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 Special Meeting of 26 September 2024 – submitted for approval as a correct record

The City of Edinburgh Council of 26 September 2024 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Leader’s report

If any

Mitigating Museums and Galleries Budget Pressures 2024/25 - Referral from the Culture and Communities Committee

Lothian Buses Board Appointments – referral from the Transport and Environment Committee

City Plan 2030 Scottish Ministers’ Direction and Adoption of Modified City Plan 2030 – referral from the Planning Committee

By Councillor Hyslop - Inclusion Review

“Council notes:

1)         45-day statutory consultation period with employees and trade unions is currently underway and is due to conclude on Friday 1 November.

2)         Parents, school staff and trade unions have all expressed concerns at the lack of detail and clarity in the proposals set out in the inclusion review.

Council notes with concern:

3)         There is no mention of critical services such as Early Years, Forest Schools, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or the Hospital Team in the proposals. This has understandably raised concerns among staff and families who depend on these services, leaving them uncertain about their future.

4)         Officers are proposing a significant reduction in staff within the Inclusion Service, with the proposed removal of all temporary contracts, which make up 20% of the Additional Support Needs (ASN) workforce.

5)         A reduction of this magnitude could have a severe impact on classrooms, potentially driving teachers away from the profession due to insufficient support at a time when more is needed to address the poverty-related attainment gap.

6)         The Inclusion Review will disproportionately impact on children with ASN, with disabilities, and those from a ethnic minority background.

7)         The unintended consequences and impact on all children in classrooms if additional support of learning is reduced for those who require it.

8)         Despite all these concerns and the marked impact proposed changes will have on classroom support and the wellbeing and learning outcomes of children and young people, parents are currently not being consulted on the proposals.

Council agrees:

9)         It is incredibly disappointing that this review has focussed so heavily on cost cutting with very little attention given to improving services for children and young people.

10)       The consultation is extended to consider the views of families and service users that will be affected by the proposed changes in the Inclusion Review so that consultation includes their voices alongside those of members of staff and unions.

11)       No reductions in existing service provision will be implemented but will be presented to Education, Children and Families Committee in a report as Officer recommendations.

12)       That a full Integrated Impact Assessment is undertaken to identify impacts of any proposals for consideration.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron Edinburgh’s Events and Festivals for Community Use

“Council;

Notes and welcomes the increase of recycled and repurposed materials being used for community use after the hosting and staging of festivals and events across the city.

Understands examples include the creation of a new reception desk and the installation of stage performance type lighting at WHALE Arts fashioned from items and materials left over from events and festivals.

Requests a Business Bulletin and an update in the next sustainability report on how such initiatives can be promoted, supported, and encouraged on a city-wide basis.”

By Councillor Kumar - RAAC Funding

Council Notes:

1)         The presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has been identified in a number of schools, libraries, and council homes. This material, known for its structural deficiencies and potential safety risks, poses a significant threat to the health and safety of staff, students, and the general public.

2)         Initial assessments indicate that the cost of replacing and remediating affected buildings could exceed £30 million. This figure may increase as further inspections and evaluations are conducted.

3)         The council is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents but acknowledges the significant financial implications associated with the necessary repairs and mitigation measures.

Council Believes:

4)         That the UK Government must recognise the urgent nature of this issue and provide the necessary financial support to local authorities in Scotland, specifically through an appropriate allocation of funds via the Barnett formula.

Council Resolves:

5)         To instruct the Council Leader to write formally to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, requesting that an allocation of funding be provided to Scotland to support the remediation of RAAC, based on the Barnett consequentials, and to ensure that Edinburgh receives its fair share of funding to address the £30M+ costs.

6)         To share the letter with all elected members for information.

7)         To keep elected members informed through reporting via Business Bulletin to the relevant committee(s) and to keep the public and all stakeholders regularly informed of progress and to advocate for expedited support from all levels of government to minimise any risks or disruption resulting from the RAAC crisis.”

By Councillor Kumar - UK Shared Prosperity Fund

“Council

Notes: 

That we were allocated a sum of £12M as our share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for the years 2022-2025.

That the primary goal of UKSPF was to increase life chances.

That a total of forty-two projects are receiving grants focusing on communities and place, supporting local businesses, and on people and skills. Organisations benefitting from this grant includes The Poverty Alliance, Community Help & Advice Initiative, Edinburgh Women’s Aid, The Prince’s Trust and so on.

Recognises

The impact of this funding on communities, businesses, and individuals.

