Agenda and minutes

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.

Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh Council of 27 June 2019 – Special Meeting – submitted for approval as a correct record

The City of Edinburgh Council of 27 June 2019 – submitted for approval as a correct record

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Euro VI Standard for Diesel Powered Vehicles - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Neil Ross - Sub-Letting of Council Tenancies - for answer by the Convener of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee

By Councillor Lang - Newbridge Parking Restrictions - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Lang - Uplift of Bulky Waste Items - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Johnston - Graffiti Tagging Database Progress - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Douglas - Surface Water Management Plan - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Laidlaw - Sponsorship of Roundabouts - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Miller - Charter of Brussels - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Miller - Summertime Streets - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Young - Cruise Liner Visits - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Young - Kirkliston Traffic Study Report - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Young - Reminder Demand and Final Notice Letters for Council Tax - for answer by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Osler - Flood Guidance - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

By Councillor Staniforth - Road Works in Restalrig Area - for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee

Leader’s report

Report of Pre-Determination Hearing - South East Wedge, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh – referral from the Development Management Sub-Committee

Treasury Management - Annual Report 2018/19 - referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

Revenue Monitoring 2019/20 - Period Three Report – referral from the Finance and Resources Committee

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Emissions Profile of Scotrail's Refurbished Inter7City Fleet

“Council:

1)       Expect to be informed of the emissions profile of Scotrail’s refurbished Inter7City fleet, and therefore asks:

a)       The emissions standards these engines conform to.

b)       The projected engine emissions in the Waverley Valley of the fully deployed Inter7City fleet of trains, in terms of CO2, NOx and Particulate matter.

2)       Instructs the Executive Director of Place to write to the engineering director of Scotrail seeking this information.

3)       Should this not be forthcoming to Council by the end of the year, instructs the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee to pursue this matter with Scotrail and, if necessary, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.”

By Councillor Jim Campbell - Low Grade Waste

“Council:

a)    Notes that China banned the import of low grade waste in late 2017, halting an annual trade in recycling that had been worth $24bn.

b)    Further notes that many of these international flows were diverted to South East Asian countries.  These economies had less developed recycling infrastructure and shallower end user markets than China, resulting in much waste being dumped or burnt. 

c)    Recognises that South East Asia could well follow China’s lead and cease to process waste from other parts of the world.

d)    Firmly commits to the principle that all waste should only be traded with end users who have the infrastructure and markets to safely recycle low grade waste.

e)    Asks Officers to report to the Policy and Sustainability Committee within three cycles:

1)             On the arrangements in place to track low grade plastic waste originating from Edinburgh;

2)             Assurances that waste from Edinburgh is always responsibly recycled, irrespective of any intermediation;

3)       The implications of changes in the international market for waste recycling up to and including kerbside collections.”

By Councillor Neil Ross - Amplification of Sound in Public Spaces

“Council:

a)    Recognises the concerns of residents, businesses and visitors, in particular in the city centre, about the negative auditory impact of amplified sound from buskers, street entertainers and others in public spaces.

b)    Notes that there is a limitation on the amplification of sound in the standard conditions of the Council’s Public Entertainment Licence.

c)    Accepts the legitimate amplification of sound at licensed venues and events, when appropriate.

d)    Requests a report to the Policy and Sustainability Committee within two cycles on the powers available to the Council, and effective measures that could be adopted, to control the amplification of sound in public spaces when appropriate.”

By Councillor Neil Ross - Garden Waste Collection for Bowling and Tennis Clubs

“Council:

a)    Notes that many of the city’s bowling and tennis clubs have registered, paid for and received the Garden Waste collection service for 2018/19 and have had their brown bins emptied regularly throughout the first year of the service.

b)    Notes that the Council has refused to renew the Garden Waste permits of bowling and tennis clubs for the second year of the service.

c)    Notes that most bowling and tennis clubs are located in residential areas of the city covered by the existing garden waste collection routes.

d)    Agrees to amend the Council’s Chargeable Garden Waste Service policy to make bowling and tennis clubs, and all similar community-based sport and leisure clubs run by volunteers, eligible to receive the Chargeable Garden Waste collection service and able to register and pay for it in the normal way.

e)    As the deadline for registering for the second year of the service has passed, agrees to allow late registration by all bowling and tennis clubs.”

