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 7 November 2024 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Depute Leader’s report

Citywide Road Coordination – Revised Charging Structure – referral from the Transport and Environment Committee

Revenue Monitoring 2024/25 - Month Five Report - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Treasury Management: Mid-Year Report 2024/25 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Spend to Save Funding - Edinburgh Leisure Projects - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Accounts Commission Findings on Best Value in The City of Edinburgh Council – referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee

By Councillor Nicolson - Mobility Component of Disability Benefits and Transport for Adults and Children

“Council,

Acknowledges the financial constraints across Social Care for Children and Adults.

Notes:

Adults who are assessed as needing a service are being asked to contribute their mobility component of disability benefit towards council provided travel costs. 

Transport to children’s services is no longer being provided to many children across the city and some families are having to fund transport from their own resources.

That in a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee 10.00am, Thursday 22 August 2024, contributing to your care - social care charging policies states ‘certain types of income are disregarded and not considered when assessing an individual’s ability to contribute. This includes a) the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)’.

Council, therefore, requests a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in 2 cycles to detail the current charging policy for transport for adults accessing social care services and the current transport provisions for children accessing services (not education).”

By Councillor Caldwell - Electronics in Communal Waste Streams

“Council

Notes

1)         Blue boxes are available to residents with kerbside waste collections to dispose of batteries, old devices and other electronic waste, but that such an option is not available for residents reliant on on-street communal bins.

2)         That officers have previously explored alternative provision but resource for non- statutory provisions remains a challenge.

Therefore agrees

3)         That the next report to the Transport and Environment Committee on the delivery of the communal bin programme should set out options to improve electronic waste recycling facilities for areas served by communal bin hubs and provide recycling equity.

4)         That the Transport and Environment Convener writes to Zero Waste Scotland and the COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson requesting clarification on future Recycling Improvement Fund funding and setting out interest in electrical waste recycling improvements across Edinburgh.”

By Councillor Lang - Night Time Flights at Edinburgh Airport

“Council

1)         notes that, while there are legal limits on night-time flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, and voluntary limits at many other UK airports, there are currently no restrictions on the night-time operations at Edinburgh Airport.

2)         notes recent data showing an overall increase in night-time flight operations at Edinburgh Airport in recent years and recognises the impact this has on communities close to the airport flight paths.

3)         notes that Edinburgh Airport is currently consulting on a new draft noise action plan for 2024-2028.

4)         reaffirms the position agreed unanimously by Council on 15 March 2018 in favour of the airport introducing a voluntary restriction on the overall number of night-time flights in its final noise action plan, so residents can be afforded the same protection as those living near to other major UK airports.

5)         agrees this position be included in the Council’s formal response to the airport consultation.”

By Councillor Jenkinson - Bus Driver Violence

“Council;

Agrees that workplace abuse is not acceptable and notes the serious concerns raised about levels of abuse in the recent mass survey of bus drivers in Scotland, carried out by Unite the Union.

Supports the UNITE’s campaign to improve driver safety, including its call for a public transport safety summit involving key stakeholders

Notes the increase in the rate of incidents following the extension of the bus travel scheme; supports fully the provision of free bus travel for young people and children aged under 22 and notes the multiple benefits that it brings.

Resolves that the Council Leader and Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee should write to the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to ask that they take swift action to address antisocial behaviour and violence towards bus drivers, including exploring the potential for legislative measures to protect transport workers against assault, threats and abuse and calls on the Scottish Government to remove access to concessionary bus passes from individuals who repeatedly carry out antisocial behaviour on buses or trams.

That officers should work further with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to develop a campaign plan to work with schools to encourage responsible use of concessionary passes and zero tolerance of all forms of violence against transport workers in Edinburgh.”

By Councillor Faccenda - Scotrail Ticket Offices

“Council Notes;

1)         Figures published by the British Transport Police showing that recorded violent crimes against women and girls on the transport network have risen in the past year by 20%.

2)         The 2023 Gilruth report on women and girls' experiences of personal safety on public transport, which said that service managers should ‘explore the feasibility of increasing staff presence at… points of boarding, alighting and interchange’.

3)         The Scottish Government’s recent proposals to reduce the opening hours of ticket offices across Scotland and understands that Edinburgh Gateway is one of the affected stations.

4)         That the evidence base for the proposals is a 2022 consultation, contributions to which overwhelmingly opposed reducing opening hours often because of concerns for the safety of women and girls and lack of accessibility for disabled travellers.