That this funding will come to an end in March 2025 and that no assurances has been given so far about ongoing funding or alternative funding.

Agrees:

1)         That UKSPF should be devolved to empower local communities, allowing decisions to be made by those who best understand the unique needs and priorities of their own areas.

2)         Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing Council's views and highlighting the disastrous impact on Edinburgh and its residents should this funding not be continued.

3)         Further iterates support for Edinburgh to receive similar or enhanced funding as previous years to enable continuous work and seek assurances that she will provide this funding.

4)         That this letter should be shared with all elected members for information.”

By Councillor Gardiner - Nations and Regions

Council Notes:

1)         The inaugural meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions organised by the UK Government was held on 11^th October 2024 in Edinburgh.

2)         In addition to the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, council understands that the Mayors from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, London, the North East, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, the West Midlands, the West of England, and York and North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire were all invited to attend this council.

3)         Although taking place in this city, Edinburgh, the Capital City of Scotland, was not invited to attend this event.

Council therefore requests that

4)         The Council Leader writes to the Prime Minister of the UK Government requesting that the City of Edinburgh is invited to attend and be represented by the Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council at future meetings of this council.”

By Councillor Aston - ATEC24 Telecare Alarm System – Migration to Digital

“Council:

1)         Notes that the ATEC24 alarm system is provided to vulnerable people who require support to continue to live safely in their own homes and provision of this service sits within the remit of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.

2)         Notes that the analogue telephone network is being phased out over the next few years in favour of a digital network, and that this necessitates the transfer of the ATEC24 system from analogue to digital, and that this was considered at the IJB Strategic Planning Group meeting on 4^th December 2023, with the minutes of that meeting noted at Edinburgh Integration Joint Board on 9^th February 2024.

3)         Further notes that the migration of the ATEC24 telecare alarm system from analogue to digital entails the provision of new hardware (such as pendants) to service users.

4)         However, notes with concern that there is reason to believe that not all service users have been provided with the requisite new digital-compatible hardware, and this would mean vulnerable people are being left without important support that they rely upon to continue to live in their own homes safely and with peace of mind.

5)         Therefore, requests a report in one cycle to the Policy and Sustainability Committee on the implementation of the migration of the ATEC24 telecare alarm system from analogue to digital, including specific investigation into how many service users have not been provided with the requisite pendants and associated hardware and what steps are being taken to resolve these issues as a matter of urgency, with that report then being referred to the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee.”

By Councillor Gardiner - City Architect Centenary

Council Notes:

1)         2025 will be the hundredth anniversary of the appointment of Ebenezer James MacRae as City Architect for the City of Edinburgh, a post he held until retiring in 1946.

2)         In the following year (1926), MacRae was also appointed as Director of Housing.

3)         MacRae and his team thereafter were responsible for the design and delivery of high-quality social housing with good space standards and natural daylighting.

4)         The works included new housing districts, schools and public buildings in the north, east and west of our city including: Piershill, Prestonfield, Stenhouse, Redbraes, Saughton, Whitson, Craigentinny, Granton and Craigmillar.

5)         MacRae and his team were also responsible for designing and delivering sensitive urban social housing renewal in the Old Town and South Side.

Therefore, in order celebrate this important centenary Council requests that:

6)         A report be prepared in two cycles to the appropriate committee, to consider mounting an exhibition of the work across the City of Edinburgh of MacRae and his team in the People’s Story Museum, Canongate Tolbooth.”

By Councillor Bandel - Mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting

“1)        Notes that Participatory Budgeting (PB) is an internationally recognised approach to allocating budgets that has the potential to empower communities, reduce inequalities, improve good governance, drive public sector reform, and build better relationships between governments and their citizens.

2)         Notes the 2017 framework agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Government, revised in 2021, to "[mainstream] PB within decisions on the allocation of existing resources across all council services" and allocate at least 1% of local government budgets through PB.

3)         Notes and celebrates the success of previous Council PB processes, including the Edinburgh Community Climate Fund as well as £eith Chooses, one of the longest-running PB projects in Scotland.

4)         Notes that academic research suggests that realising PB's potential to affect transformative social change requires multi-year processes and meaningful funding in order to mobilise marginalised citizens and make PB worth their time and participation.

5)         Believes that preliminary proposals approved at Policy and Sustainability Committee in August 2024 to allocate 2% of funding raised by the Visitor Levy using PB provide an opportunity for a sustainable, multi-year process.

6)         Further believes that Council can build on these proposals and develop a stronger PB process by supplementing the budget raised by the Visitor Levy with a portion of mainstream service funding in order to create a more meaningful sum and embed PB as an approach to allocating budgets within council services.