By Councillor Mowat – Stoppage of the No.100 Bus on West Coates (A8)

“Council:

Notes that Lothian Buses has ceased using the stops on West Coates (A8) for the 100 bus; that there was no public consultation regarding this and this disadvantages residents, guest houses and small businesses who wish to use public transport to get to and from the airport and instructs officers to write to Lothian for an explanation of:

1.    Why has the use of these bus stops been discontinued?

2.    Who was consulted about the stopping of this service?  

3.    Can the use of these stops be reinstated?”

By Councillor Mowat – Summertime Streets Programme

“Council:

Recognises that the Summertime Streets programme put in place to address concerns about pedestrian and vehicle interactions from 2018 was met with mixed responses and whilst it addressed road safety concerns at the Lawnmarket, Cockburn Street and Victoria Street the closure of the High Street from St Mary’s Street to North Bridge has meant that residents have lost their bus service, businesses have reported sharp drops in sales and there were concerns raised about the safety of Blackfriars and Niddrie Streets along with concerns about the increase in traffic on the Cowgate and the volume of traffic using Waverley Bridge, Market Street and St Mary’s Street.

Notes that the decision to remove on-street advertising and A Boards, contained a dispensation for Festival advertising and that concerns have been raised that the rationale for removing A Boards to create safer and less cluttered streets, does not seem to have been considered when permission is given to site large enclosures of advertising on the pavement (as opposed to utilising railings) and that this directly contradicts Council’s stated aims of making the city easier to move about in.

Notes continuing concerns about the use of the public spaces in Princes Street Gardens for private ticketed events and that approvals were given and concert runs extended with no discussion at Committee or in public.

Notes that decisions over the use of hot food traders in the City Centre were taken very late during recess which reduced the ability of local councils to scrutinise these applications and make representations on behalf of their constituents.

Requests:

1.       Reviews of the policies or guidelines covering each area above;

2.       That where the reviews are considering the impact of actions on particular streets, the views of the residents and traders living or trading on said streets are actively sought;

3.       That such reviews are considered in conjunction with each other in order to develop a coherent suite of policies covering the management of public spaces both outwith and during the Festivals;

4.        That the reviews work with partners to explore alternative ways of enforcing street closures including whether it  would be possible to use ANPR technology to enforce street closures and report on whether current legislation permits this and timescales and costs associated with this.

5.        That a report setting out the work programme and reporting lines for each activity is brought to the Council Policy and Sustainability Committee within one cycle and that this Committee reviews progress of the workstreams on a quarterly basis.”

By Councillor Laidlaw - Venchie Project Emergency Funding

“Council:

1.      Notes that the Venchie Project in Craigmillar offers a unique referred breakfast club that collects children from home and ensures they are not only fed but are ready for school, and ensures they get there on time and safely.

2.    Notes it is delivering services in an area of significant socio-economic deprivation and that the children served are amongst the most vulnerable, with the majority coming from highly challenging family situations, with parents often leading chaotic lifestyles that have the potential to significantly affect the prospects for attainment of these young people.

3.    Recognises the value of early intervention as part of the policy of Getting It Right For Every Child and seeking to avoid the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, as well as the long-term cost benefits; noting it costs £30.77 per child, per week to attend the Venchie breakfast club including pick-up (based on 30 attending), while if a Social Worker was required to be employed to address the challenge of getting these children to school costs would rise to £112 per child per week.

4.    Accepts that the Council has decided to ‘in-source’ some of these services through universal breakfast club provision and the Discover holiday programme but expresses concern that without the targeted, highly personal care offered that many of the children that are currently assisted will fall through the gaps.

5.    Recognises that the Venchie Project, like community based third sector organisations across the city, should have the opportunity to play a part in delivering Council programmes. 

6.    Ask officers to investigate how the Venchie can work in partnership to provide the Discover! Holiday programme and the after-school provision, that allows for a safe-space that otherwise would not be available for the majority of attendees.

7.    Notes that previously the Council provided between £128K and £160K in funding and accepts that support of this magnitude will not be forthcoming in the future but notes the work that has been done by the Venchie Project in cutting staff and costs and raising funds independently to meet at least 50% of running costs.

8.    Notes that a £60K shortfall remains for FY 2019 and asks Council to release emergency funding to meet this gap and to provide officer support to help the Venchie Project secure additional funding for FY 2020 and examine the ability to work in partnership with CEC to deliver services within the Craigmillar community.”

