomas Wong on Whitehouse Road.

2)         notes that these events have not involved any Edinburgh Council owned or operated heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and recognises the seriousness with which our own staff take their responsibilities towards health and safety.

3)         nevertheless, recognises the renewed focus on the dangers associated with HGVs, particularly in regard to children and other vulnerable groups, and the need for the Council’s operations to demonstrate best practice when it comes to health and safety, in order to minimise the potential for accidents, collisions and fatalities.

4)         therefore requests a report to the Policy & Sustainability Committee in two cycles, setting out:

a)         the current fitness-to-operate and training requirements for Council HGV drivers and any assessment for how these could be enhanced.

b)         how the choice of model of HGVs and any additional installed equipment /IT can be used to avoid collisions with pedestrians and cyclists, including speed monitoring and speed limitation.

c)         how waste collection routes and timetables can be amended to ensure HGVs do not pass near schools or nurseries (both Council and independent) at key start and finish times.

d)         any other relevant information on how health and safety can be maximised for Council HGV operations.”

By Councillor Ross - Control of Amplified Busking

“Council:

1)         Notes that, following a request from the Culture and Communities Committee, the Council wrote to the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning to ask for his support to amend Section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to extend the enforcement powers to cover the amplification of sound in public spaces.

2)         Notes that the reply received from the Minister in November 2023 drew attention to the powers available to the Council to

a)         Make management rules to regulate the use of, and conduct of persons while on, any land owned, occupied or managed by the local authority.

b)         Expel someone from the land if they have reasonable grounds for believing that a person has, is, or is about to contravene a management rule.

c)         Issue exclusion orders to a person who has persistently contravened or attempted to contravene management rules.

3)         Notes the allocation of £50,000 in the 2024/25 budget for enforcement and signage to address amplified busking.

4)         With the summer festivals fast approaching, and given that residents have been calling for action for many years, instructs officers to bring a report to the May meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee with proposals for appropriate management rules for Council owned, occupied or managed land, including effective enforcement measures, to control the amplification of sound in public spaces.  These management rules should be in place for the 2024 summer festival period on a trial basis.

5)         In addition, instructs officers to bring a report back to the Culture and Communities Committee in the autumn with results from the trial for evaluation.”

By Councillor Mumford - Reaffirming the Council’s Call for Immediate Ceasefire

“Council notes:

1)         It is now over 150 days since the latest humanitarian crisis and bombardment or Gaza;

2)         In this time, the UN reports that over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, 9,000 of them women;

3)         In December the City of Edinburgh Council added its voice to call for an immediate ceasefire;

4)         In January 2024, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians;

5)         In early May, the Edinburgh Partnership board agreed to discuss the ongoing attacks against the Palestinian people with their respective bodies to consider actions that can be taken;

6)         Council additionally notes with concern reports from parents and young people that the rights of young people to express their solidarity with Palestinian people has been curtailed;

Therefore Council:

7)         Reaffirms its call for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional release of all hostages held in Israel and Palestine;

8)         Writes again to the UK and Scottish Governments setting out this position and offering support for efforts to welcome Palestinian refugees to the UK;

9)         Requests that the Council’s public communications channels including social media, website and the press are used to promote and support this position;

10)       Requests that the Council flies the Palestinian Flag from the city chambers in a public show of support for Palestinian people facing bombardment and starvation;

11)       Requests the council host a meeting within the next month, inviting partners from Edinburgh Partnership, elected members, faith groups and relevant third sector organisations, to discuss and recommend practical solidarity actions that Edinburgh Council can take to reinforce this call and provide support for Palestinians in Scotland and overseas;

12)       Requests that the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review group consider investigating any links between Edinburgh and the displacement of Palestinian people as part of their work programme;

13)       Requests that the Council supports young people to use their voices on this issue including speaking to the Children and Young People’s Commissioner about their recent work in this area and engaging with schools about how they communicate the situation in Palestine to their students and support Muslim and Jewish students, and how they can facilitate young people to express their political views including through clothing, protest and strikes.”

By Councillor Davidson - EIJB Budget

“Council

1)         Notes that after the funding settlement delivered by the Scottish Government, the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board has been required to find £58.39 million in-year savings in 2024/25, rising to £108.71million in-year savings by 2026/27.