7)         Agrees that the aspiration of the council should be a move towards mainstreaming participatory budgeting which should seek to actively promote positive social justice outcomes, rather than solely using PB for individual ‘pots’ of money.

8)         Finally, recognises that democratic processes such as PB can replicate structural inequalities, meaning that those who have greater access to time, education, and money are able to use democratic processes to advance their interests to a greater degree unless measures are put in place to overcome these barriers and ensure all citizens are able to participate equally. Further recognises the good practice of £eith Chooses in promoting an equitable process.

9)         Therefore asks officers to provide a report within three cycles to Policy and Sustainability Committee presenting proposals for a pilot mainstream PB process, including suggestions for:

·       Services that would be suitable for a pilot;

·       Measures to tackle barriers to participation and ensure the equity of the process; and

·       Measures to promote social justice, for example redistributive mechanisms such as budget matrixes.”

By Councillor Ross - Low-cost Zebra Crossings

“Council:

1)         Notes the motion passed by the Council on 25 November 2021 entitled ‘Call for Action on Zebra Markings for Side Streets’. Notes that the proposed side road zebra markings - that do not use expensive Belisha Beacons or zigzags - are in common use across the world to give greater priority to pedestrians when crossing quieter roads. They are also in widespread use across the UK in supermarket car parks and airports and are already authorised for use on protected cycle tracks. The crossings typically cost around £1,000 compared to £40,000 for a zebra crossing with Belisha Beacons.

2)         Notes on 4 December 2023, the Council and Transform Scotland co-hosted a hybrid event to publicise a study into continental-style zebra crossings, undertaken recently by Edinburgh Napier University, and a joint letter was sent to Scottish Ministers, from Transform Scotland and interested local authorities. In addition, the Council announced plans to undertake a study of its own to monitor the operation of existing continental-style zebras in Edinburgh.

3)         Notes that an application for £42,750 to fund the study was submitted to the Road Safety Trust, with the Council providing a further £17,000 to cover internal costs and monitoring/analysis costs. The study will include

a)         a literature and policy review to establish a baseline of existing research, and demonstrate where these measures fit within national and local policy;

b)         Monitoring and evaluation of the operation of existing continental style zebras in Edinburgh, at locations which are not on the public road network, to provide data on level of use and user compliance; and

c)         A Safety Risk Assessment to provide an analysis of hazards and risks related to continental-style zebras, and determine acceptability of proposals from a safety perspective, and if required, identify additional control measures if needed for acceptability.

4)         Notes the Council was recently unsuccessful in its funding application and intends to submit a revised application in November for the next round of funding.

5)         Reaffirms that pedestrians are at the top of the transport hierarchy and that pedestrian safety is therefore the top priority of the Council’s Active Travel strategy.

6)         Notes the very long list of expensive pedestrian crossing facilities already approved for future delivery by the Council and the low-cost opportunity presented by continental-style zebras.

7)         Notes the recent approval of a motion entitled ‘Improving safety around schools’ and its request for a review of all statutory powers available to the Council to make road safety improvements around schools.

8)         Therefore requests that, in the absence of adequate funding being secured from the Road Safety Trust or elsewhere, consideration is given by the Transport and Environment Committee to meeting the cost of the study from the Active Travel budget.

9)         Also requests that the Transport & Environment Committee considers the basis of the study on continental-style low-cost zebras, outlined at 3. above, within three cycles with a view to giving approval to proceed with the study.”

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - Film Studies

“Council notes that the welcome opening of a film studio in Leith was a significant boost to the Scottish film industry, helping transform Edinburgh into more than just a film location, but a centre for well-paid and highly skilled motion picture and television industry employment.

Council welcomes the fact that many of our secondary school students now have the opportunity to pursue film studies with the goal of applying the skills they learn to good jobs here, rather than needing to move abroad for work.

Council however also notes that some students lack proper equipment to advance their practical studies, instead relying on school tablets to make their video projects. This is much more likely to be the case for students in areas of high SIMD.

In order for the benefits of film and television career opportunities to be enjoyed by all of our young people, Council requests that officers explore ways of increasing access to equipment such as tripods and video cameras across those schools currently offering film studies, and look to expand provision through avenues such as, but not limited to, sponsorship from visiting film companies on location in the city. A report or business bulletin update comes to Education, Children and Families Committee in three cycles.”