By Councillor Burgess – Global Climate Strike, September 2019

“This Council;

Notes the forthcoming ‘Global Climate Strike’ on 20-27 September 2019 being organised by young people under the ‘Fridays for Future’ banner - expected to be the largest ever global action on the Climate Emergency;

Notes the event is focused on school strikes by young people who are on this occasion calling on adults to join them. This call is backed by non-governmental organisations, unions and other groups in about 150 countries around the world;

Notes that this Global Climate Strike is taking place during the United Nations Emergency Climate Change Summit being held in New York on 23 September;

Notes that school climate strikes have been influential in driving action on climate change, including with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who cited the school strikers when announcing Scotland’s 2045 carbon neutrality target;

Notes that ’Scottish Youth Climate Strikers’ have notified the Council of their intention to march and hold a rally on Friday 20 September as part of this Global Climate Strike;

Therefore supports Council staff and employees taking part in the Global Climate Strike march and rally on 20 September;

Recognises that while many Council staff and employees engaged in critical roles may be supportive of the climate march and rally, understands that they should not take the day off;

Requests that arrangements are made to support staff and employees taking part in the day and that these arrangements are communicated to staff and employees as soon as possible.”

By Councillor Main – Mothers Rise Up Banner

“Council notes:

1        In November 2018, a small group of mums met under a ‘Worried Mum’ banner at an Extinction Rebellion climate protest.  The movement has been growing fast ever since with groups forming across the UK and Europe:  a global coalition of parents and grandparents’ groups from diverse backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities who are demanding climate action.

2        Mothers Rise Up is calling on the UK government to come clean about the existential threat of climate breakdown by declaring a climate emergency, committing to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 or sooner, and making a just transition to a sustainable way of life.

3        The Mothers Rise Up banner is being brought to Edinburgh on Saturday 31 August as part of its tour of the UK to raise the profile of the climate emergency.

Therefore, Council welcomes Mothers Rise Up Banner to the city and requests the Lord Provost invite the Mothers Rise Up on 31^st August to the City Chambers.”

By Councillor Mary Campbell – Celebrate Bisexuality Day

“Council notes:

That September 23^rd is observed as Celebrate Bisexuality Day by members of the bisexual community and their allies. First recognised in 1999, the purpose of the day is to celebrate bisexual history and to recognise bisexual culture. 

Council agrees to support this day by flying the bisexual pride flag at the City Chambers on 23 September 2019 as a symbol of our commitment to supporting the bisexual people living, working, studying in or visiting Edinburgh.

Council also agrees to recognise its ongoing support for Celebrate Bisexuality Day in future years by flying the bisexual pride flag on 23 September hereafter.”

By Councillor Dickie – Black History Month

“Council:

Welcomes, Black History Month in October and its 30^th year of celebrating the history, culture and achievement of African, Asian and Caribbean individuals and communities across the UK.

Welcomes, the opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that makes the city of Edinburgh, and the rich contributions from people of a black heritage to our collective past, present and future.

Recognises, the equalities related work underway to promote diversity and inclusion from a young age, including the culturally inclusive curriculum that seeks to embed representation of the lived experience and histories of BME communities within the everyday curriculum; earning rights respecting accreditation; training for leaders on cultural proficiency; and targeted support for family learning with Syrian refugee families and youth groups for migrants.

Recognises, the work of third sector organisations to support schools, families and communities, including Multi-Cultural Family Base, Amina, Shakti, Sikh Sanjog, and Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council.

Welcomes, the new charity, Intercultural Youth Scotland and its work to support BAME young people, particularly the weekly sessions in performing arts, gender equality, race equality and employability to address the intersectional challenges to social inclusion.

Acknowledges, the ongoing challenges that exist, and the Equalities report coming to the Education, Children and Families Committee in October which will update on progress made, including action to address the under-reporting of hate crime; closing the attainment gap for black and ethnic minority young people; a strengths based approach to the teaching of black history; enhanced language and communications support for young people and their families; measures to address the under-representation of BME across staff, such as youthworkers and teachers; increased participation of BME young people in school and city wide decision making; and the involvement of BME young people in training. 

Agrees the Lord Provost’s Reception to celebrate Black History Month (on 2 October), which will be followed by a panel and audience discussion, with panel members including Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, Professor Emeritus in the School of Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University and Lisa Williams from the Edinburgh Caribbean events across Edinburgh.”

By Councillor Macinnes – Climate Change Impact and Management

“Council:

Acknowledges the severe weather conditions experienced by the city and elsewhere in recent weeks and recognises that these events may be a taste of what climate change could bring.

Recognises that these put significant strain on drainage systems and other infrastructure, causing some surface water flooding and damage to property.

Acknowledges that there is a need for the Council to be prepared and far-sighted in its approach to building in resilience in the city, alongside its work to make Edinburgh a net zero carbon city by 2030.

Acknowledges the comments of flood insurance specialist Professor David Crichton in which he indicated that many local authorities in Scotland have already been ‘good at managing risk’.

Requests a report to Council which indicates clearly the work already being undertaken and needed across the Council to meet heightened demands caused by extreme weather and future considerations, within 3 cycles.”

By the Lord Provost – Recognising Edinburgh College Achievements 2018-19

“Council:

1)         Recognises the continued contribution of Edinburgh College to the city region economy, partnership working in the City, and the communities of Edinburgh.

2)         Notes the 2018/19 academic year has seen significant achievements of staff and students, in particular:

a)    Edinburgh College men's football team made history in April as they became the first ever college side to lift the Queen's Park Shield.

b)    College students and staff were recognised with nominations at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2019 as a result of innovative and inspiring projects run over the past year.  http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/newsandevents/college-students-and-staff-recognised-in-herald-he-awards-shortlist/

c)     With further awards such as the Lecturer of the Year award at the Business Women Scotland Women in Hospitality Awards 2019, Hospitality Educator of the Year at the Catering in Scotland (CIS) Excellence Awards 2019 and the access and Continuing Education (ACE) team gaining Joined Up for Integration Charter Award status at the Scottish Parliament

3)         Agrees the Lord Provost writes to the College Principal and President of the students’ Union to congratulate them on their success and positive impact upon the Capital.”

By Councillor McNeese-Mechan – Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF)

“Council notes:

That August 2019 marks the 25^th Anniversary of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum (SIAF), a registered Scottish Charity promoting Indian art, culture and heritage in and around Edinburgh.

Acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the SIAF volunteers in promoting Indian music, dance, drama, literature, film and exhibitions.

Celebrates the Forum’s successful production of annual popular festivals such as Dusherra and Holi Festival of Colours.”

By Councillor Gardiner – Wester Hailes 50^th Anniversary

“Council recognises that 2019 is the 50th Anniversary of Wester Hailes housing estate and wishes to celebrate this, with a local event open to residents and Elected Members and a reception at City Chambers, to acknowledge this important historical event.”

By Councillor Rankin – Capital Credit Union – 30^th Anniversary

“Council:

Notes the Capital Credit Union has now served the people of Edinburgh, the Lothians and the East of Scotland for 30 years, having been set up by the then Lothian Regional Council and, from its establishment in 1996, the City of Edinburgh Council has continued to support the credit union as an employee benefit.  Some 3,000 Council employees and 10,000 people across the city are members.  The credit union aims to support the financial resilience of its members through regular savings, access to affordable credit and, more recently, low-cost mortgages.

Recognises that Capital Credit Union wants to celebrate its 30^th year by giving back through “30 Acts of Kindness”, starting in September, giving back to members, the union’s over 65 employer partners and local communities.

Therefore, agrees that the Lord Provost agree to mark this anniversary with an appropriate Civic Reception.”

By Councillor Cameron – Edinburgh Street Names and Squares

“Council calls for a report to Planning Committee on how new street names are chosen and how local citizens can make suggestions for additions to the ‘bank’ of potential names.  The report should cover any change in policy required to ensure that, when a street is named after a person, a woman’s name is given priority.”

By Councillor McVey – Ramadan Massacre Violent Crackdown in Sudan

“1)      Council notes that the uprising of the people of Sudan has been stalled by violent armed crackdown since June 3^rd 2019 when the Ramadan massacre of over 100 peaceful demonstrators took place in Khartoum with doctors reporting over 40 bodies recovered floating down the Nile. Council further notes reports hundreds more dead, arrested and raped during the crackdown.

2)       Council commends the efforts of the Sudanese community in Scotland – many of them refugees from the previous wars waged by the Al-Bashir regime in Darfur, South Sudan and Kordofan and against waves of student protests in Sudan itself. We further note and commend the efforts of Sudanese Community in Edinburgh, in particular the young people who have raised funds and demonstrated, in organising solidarity protests in the Capital and of SudanCom in Edinburgh to bring public attention to the plight of the Sudanese people.

3)       Council pledges its solidarity with the Sudanese people’s demands for justice; and for the Sudanese military to step down from office and hand over power to a civilian administration which can call early general elections and further requests that the Council Leader writes to the UK Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office asking them to do all they can to aid the ongoing talks to bring peace and democracy.”

The Committee 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.