2)         Recognises that this settlement has left health and social care officers no option but to bring forward a range of savings measures that will have direct negative impact to the delivery and outcomes for health and social care services in Edinburgh.

3)         Notes that this has been exacerbated by the decision of the Scottish Government and COSLA to award funding for the real living wage on the basis of Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE), a formula which has repeatedly left Edinburgh as the lowest funded local authority in Scotland, well below the national average. The decision to use this formula has left an additional recurring funding gap of £5.3 million in the EIJB’s budget.

4)         Notes that despite repeated appeals, the Scottish Government have not addressed the year-on-year failure to fund demographic growth in Edinburgh.

5)         Notes that the Scottish Government is proceeding with a bill for an unwanted National Care service which could cost up to £2.2 billion despite widespread opposition from social care professionals and trade unions.

6)         Believes that Health and Social Care cuts of these scales will have a catastrophic impact on some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including unpaid carers, people with learning disabilities, care home residents and people residing in the most deprived areas.

7)         Expresses dismay at the potentially devastating effect of these cuts and is deeply concerned about the impact on all those affected by the cuts, including service users, unpaid carers and the health and social care workforce.

8)         Unequivocally condemns the Scottish Government for failing to act on these repeated warnings and provide funding to tackle Edinburgh’s health and social care budget shortfalls.

9)         Requests that the council leader write to the Scottish Government urgently asking for immediate financial support to protect services and a longer-term plan to fund Edinburgh’s demographic challenges.

10)       Requests a report to Policy and Sustainability within one cycle on the potential impact on other council services due to increased demand caused by withdrawal or reductions of health and social care services on this scale.”

By Councillor Nols-McVey – Westminster’s Squandering of Public Funds

“1)        Council notes Westminster’s “levelling up” initiative had a stated aim of creating economic development focused on areas that needed it most: “An improvement in perceived wellbeing in all parts of the UK, with a narrowed gap between areas with the highest and lowest levels.”

2)         Council notes this has not transpired, with funding announcements increasingly following a model of “pork barrel” spending rather than strategic investment to encourage inclusive economic opportunities.

3)         Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision to award £242m of levelling up funding to Canary Wharf, one the richest areas in the world.

4)         Council believes this is further proof of the UK Government’s immoral approach to decision making relating to the allocation of public funds.

5)         Council agrees that the Council Leader writes to the UK Chancellor within 5 working days of this motion, setting out Edinburgh’s opposition to this allocation and requesting this be reversed and channelled towards much needed regeneration projects across her country instead.

6)         Council further agrees, in expectation of a change in Government in Westminster, that the Council Leader writes to the leader of the Labour group in Westminster within 5 working days, calling for the discredited levelling up initiative to be scrapped and replaced with commensurate capital funding that is given directly to the devolved administrations of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments. This would allow investment to support more of Edinburgh’s communities, as previous EU funding did.”

By Councillor Mattos Coelho - Co-working Spaces in Council New Developments

“Council notes that the pandemic normalised alternative ways of working, “making flexibility and working from home easier to all workers, especially parents, whose jobs allow that.

Council welcomes all the work done by officers, to plan this organisation’s developments across the city, retrofitting, converting or even building new schools, hubs or housing that the communities so much need.

Council acknowledges that families are living with less money, that the cost of living crisis makes them choose between eating or heating, welcoming the warm hubs available across all wards.

Council also acknowledges that Co-working spaces benefits include networking opportunities, fighting loneliness, business growth, as well as savings in energy bills, reduce commuting times and engagement with local community.

Council, therefore, asks officers to bring to Finance and Resources committee in 3 cycles:

·                  A report with a list of all the ongoing planning or planned developments with the capacity to include co-working spaces;

·                  A report listing the advantages versus disadvantages of providing such services, including costs to implement those and possible profits

Moreover, Council requests, after such information is provided, and if approved by committee, that officers prepare a consultation allowing the communities around the developments identified, to have their views heard.”

By Councillor Hyslop - Queensferry Town Centre Designation

“Council

Notes:

1)         That Town and Local Centre designations are reviewed through the Local Development Plan process and that work has started on the Evidence Report that will inform early consultation as part of the preparation for City Plan 2040.

2)         That there are currently eight Town Centres in Edinburgh, outside of the City Centre Retail Core, that serve as a focal point for their local communities with a mix of shopping facilities and other commercial and community services.

3)         Notes that in the most recent review of Town Centres as part of the CityPlan2030 process Queensferry was ruled out of consideration due to the relatively low number of retail units when compared to other Town Centres.

4)         a)         That the designation of ‘Town Centre’ grants protections to the       important retailing function of defined centres through planning   policies and can also lead to the allocation and prioritisation of Council            resource

b)         One recent example of Queensferry’s lack of designation meaning it has lost out is the Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals tender specification which stated “The Contractor must deliver a programme of events (especially for Edinburgh’s Christmas) within the city centre and reaching into the eight local town centres” which excluded Queensferry.

Agrees:

5)         That Queensferry High Street and Local Centre is a focal point for the residents of Queensferry and surrounding communities of rural West Edinburgh that offers vital access to shopping facilities and other commercial and community services for local residents, and that this function must be enhanced and protected in order to allow residents in these growing communities to ‘live well locally’.

6)         a)         That the vitality of our local high streets is at risk due to the Cost of            Living Crisis and the impact of associated pressures on small       businesses and households.

b)         That the retail function of Queensferry High Street faces particular risk without the same protections that officially designated Town Centres are granted.

7)         That Edinburgh Council should consider Queensferry to all extents and purposes a ninth ‘Town Centre’ when considering its economic, social and cultural policies and that any future reports which outline expenditure or resource allocation to Town Centres include provision for Queensferry Town Centre regardless of any official designation in planning terms.

8)         That for reasons set out in this motion, there is a strong argument for designating the Local Centre of the historic Royal Burgh of Queensferry as a Town Centre in planning terms beyond mere consideration of the quantity of shopfronts.

Requests:

9)         That Officers prepare a report to the Planning Committee in 3 cycles which outlines the correct process for officially designating Queensferry High Street and Local Centre as an official Town Centre in Planning Terms. This should consider any possible way of expediting this designation before the adoption of the CityPlan 2040.”

By Councillor Kumar - After School Clubs Provision

“1)        Notes the administration’s budget decision at the meeting of the full council on 22^nd February and notes that no additional provisions were made around after school clubs.

2)         Notes that the above decision means that there will be no provision of after school clubs for children and young people with additional support needs as discussed in the council meeting of 31^st August 2023.

3)         Notes that the discontinuation of this service will cause significant distress for families and children including an increase in inequality of services provided.

4)         Notes that elected members have limited information to understand what after-school club provision looks like across Edinburgh.

5)         Requests a report to the Children, Education, and Families Committee in 3 cycles to:

            a)         Detail what after school provision looks like across the City

b)         Are there pockets with no provision? And if so, what (if any) action plans are in place to rectify this.

            c)         Share any best practice from can be disseminated and replicated. 

d)         Explain what future provision for children and young people with additional support needs might look like.”

By Councillor Campbell - Save the George Cinema

“Notes that the Category C listed George Cinema has been empty since July 2016, during which time there has been deterioration of the fabric of the building.

Notes that there have been two planning applications to demolish most of the building leaving only the facade, both of which have been refused, alongside two failed appeals to the Reporter. Notes that an attempt to delist the building has also failed.

Notes that not only has the building been left derelict for almost eight years, most recently earth has been piled along an external wall which is likely to exacerbate the decay.

Notes that many residents have contacted local elected members, raising concerns about the deterioration of the building.

Agrees that a report shall be brought to Planning Committee or Development Management Sub-Committee (as appropriate) no later than end June 2024 which assesses the case for enforcement action, the condition of the building and the appropriate next steps in order to secure the future of the building.”

By Councillor Staniforth - Review of Edinburgh Award

“Council notes

1)         That the City of Edinburgh Council issues a number of awards to still-living people the most prestigious of which is the Edinburgh Award.

2)         That the Edinburgh Award is “to honour an outstanding individual who has made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.”

3)         That this award includes physical elements – a name on a wall in the City Chambers and the award winner’s handprints in gold outside the City Chambers.

4)         That giving an award to still-living people always carries an element of risk as unknown activities could come to light or new activities conducted which brings the city into disrepute by association.

5)         That aside from a motion to full council there is no current established method of rescinding an award granted to a living person.

Council believes

6)         That while ‘positive impact’ implies it, the Edinburgh Award should explicitly be given to those who uphold the city’s values.

Council therefore agrees

7)         That a review should be conducted into awards granted to living people, especially the Edinburgh Award, to ensure that awards represent the values of the city and to establish a process for rescinding said awards should a recipient later act in such a way as to bring the city into disrepute.

8)         That a report on how this review will be conducted and the timescale for its delivery should be brought to the next Policy and Sustainability Committee.”

By Councillor Meagher - Flood Defences

“Council

Notes the deterioration of the groynes and damage to the promenade wall along the stretch of sea front between Eastfield and Seafield

The significant depletion of sand along the whole stretch and the consequent loss of amenity and this aspect of sea defences

The effect of rising sea levels and increasing storm frequency on the coast and its sea defences

Welcomes the recent capital funding allocation for Flooding within the 24/25 budget.

Notes the intention of officers to bring a report to an upcoming Transport and Environment committee, setting out the recommendations on how this funding should be allocated and asks that this report should consider the funding of repair or replacement of any damaged infrastructure forming part of the Portobello beach sea defences.

Furthermore, recognises the increase likelihood of similar storm events happening in the future, as well as rising sea levels, and asks for a report to Transport and Environment committee before the end of 2024 which sets out the likely impact for Portobello in the short, medium and long term and how these impacts could be mitigated.”

By Councillor Day - Princes Street Gardens Development Fund

“Council,

Calls for the establishment of a voluntary levy on all Princes Street Gardens events.

Envisages this levy could be used to create a Development Fund which would help maintain and upgrade the Gardens.

Understands productions such as the Fly Festival, have already expressed an interest in voluntary levies that will maintain facilities and venues such as Princes Street Gardens.

Requests a report to the Finance and Resources Committee in two cycles to investigate how best such a levy would be administered. “

By Councillor Graham - Community Councils

“Council,

Extends its thanks to the Community Councils from across the city of Edinburgh for their hard work and commitment to representing their local communities.

Notes it is just over 50 years since the legislation which brought Community Councils into existence, the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, which defined the purpose of a Community Council as: "to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the Local Authorities for its area and to public authorities the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible."

Understands that during the last 50 plus years, Community Councils across Edinburgh have made important contributions to their communities, by engaging with local people on the issues which matter to them and working to change their area for the better

Further understands that while the role of the Community Councils has remained much the same since 1973, the introduction of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 provides new statutory rights for Community Councils, while the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 also strengthened Community Councils’ engagement with the planning system.

Believes this is the ideal time for the Council to recognise the contribution that Community Councils have made to Edinburgh and to celebrate their work.

Looks forward to the results of the ongoing review into Community Council membership, which should encourage more and more people from across society to take part and ensure its members are more reflective of communities across the city.

Requests that Community Council participation is promoted through Council media channels to encourage more people to take part in representing their communities and to raise awareness of the positive impact community councils make. 

Asks the Lord Provost to host an appropriate event in the City Chambers to mark this important occasion.”

By the Lord Provost - Commemorating the Legacy of Saroj Lal

“Council notes that:

1)         Saroj Lal, Edinburgh resident for over fifty years up to her passing in 2020, leaves an enormous legacy of work and positive change across the city of Edinburgh and far beyond, improving race relations and race equality across several fields, particularly education, policing, health, social work, prisons and many more;

2)         At its August 2020 meeting, Council unanimously passed a motion celebrating the “inspirational life” of Saroj Lal, and during that debate, former councillor, Melanie Main, said the following, “I’m sure we’d all agree there should be a permanent memorial to this wonderful lady so that generations to come are reminded and encouraged to learn about her work and her legacy in Edinburgh and Scotland”;

3)         There are no statues of named persons of colour in Edinburgh, and remarkably few of any named women;

4)         One of the recent recommendations of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review was to commit to public art that fairly represents the diversity of the city and its histories;

5)         There are no statues in Southside Newington ward and specifically in the Southside/Sciennes area, home to the Lal family for many decades, and

6)         Fundraisers are in a position to fully fund the creation and erection of a statue of Saroj Lal.

Council supports the proposal to mark Saroj Lal’s legacy with a permanent memorial in the city, and requests that a report be brought forward to the Culture and Communities Committee within two cycles considering options for the site of a statue, preferably in the Southside area, fully-funded through private fundraising, both to commemorate the life and legacy of Saroj Lal and to inspire future generations.”

By Councillor O'Neill - Jo Cox Civility Commission Recommendations

“Council:

1)         Remembers Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen, who was murdered in June 2016 when arriving to host a surgery in her constituency.

2)         Reiterates a statement made by Cox’s husband following the tragic event where he urges everyone to “fight against the hatred that killed her.”

3)         Recognises the impact of the Jo Cox Foundation, set up in 2016, which nurtures stronger communities, champions respect in politics and advocates for a fairer world no matter one’s party colours.

4)         Notes, as part of their Respectful Politics workstream, the Jo Cox Civility Commission (the Commission) was launched in February 2023 and recommendations were published in January 2024 with the subheading ‘No place in politics: tackling abuse and intimidation.

5)         Further notes the Commission aims to find implementable solutions that make a difference to the issues of abuse and intimidation of elected officials; in their own words the “recommendations are deliberately ambitious.”

6)         Highlights that the calls to action and recommendations cover topics of co-ordination, behaviour, political literacy, social media use, traditional media, police, security, Parliaments (including devolved), local governments, elections and political parties.

7)         Confirms support of the Commission’s recommendations and asks the Lord Provost & Chief Executive to publicly endorse these via the Commission’s website, and asks that the pledge, recommendations and () information be shared to all elected members.

8)         Requests a report in 6 months to Policy & Sustainability Committee which addresses how the Council has adopted or considered recommendations in existing workstreams, with specific reference to:

            a)         How the Council can improve risk planning for abuse at Council 
meetings and other events.

            b)         How the Council can ensure security and wellbeing resources are available to staff and elected members.

            c)         How we can engage with relevant toolkits such as the Local Government Association’s ‘Debate Not Hate’ Councillor toolkit and the National Association of Local Councils’ (NALC) Civility and Respect Project.”

By Councillor Davidson - Early Years Provision and Out of Catchment

“Council notes that:

1)         The meeting of the Education, Children and Families Committee (ECF) on 23 January 2024 considered the Early Years Service (EYS) as part of reports and budget concerns.

2)         There is a reported £6m cut in funding from the Scottish Government for provision of EYS

3)         The report on the EYS sets out a range of areas which were “being considered by the SPB (Strategic Programme Board)” to bring the EYS back within budget. These areas included:

5.2.1 Maximise the use of local authority places by reducing the need to commission external provision and providing places for children from other local authorities whose parents/carers work in Edinburgh.

4)         Since the ECF meeting, the SPB has met and made a determination on proceeding with the removal of including cross-boundary families in 1140 funded hours PVI provision. These families can continue to apply for space in CEC EYS settings where there is unused capacity.

5)         The decision by the SPB has not been referred back to ECF or another relevant committee such as Policy & Sustainability for agreement and therefore councillors have voted to “consider” but not to “implement”.

6)         The Scottish Government is in discussion with local authorities on how cross-boundary placements should be funded /crosscharged.

7)         That following the Education Committee approval, concerns have been raised with councillors about the potential impact on private/voluntary/independent (PVI) nurseries who may rely on funded hours placements from families outwith the Edinburgh Council area.

8)         That the EYS currently has available capacity for meeting its obligations for 1140 funded hours but the flexibility required by parents means that a greater percentage are looking to PVI providers to meet their needs. There is therefore provision within CEC not being used and not being funded by the 1140 provision.

Council therefore agrees to:

9)         Pause any implementation of the decision until the ECF committee have been able to review the SPB decision and determine whether to proceed at the meeting in April.

10)       To speak with any PVI provider who is significantly impacted by cross-boundary placements and identify if any exceptions are required until the Scottish Government comes to a determination.”

By Councillor Mattos Coelho - 80th Anniversary One Parent Families Scotland

“Council notes that 2024 is the 80^th Anniversary of One Parent Families Scotland.

Council also notes that today, 21^st March, is Single Parents Day, and that this year OPFS’s chosen theme is “Recognition”.

OPFS were founded in 1944, originally named the ‘Scottish Council for Unmarried Mothers’, and are the leading charity working with single parent families in Scotland. They provide expert advice, practical support and campaign with parents to make their voices heard to change the systems, policies and attitudes that disadvantage single parent families.

Their vision is of a Scotland where single parent families are celebrated in all their diversity, are treated fairly and live free from discrimination and poverty. Their mission is to amplify the voices of single parent families in their unique role as sole carers and providers and together challenge stigma, poverty and inequality to achieve change.

Their mission is to work with and for single parent families, providing support services that enable them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children.”

In Who we are - OPFS is a Scottish charity working with single parent families

Council asks that the Lord Provost mark this significant 80^th anniversary in an appropriate way, notes that 1 in 4 families with children is a single parent family, recognises the strength and love offered by so many single parents in Scotland for their children whilst acknowledging the need for wider supports and structural change to improve the lives of single parent families.”

By Councillor Nicolson - 100th Anniversary FetLor Youth Club

“Council notes that 2024 is the 100^th Anniversary of FetLor Youth Club. 

Founded in 1924, FetLor Youth Club supports children and young people in North Edinburgh to develop their resilience, their confidence and achieve their potential.  By offering a safe place, they support our members to build their confidence, achieve their ambitions and play a positive role in society.

FetLor’s mission is to offer children and young people a safe place where skilled youth workers take the time to build trust and support young people, even in times of challenge, hardship and real need.  The club welcomes over 300 young people to their club each week and everyone who goes to FetLor is offered a healthy, hot meal and the opportunity to have fun, develop new skills and enjoy new experiences.  All activities and food are provided free of charge to everyone who attends.  Club nights, throughout the week, provide members with a safe place where they can enjoy activities and one to one support from the team of qualified youth workers.

Council asks the Lord Provost to appropriately mark this occasion and notes that Cllr Nicolson is sponsoring an event on 06/09/2024 in the Main Council Chamber.”

By Councillor Kumar - Area Support Team (Children's Hearings)

“Council

1)         Notes Children’s Hearings Scotland is reforming its current tribunal support model and that allocation of panel members are being centralised.

2)         Recognises the dedication and commitment of the volunteers in the Area Support Team (AST) who have for many years (and in some cases – decades) worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of children’s hearing in City of Edinburgh Council.

3)         Notes that this represents approximately 30,000 hearings held annually. Notes that the roles and functions of the Area Convenor, Deputy Area Convenor, Panel Representatives and Rota Manager have been undertaken on a voluntary basis. This equates to approximately 20-40 voluntary hours per week.

4)         Requests that the Lord Provosts celebrates writes to all volunteers expressing our gratitude and appreciation for their outstanding contribution for children and young people in Edinburgh.”

By Councillor Caldwell - Pavement Parking Awareness for Staff, Contractors and Traders – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Caldwell - Traders Parking Permit Equity - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Amount of Section 75 Healthcare Contribution - Planning permission 16-06280-FUL - for answer by the Convener of the Development Management Sub-Committee

By Councillor Lang - Consultation - Granton to Bioquarter Tram Extension - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Osler - Accessibility of New Bin Hubs – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor McFarlane - Edinburgh 900 Project Fund – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Heap - Gorgie Farm Animals – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Heap - Gorgie Farm Ownership – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Heap - Accuracy of Social Security Information – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Heap - Scottish Child Payment – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Heap - PVG Checks – for answer by the Vice-Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board

By Councillor Booth - School Street at Stanwell Street – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor O'Neill - NEC Disability Night Buses – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Mitchell - Phase 4 Communal Bin Review Parking Spaces in CPZ 5A – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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

By Councillor Whyte -Street Planters – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Nols-McVey – Anchorfield – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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

By Councillor Key - Empty Homes – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

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

The Council, is requested under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.