5)         Lower levels of staffing and reduced ticket hours leave staff working in a less safe environment.

6)         Scotrail is publicly owned and permission from the Cabinet Secretary for transport is required for ScotRail to progress these proposals.

7)         The ongoing campaign of rail unions alongside other groups to protect the vital services offered by staffed ScotRail ticket offices.

Council recognises that;

8)         These reductions in ticket office opening times completely contradict the conclusions of the 2023 Gilruth report and the contributions to the consultation on which they are apparently based.

9)         Public transport should be for all, and that train stations should be made more welcoming, safer and accessible for all.

10)       These proposals will do the opposite and discourage people from using trains at a time when we need to encourage people to make use of all forms of mass public transport.

Council agrees that

11)       The Convener of Transport and Environment Committee should write to the Scottish Government to express Council’s opposition to reduced ticket officer hours.

12)       The Convener of Transport and Environment Committee to write to RMT, TSSA and ASLEF to communicate this motion and invite them to give a briefing to councillors regarding staff and passenger safety for Edinburgh’s rail users.

13)       Publicise ScotRail’s plans to constituents and encourage them to share their views.

14)       Request ScotRail publish its Equality Impact Assessment for these proposals.”

By Councillor Aston - Hibernian FC 150th Anniversary

“Council:

1)         Recognises the enormous contribution that Hibernian FC has made to the city of Edinburgh as a sporting and cultural institution and that the football club, one of Scotland’s most successful, is celebrating its 150^th anniversary in 2025.

2)         Notes that Hibernian FC was founded by poor Irish immigrants in the Cowgate in 1875 before ultimately making their permanent home at Easter Road stadium, on the historic boundary between the city of Edinburgh and the burgh of Leith. Furthermore, that Hibernian FC became the first football club from these islands to compete in Europe, reaching the semi-finals of the inaugural 1956 European Cup.

3)         Recognises that the club, alongside its main footballing activities, does enormous social good in the city through its affiliated charity, the Hibs Community Foundation, such as grassroots football for all ages, alleviating poverty and loneliness, adult learning opportunities, and tackling men’s mental health. Furthermore, the club has successful men’s and women’s teams. The club also runs free fitness classes for both men and women.

4)         Further recognises that the club received the ‘Sports Green Hero’ award in 2023 for its pioneering action on sustainability, such as using 100% renewable energy with the installation of solar panels at its training ground and at Easter Road Stadium, and reducing food waste on matchdays.

5)         Notes that the club is consulting with supporters on how to mark its 150^th anniversary. See here: https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/150/

6)         Requests a report to an appropriate committee on how the Council can support Hibernian FC in marking this important anniversary, and asks the Lord Provost to mark 150 years of this important Edinburgh institution in an appropriate manner.”

By Councillor Kumar - Scrapping the 2-child Benefit Cap

“1)        Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s decision to mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s two-child benefit cap, a policy introduced by the Conservatives and maintained by the UK Labour Government.

2)         Council notes that this significant action will lift an estimated 15,000 children in Scotland out of poverty, providing vital support to families and helping to reduce inequality.

3)         Council agrees the Council Leader will write to the UK Chancellor to a) express this Council’s strong opposition to the two-child benefit cap and; b) call for the immediate and permanent scrapping of this cruel and regressive policy, which disproportionately harms children and families.

4)         Council reaffirms its commitment to standing against policies that entrench poverty and inequality, and to advocating for the welfare of all children in Edinburgh and beyond.”

By Councillor Kumar - National Insurance - Unfunded Costs to Public Sector

“1)        Council notes the UK Labour Government has increased employer National Insurance contributions which is costing Scotland’s public sector at least £759M, including a direct cost to Edinburgh Council of around £18M.

2)         Council further notes that, following the UK Chancellor’s budget announcement, only £380M has been allocated to the Scottish Government – which equated to a shortfall of £379M to fully compensate for the impact of the tax increase. This funding gap is expected to result in a direct £9M cut in Edinburgh’s budget - assuming funding is distributed proportionately across the public sector.

3)         Council recognises that cuts to public sector funding will have a ripple effect on Edinburgh’s local economy, threatening jobs and economic stability.

4)         Council agrees the Council Leader will write to the UK Chancellor and all Edinburgh MPs to condemn this attack on public sector budgets by the UK Government. This letter should demand this is fully funded with an additional £379M paid to the Scottish Government to protect council funding and Scotland’s wider public sector.

5)         Council agrees to share letter with elected members for their information.”