By Councillor Hyslop - Recognising Traditional Festivals in Edinburgh

“Council notes:

1)         That Hallowe'en is considered by many to have originated in Scotland with etymology originating from the Scots language and traditions rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain.

2)         That Samhain is a festival in Celtic cultures which marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Celtic New Year on the 1st of November. It has been celebrated by Celtic peoples including those indigenous to Britain and Ireland for thousands of years.

3)         The Christian celebration of All Saints Day was moved to November 1st in the 8th Century to coincide with the Celtic festival, Samhain. The evening before All Saints’ Day became "Hallowe'en" which directly evolved from the Scots words "Hallow" meaning Saint, and "E'en" meaning evening.

4)         The important work that the Beltane Fire Society has done in Edinburgh since 1988 to revive traditional Celtic cultural festivals including Samhain which has been celebrated in Edinburgh every year since 1995.

Council Agrees:

5)         That there is nowhere better to be the cultural home of Hallowe'en and Samhain than Edinburgh, as the capital city of Scotland.

6)         That customs and practices of Edinburgh’s traditional Scottish festivals and holidays are worth preserving and that more could be done to enhance and celebrate them.

7)         That ahead of the 30 year anniversary of Samhain festival celebrations in Edinburgh next year, the Council should consider what more could be done to recognise the traditional cultural festivals that are celebrated in Edinburgh, including Halloween and Samhain.

8)         Although not possible to mark every important cultural date in Edinburgh’s calendar with a public holiday, but that our chosen public holidays should be a reflection of our values as a Council.

Therefore:

9)         Council agrees to receive a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee within 3 cycles which outlines what is being done to mark the traditional cultural festivals that are celebrated in the City. The report should include a breakdown of current local public holidays that the Council currently observes and set out options to review them.”

By Councillor Kumar - Emily's Test

“Council notes:

That gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue across the UK, with 1 in 3 women experiencing some form of domestic abuse or sexual violence in their lifetime.

In education settings, the problem is equally alarming. A 2023 report by the UK Department for Education revealed that nearly 1 in 5 girls have experienced sexual violence in schools and colleges across the UK. This highlights the critical need for targeted interventions within educational institutions.

With sadness, the tragic loss of Emily Drouet, an undergraduate law student who took her own life in 2016 following domestic abuse and violence at university by her boyfriend, is remembered.

Council commends Emily’s mother, Fiona Drouet, who, in honour of her daughter's life, established Emily’s Test (www.emilytest.org). This initiative seeks to tackle gender-based violence in education settings by providing essential training, support, and awareness resources for staff and students.

Council recognises their tireless efforts to address and combat gender-based violence through the EmilyTest Charter, which aims to make training and awareness accessible to all university staff and students, thereby fostering safer learning environments.

Notes that, while a number of universities and colleges across Scotland have already signed up to the EmilyTest Charter, it is concerning that not a single educational institution in Edinburgh has yet committed to this important initiative.

The Council, therefore, requests that efforts are made at the Edinburgh Partnership level by Council Leader, and through communication from council officers, to engage with all universities and colleges in Edinburgh. The aim is to make these institutions aware of Emily’s Test and strongly encourage their participation in this life-saving program by signing up to the EmilyTest Charter.

Agrees to report on the progress of this word through a business bulletin to the Education, Children, and Families committee in three cycles.”

By Councillor Mitchell - Urban Seagulls

Council:

1)         Notes concerns expressed by residents and businesses regarding the number of urban seagulls nesting in the city, especially within tenement areas, and the negative impact this is having on amenity and health.

2)         Agrees that the Council Leader shall write to the Scottish Government requesting they instruct NatureScot to adapt the licensing scheme to allow local authorities more ability to react and control the numbers of seagulls and their nests within urban areas, and that these adaptations should support residents’ licence applications as well.

3)         Further agrees that the Council Leader shall write to NatureScot informing them of concerns about the lack of flexibility for local authorities and residents to control urban seagulls and their nests within urban areas and the associated health impacts and notify them of the request made to the Scottish Government.”

By Councillor Heap - Gorgie Farm Implementation of Culture and Communities Committee Decision

“Council:

1)         Notes that it has expressed the view that Gorgie Farm should re-open, even if only partially, as soon as possible.

2)         Regrets that neither the public nor even volunteer gardening group, the latter of which had access until recently, can access the farm

Council further notes:

3)         That, on October 3, the Culture and Communities Committee unanimously made the following requests:

a)         A note within one week explaining why the whole site is not currently safe and why not even the garden areas cannot be safely accessed.

b)         That Council will take the necessary steps to make site safe at the earliest opportunity, so that volunteers are able to return to the garden area.

c)         That the next stage of the bid process for the farm will make clear that the Council's expectation is that any part of the site that can be safely opened to volunteers and to the public will be opened without delay after the lease is awarded.