By Councillor McFarlane - Investing in Edinburgh’s Play Parks

“Council:

1)         Welcomes the Scottish Government’s pledge within their proposed budget that Scotland’s Councils will each receive an additional share of £10 million to improve play parks for the city’s children, complimenting the five-year capital funding programme first launched in 2021.

2)         Thanks, officers, for the transformational work to-date to improve accessibility and the quality of play equipment across the city.

3)         Agrees that these improvements have led to mental health, physical health, social cohesion and overall well-being benefits for the city’s young people.

4)         Requests an updated Playparks Investment Programme report to Culture and Communities Committee on 15^th May 2025 detailing the forward plan for 2025/26.”

By Councillor Gardiner - Edinburgh's Fair Share of UK Growth Investment

“1)        Council notes the UK Government’s recent announcement of £1.38 billion in funding for local growth projects across Scotland, intended to replace previous EU funds and drive economic growth.

2)         2. Council expresses concern that of the £890 million allocated so far, Edinburgh and two nearby local authorities have together been assigned just £26 million—only 2.92% of the funds. This is despite the three local authorities together representing approximately 19.45% of Scotland’s population.

3)         Council highlights that Edinburgh, which accounts for 9.59% of Scotland’s population, would have received £85.35 million on a per capita basis and £132.23 million of the full £1.38 billion if funding were distributed more equitably.

4)         Council emphasises that this significant underfunding risks limiting Edinburgh’s ability to deliver essential services and invest in local projects that drive economic and social progress for its residents.

5)         Council acknowledges the importance of the UK Government’s £1.38 billion commitment to supporting Scotland’s growth and calls for greater transparency in the allocation methodology to ensure fair distribution across all local authorities.

6)         Council instructs the Council Leader to:

•           Write to the Secretary of State for Scotland requesting a review of the allocation process.

•           Advocate in the strongest terms for Edinburgh to receive a fair and proportionate share of the £1.38 billion investment, reflecting its population and strategic importance to Scotland.

7)         Council commits to working collaboratively with the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure future funding allocations are both equitable and effective in addressing regional needs.”

By Councillor Aston - Cruise Ship Levy

“Council:

1)         Welcomes the budget announcement by the Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary that the Scottish Government will consult on introducing a Cruise Ship Levy.

2)         Recognises that Edinburgh is an increasingly popular destination for visitors travelling by cruise ship which brings economic benefits.

3)         However, notes that cruise ship tourism impacts on local communities and services in many of the same ways that more conventional tourism does, while bringing less economic value per head of visitor to the city, and that those travelling by cruise ship will largely not be staying overnight and will therefore not be paying the Visitor Levy.

4)         Recognises that a new Cruise Ship Levy could enable the Council to ensure that the city’s residents derive benefit from Edinburgh’s increasing popularity as a cruise ship destination, in particular supporting investment in our historic coastal communities to build them up as tourist destinations rather than, as at present, transit waypoints as cruise ship passengers pass through to the more established tourism attractions of the city.

5)         Therefore, requests that officers prepare a report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in two cycles, which will allow the Council to determine its position on a potential Cruise Ship Levy, and to prepare to contribute to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its possible introduction.”

By Councillor Flannery - Change to Council and Committee Reports Template to Include Consideration and Impact on the Housing Emergency

“Notes

1)         Council declared a Housing Emergency on 23 November 2023 and published a Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP) due for consideration at the Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Committee in February 2025.

2)         The Housing Emergency affects strategies and decision-making within Place, Corporate Services and Council Committees

Therefore,

3)         Council is asked to add a HEAP section to future printed committee papers, a) to track actions, and b) keep focus on how the council is addressing the HEAP recommendations across Council business.

Further,

4)         This additional section aligns with other declared emergencies such as Nature and Climate, to promote a unified approach to underpin the HEAP aims, objectives, and timeframes.”

By Councillor Miller - Health and Safety Consultative Forum

“Council:

1)         Thanks Unison City of Edinburgh Branch for circulating Unison’s Violence at Work Report 2024* and regrets the increase in violent incidents at work.

2)         Notes Unison City of Edinburgh Branch has called on Council to reinstate the departmental Health and Safety cross-party committee structure to replace the current Consultative Forum, where such concerning trends would be examined.

3)         Requests officers and trade union representatives consider options for Health and Safety cross-party committee structure and bring recommendations to Council within three cycles.”

By Councillor Heap - Dog Friendly Library and Museum Days

“Committee notes:

1)         That 9 libraries in Edinburgh operate Dog-Friendly Library Days.

2)         These have operated successfully, including at Portobello Library [See below].

3)         That there are clear Doggy Etiquette guidelines for bringing dogs into CEC libraries.

4)         Rising dog ownership in the city.

5)         That being able to bring a dog to the library may encourage library use and that the pilot scheme evaluation found that “of the dog owners [surveyed,] 23% said they wouldn’t visit the library if they couldn’t bring their dog”.

6)         That some days will need to remain dog-free, out of respect to staff and library users who have dog allergies or phobias.

Committee therefore:

7)         Requests officers expand the number of DFL days and consider expansion to Council museums, subject to a satisfactory assessment that it would not have an adverse impact on library/museum users with vulnerabilities nor entail significant extra cleaning costs.”

By Councillor Meagher - 25th Anniversary of Capital City Partnership

“Council;

Notes Capital City Partnership (CCP) was established in 1999 to support social inclusion, aid regeneration, and contribute to making the city of Edinburgh the best place to live for citizens. From early work around social inclusion partnerships and health, CCP has been developed to have a focus on poverty and employability since 2009.

Further Notes Capital City Partnership’s successes:

·            CCP has attracted an additional 40 million pounds of investment from government, charitable trusts and private sector to support Edinburgh

·            Supported over 15,000 citizens into work

·            Issued contracts and grants to over 200 third sector organisations, co-ordinating networks to align efforts and make better impacts

·            Supported third sector agencies to leverage an additional 8 million pounds from investments given by The City of Edinburgh Council

·            Supported new and established employers, including developing 3 Employer Skill Centres in the city and funding over 300 small businesses with development grants

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

By Councillor Bruce - Shirley Jamieson - School Crossing Patrol on Lanark Road - Juniper Green

“Council congratulates Shirley Jamieson on her forthcoming retirement on 20 December 2024.”

Shirley has served our community on the Lanark Road for eighteen years and has done so in all weathers efficiently, cheerfully, and faithfully. This is a dangerous commuter road and a major hazard for us all as we try to negotiate on both sides of our community space. She safely crosses schoolchildren to school or their bus stops, elderly people from the nearby sheltered housing to church, to the shops and to the chemist, disabled people, and ordinary members of the community. Shirley is widely regarded as a major and stalwart asset to our locality.

Council acknowledges that parents feel safe that there is someone to cross them, their toddlers and buggies or their older children as they learn to walk to school independently. Shirley will ensure that the hairdresser’s clients with dementia go to the right bus stop to get home, she will note when one of her older “regulars” has not been seen about.  She takes an interest in all the little bits the children have to tell her and is held in great affection as their Christmas cards and presents attest.

Council appreciates that despite having to drive twenty miles daily to get here she is known throughout the community, and we have come to rely on her being loyally and steadfastly at her post.

Council therefore asks the Lord Provost to mark this achievement in an appropriate way and in wishing Shirley all the very best for a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”

By Councillor Heap - S6(W) Controlled Parking Zone – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Heap - Firework Control Zones – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Heap - Voluntary Fireworks Sale Moratorium – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Heap - Voluntary Fireworks Sale Moratorium – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Kumar - Unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Kumar - Employers National Insurance Contribution – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Campbell - Net Zero Ready – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Kumar - Tenants Letters re Unlicensed HMOs – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Aston - Widespread Disruption from Storm Bert – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

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

By Councillor Mattos Coelho - Pavement Parking – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Caldwell - Street Tree Planting Over the Last Year – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Davidson - Equity and Excellence Leads – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Cars on North Edinburgh Paths – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Great Michael Square Wall – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Dijkstra-Downie - Weeds and Grass Cutting in Newhaven – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Davidson's Mains Roundabout – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Playing Fields - Kirkliston Leisure Centre – for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee

By Councillor Lang - Traffic Changes in Silverknowes - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Ross - Greenbank-Meadows Cycle Route – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Thornley - Speeding Site Investigations – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Mattos Coelho - Bonfire Night – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Mattos Coelho - Development Management Sub-Committee - 20 November 2024 – for answer by the Leader of the Council

By Councillor Staniforth – CGI – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Parker - Mischarges to the HRA – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Parker - Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route Updates – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Rust - By-election Costs – for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Cowdy - Council Early Years Settings – for answer by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee

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

By Councillor Bruce - Balerno Traffic Lights Upgrade for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Rust - Works at Oxgangs House – for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Booth - Active Travel Investment Programme 2022 – 2027 – for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Campbell - Freedom of Information Request - Overseas Travel – for answer by the Leader of the Council