4)         That a briefing note issued to the Culture and Communities Committee:

a)         In respect of 3(a), did not explain why the garden areas cannot be safely accessed.

b)         In respect of 3(b), did not indicate what steps can be taken to make the site safe, to allow the return of volunteers.

            c)         In respect of 3(c), appeared to suggest this would not be progressed.

Council therefore:

5)         Requests a report to the December meeting covering the following:

            a)         The safety information referred to in 3(a).

            b)         A plan to realise the aim referred to in 3(b).

            c)         A plan to realise the aim referred to in 3(c).”

By Councillor McFarlane - Jim Hollington, Dance Base

“Council:

Notes that Jim Hollington, Chief Executive Officer of Dance Base will leave his post on the 15^th of November 2024 with the appointment of Jeanie Scott as his successor.

Agrees that as Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, Dance Base is a critically important cultural organisation both to the city, nationally and internationally and notes Jim’s leadership of the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent challenging financial circumstances. In particular, the council commends his work to support artists to maintain their practice through these times.

Council therefore agrees that the Lord Provost writes to Jeanie welcoming her to her new post.

Council further agrees that the Lord Provost writes to Jim to wish him well for his future endeavours, thanking him for his service in this key role and noting the impact of his tenure at Dance Base.”

By Councillor Dalgleish - 45th Anniversary of the Pilmeny Development Project

“Council:

Notes that 2024 was the 45th Anniversary of the opening of the Pilmeny Development Project, with this project being based in the Lorne area of Leith Walk since 1979.

Notes the important and positive impact this project has had on Edinburgh and its residents, with over 2,300 volunteer hours being committed in 2022/23 to assist local residents in practical support such as foodbank deliveries, gardening, accompanying residents to medical appointments, including 2,874 calls made for befriending and service advice.

Extends its congratulations to the staff, volunteers and users of Pilmeny Development Project who have had such a positive impact working alongside the various communities in Edinburgh for 45 years.

Asks the Lord Provost to recognise this milestone in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Long Service Award from Girlguiding Edinburgh

“Council;

Notes and warmly congratulates Ms Dorothy Walker on receiving a Long Service Award from Girlguiding Edinburgh at their recent Annual Gathering on 28^th September 2024, marking Dorothy’s 60 years of voluntary service to the 41^st City of Edinburgh Guide Unit.

Requests the Lord Provost to convey our appreciation and congratulations to Dorothy on reaching the amazing milestone of 60 years of dedicated service and commitment to the Brownies in Leith and the wider Edinburgh Girlguiding Movement.”

By Councillor Jenkinson - Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams National Transport Awards

“Council:

Understands both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams won at the National Transport Awards 2024 event in London on the 3^rd of October. 

Notes that both won the Bus and Tram Operator of the Year, the top prize across the whole UK.

Gathers that the recognition is testament to the quality of the integrated, green and affordable transport network which serves our cities visitors and residents each day.

Resolves to improving and expanding the bus and tram networks to help ensure our 2030 climate targets are recognised and asks the Lord Provost to mark this achievement in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - Gracemount Leisure Centre

“Council:

Notes with pride and delight that Gracemount Leisure Centre was awarded the Regional Club/Centre of the Year 2024 in Scotland category at the UKACTIVE AWARDS 2024 held in Birmingham on Thursday 3^rd October.

Warmly congratulates everyone in the Gracemount Leisure Centre Team and Edinburgh Leisure on winning this prestigious award and asks the Lord Provost to formally recognise this success in what is a very competitive sector in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor Booth - Evie Murray – Climate Action Awards Lifetime Achievement Winner

“Council:

1)         Congratulates Evie Murray, Chief Executive of Earth in Common, the organisation behind Leith Community Croft and other initiatives, for being awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Climate Action Awards 2024;

2)         Notes that this award reflects the many years of hard work that Evie has dedicated to making Leith and Edinburgh a greener place, promoting community growing, encouraging a shift to more sustainable practices and taking local action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies;

3)         Notes that in her acceptance speech, Evie mentioned the African word Ubuntu meaning 'humanity to others', often described as reminding us that ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’, and the interconnected nature of sustainability.

4)         Asks that the Lord Provost recognise Evie's achievement in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor Younie - 30th Criagalmond (Davidson's Mains) Scout Group Centenary

Council:

1)         Notes that the 30th Craigalmond (Davidson's Mains) Scout Group are celebrating their centenary this year. First formed in 1924 it has grown through the years and recently have included Squirrels to join the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, extending the opportunities they offer to a younger age group.

2)         To mark this auspicious event, the group commissioned a mural designed by the children which now adorns the Scout Hut in Davidson's Mains.

3)         Thanks the Group for the contribution they and their volunteers have made to the Davidson’s Mains and wider community for the past hundred years and looks forward to the coming hundred.

4)         Requests that the Lord Provost congratulate the 30^th Craigalmond (Davidson’s Mains) Scout Group in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - 250th Anniversary of Robert Fergusson

“Council notes that the city recently observed the 250th anniversary of the death of the poet Robert Fergusson, who died in Edinburgh on October 17, 1774, at only 24 years old.

Council notes that Fergusson was a true poet of this city. Although born in Ayrshire, he drew inspiration from the life - and the language - of the ordinary people around him in Auld Reikie.

Writing in Scots, Fergusson is credited with having inspired no less a poet than Robert Burns. Despite this, Robert Fergusson died in relative obscurity, and Burns paid out of his own pocket to erect a gravestone on the previously unmarked Fergusson's grave.

Council agrees therefore that efforts will be put into place to recognise Fergusson's legacy in an appropriate way including annual observation on October 17th.”

By Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron - 50th Anniversary of Edinburgh Dunedin Link

Council:

Notes Edinburgh has been a sister city to Dunedin, New Zealand since 1974.

Further notes the link was re-established in 2004 when the Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society was formed to promote Dunedin's Scottish heritage and connect the Dunedin City Council with the various Scottish societies in the city.

Believes the Society has built strong links between Dunedin and Edinburgh and encourages celebrations such as St Andrew's Day.

Understands the Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society meets monthly and share a passion for Scottish heritage and an enthusiasm for promoting and celebrating this heritage with the wider community.

Welcomes this anniversary and asks the Lord Provost to mark this in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan - 45th Anniversary of Pilmeny Development Management Trust

“Council notes that the Pilmeny Development Management Trust has recently celebrated its 45th Anniversary. Founded in 1979, Pilmeny Development Management Trust has delivered youth work support and services for elderly people every year, even throughout the recent pandemic.

Pilmeny Development Management Trust relies both on vital sponsorship and partners such as the City of Edinburgh Council in delivering its transformative services, but also on the invaluable contribution of its local volunteers.

Council therefore agrees to request that a congratulatory letter is sent from the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, thanking PDMT and its staff for their years of service to the community. Council also agrees that an invitation be extended to the staff and volunteers of the charity to visit the City Chambers for an appropriate observation of this civic milestone.”

By Councillor Booth - Premises Licences – for answer by the Convener of the Licensing Board

By Councillor McFarlane - Cleansing Schedule for Carrubers Close – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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

By Councillor Nols-McVey - School Estate Servicing – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor McFarlane - Body and Soul Statue – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor McFarlane - Council Houses - Ward 11 – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor McFarlane - Lift at Lochview Court in Dumbiedykes – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor McFarlane - Public Water Tap - Picardy Place – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Hyslop - February Holiday Hubs -for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Hyslop - October School Holiday Provision – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Heap - Jean F Watson Charitable Trust – for answer by the Convener of the Committee on the Jean F Watson Bequest

By Councillor Heap - Oasis Concert – Reimbursement – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

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

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

By Councillor Heap - Hearts FC Maroon Mile Project – for answer by the Convener of the Planning Committee

By Councillor Caldwell - Link PSL Lease Terminations – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Transport Scotland Funding for EV Chargers – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Hyslop - Craigs Road-Maybury Road Junction – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Work - Cammo Estate Advisory Committee – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Booth - Congestion Charge Scheme – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Booth - TRO Public Consultation Analysis Report – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Kumar - Modern Apprenticeships within the Council – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Biagi - Accounts Commission - Levels of Borrowing – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Cowdy - Health and Wellbeing Census Implementation before Council Decision – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Rust - Lanark Road ETROs – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Whyte - Unlicensed HMO's – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Cowdy - Health and Wellbeing Census Data Deletion – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Burgess - Kilgraston Road and Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor McKenzie - Duff Street Lane CPO – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor McKenzie - Edinburgh Affordable Housing Partnership – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor McKenzie - Westfield Court - Gas Boiler -for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor McKenzie - Inclusion Review Consultation – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee