tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66621282024-03-14T04:32:15.146+00:00COUNCILLOR ANDREW BURNS' REALLY BAD BLOG(ex) CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCILLOR, ANDREW BURNS; FOUNTAINBRIDGE/CRAIGLOCKHART WARD 'EDINBURGH LABOUR GROUP' LEADER; & 'THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL' LEADER.<p>--- just very brief comments (both work & personal), as often as possible, that's all :-)</p>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.comBlogger3107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-67862014914430692642017-05-05T06:00:00.000+01:002018-12-06T20:15:54.468+00:00BLOG NOW ARCHIVED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUoPfYZJVGY/WPCDpT4giAI/AAAAAAAAH7M/99JkhjbwboIvVt5pH6OeRWTayyerQEsrACLcB/s1600/keep-calm-and-bye-bye-for-now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUoPfYZJVGY/WPCDpT4giAI/AAAAAAAAH7M/99JkhjbwboIvVt5pH6OeRWTayyerQEsrACLcB/s320/keep-calm-and-bye-bye-for-now.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
Just a couple of quick reminders: <br />
<ul>
<li>my post from August 2016 - <a href="http://andrewburns.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/thank-you-edinburgh.html">Thank You Edinburgh</a></li>
<li>my post from January 2017 - <a href="http://andrewburns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/so-long-social-media.html">so long, Social Media ...</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
... and I will hopefully have links up (most likely in the side-bar) to my Facebook and Twitter history, just as soon as possible; all following a short period of rest ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>UPDATE</u></b>: I do have both my Facebook and Twitter histories safely downloaded; and will eventually get them linked from this site ... I'll post a further update here, when that's all sorted.<br /><br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-25854675662022607182017-05-04T22:00:00.000+01:002017-05-04T22:00:19.270+01:00THANK YOU *so much*<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's it - for the first time in 18-years I'm no longer an Elected Politician.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGF0YC5CLXQ/WPB97WQ8LbI/AAAAAAAAH6s/We7gCLmXl2ww4gA0nZw4rG1t8bpv3Wr1gCLcB/s1600/thank-you-so-much-to-all-those-who-have-supported-me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGF0YC5CLXQ/WPB97WQ8LbI/AAAAAAAAH6s/We7gCLmXl2ww4gA0nZw4rG1t8bpv3Wr1gCLcB/s400/thank-you-so-much-to-all-those-who-have-supported-me.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THANK YOU *so much* to all those who have supported me :-))</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-67484029835089056422017-05-04T06:00:00.000+01:002017-05-04T06:00:27.121+01:00Vote WIMBERLEY 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Polling Day is here. Just a final reminder ;-)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn7bnLgItQ/WQQ_nhM4Z5I/AAAAAAAAH8Y/6xdSk7x25CgXqKhEvFyi8nUJsREt0YxPgCLcB/s1600/Wimberley1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn7bnLgItQ/WQQ_nhM4Z5I/AAAAAAAAH8Y/6xdSk7x25CgXqKhEvFyi8nUJsREt0YxPgCLcB/s1600/Wimberley1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-77075018806884573172017-05-03T06:00:00.000+01:002017-05-03T06:00:15.959+01:00I'll be voting for Anne Wimberley, in Ward 9, tomorrow ...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><u>COUNCIL Election tomorrow</u>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">- all you need to know:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20033/elections_and_voting"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20033/elections_and_voting</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>POLLS OPEN 7am-10pm ;-)</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I'll be voting for Anne Wimberley:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn7bnLgItQ/WQQ_nhM4Z5I/AAAAAAAAH8Y/6xdSk7x25CgXqKhEvFyi8nUJsREt0YxPgCLcB/s1600/Wimberley1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn7bnLgItQ/WQQ_nhM4Z5I/AAAAAAAAH8Y/6xdSk7x25CgXqKhEvFyi8nUJsREt0YxPgCLcB/s1600/Wimberley1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">#VoteEdinburghLabour</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkLWgAOr9AQ/VypSRYHmMJI/AAAAAAAAHSU/namTSbuTKQAelNz3Khfy1S2dUDS_ktv5ACLcB/s1600/Voting1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkLWgAOr9AQ/VypSRYHmMJI/AAAAAAAAHSU/namTSbuTKQAelNz3Khfy1S2dUDS_ktv5ACLcB/s640/Voting1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-86763970578515850142017-05-02T06:00:00.000+01:002017-05-02T06:00:24.797+01:00Ways to vote; in person, by post or by proxy<h2>
Vote in person, by post or by proxy <i>(for an 'emergency proxy' - do see below)</i></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P_VPqqwOj8/WPCAcepXd8I/AAAAAAAAH7A/aesmj0821HkDYAO_jUXyavEH3a9gtnk-QCLcB/s1600/ballot%2Bbox%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P_VPqqwOj8/WPCAcepXd8I/AAAAAAAAH7A/aesmj0821HkDYAO_jUXyavEH3a9gtnk-QCLcB/s400/ballot%2Bbox%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most people choose to vote in person on the day of the election at
their polling station. If you are not able to vote in person you can
apply:</span></span><br />
<div class="editor">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to vote by post</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">for someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Council Elections will be held on Thursday 4 May 2017. To be eligible
to vote in person at these elections, you must have registered by <b>Monday 17 April 2017.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Postal voting:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You need to <a href="http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk/er_absent_votes.html">apply for a postal vote</a> if you want to vote by post.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If your address has changed since you applied, you will need to:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote">update your details</a> on the GOV.UK website</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">submit a new application for a postal vote.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are resident in Scotland but voting from abroad, remember it
will take time for your voting pack to reach you, and for you to send it
back. If you are applying close to polling day, you may find it easier
to apply for a proxy vote instead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last date for postal vote applications was 5pm on <b>Tuesday 18 April 2017.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Proxy voting:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are not able to vote in person or by post then you can <a href="http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk/er_absent_votes.html">apply to vote by proxy</a>.
This means you can ask someone to go to a polling station and vote for
you. Your proxy can also apply to vote by post, if you apply early
enough.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You must apply for a proxy vote in advance. It is illegal for
someone to vote for you if you have not been granted a proxy vote.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last date for normal proxy applications was 5pm on<b> Tuesday 25 April 2017.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Emergency proxy:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a medical or work emergency, you can apply for an emergency proxy <u>up until 5pm on polling day</u>:</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Electoral Registration Office</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">17a South Gyle Crescent</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Edinburgh</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">EH12 9EB</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Email:</b> <a class="email" href="mailto:enquiries%40lothian-vjb.gov.uk">enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tel:</b> <a href="tel:01313442500">0131 344 2500</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fax:</b> 0131 344 2600<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Visit:</b> <a href="http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk/">http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk/</a></span></span><br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-20587958389359350322017-05-01T06:00:00.000+01:002017-05-01T06:00:10.725+01:00A Green and Living City<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleague </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/55/ian_perry" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Ian Perry</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, has drafted a short piece on '<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">A Green and Living City</span>', which is for the Edinburgh Labour website --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0loEB25dO8/WQQ62vvaMII/AAAAAAAAH8M/yMnMmZSuAIA9t4wN4AsMgr9MweuxW6OUACLcB/s1600/Environment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0loEB25dO8/WQQ62vvaMII/AAAAAAAAH8M/yMnMmZSuAIA9t4wN4AsMgr9MweuxW6OUACLcB/s640/Environment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Edinburgh Labour took responsibility for
cleansing in</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> the city from the previous</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lib-Dem/SNP Council, the service had gone
through years of uncertainty with the threat of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> privatisation. After spending millions of
pounds on this proposed change, with staff morale at an all time low, they
abandoned the idea. Labour was left to pick up the mess.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Labour has over the past 5 years made the
service more efficient, with resources going to the front line and a leaner
management. This was recently recognized by Audit Scotland. Edinburgh was one
of the top performing Councils, by reducing the cost per resident. </span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Labour in
Edinburgh’s aim is to reduce our waste, re-use and recycle. Our top priority is
to </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">keep our city clean, in all our</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">communities.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Labour-led Council has taken action and
implemented a Waste and Cleansing Improvement Plan and for example has:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">reduced
missed collections, with 0.17% of collections resulting in a customer complaint</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">changed
charges for Special Uplifts for bulky items to £5 per item, resulting in a
massive increase in the use of the service and a reduction in fly-tipping. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edinburgh Labour
pledges to scrap the bulky uplift charge altogether.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As for recycling --- rates continue to climb
in the capital:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Increased
recycling from both individual homes and on street facilities, which has
resulted in 45% waste now being recycled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We aim to increase this to 60%.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We send less
waste to land fill, saving the city money.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A new food
waste plant is operating and producing compost for the land; and clean energy.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A new
residual waste plant is being built, which will mean</span><u style="text-underline: #444444;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> no</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> waste going to Landfill.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have
introduced new kerbside dry mixed and glass recycling collections to more than
140,000 households. </span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Waste
recycled in communal packaging bins servin</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">g flats and tenements has risen significantly.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edinburgh Labour
will further:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aim for an
80% reduction in Trade Waste bin clutter, on our streets.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continue the
Trade Waste Team, to ensure businesses are responsible for their waste and not
using residents’ communal bins.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continue to
invest in our staff by providing new staff facilities, new supervisors, new
in-cab technology and recruiting permanent staff to the service. We want to
continue to keep the service in-house, investing in our staff and service. </span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continue the
successful roll-out of the ‘Our Edinburgh’ campaign, to discourage anti-social
behaviour like fly-tipping and littering.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Provide an
additional night shift for mechanical street sweeping duties.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Launch the
innovative trial of bin fill sensors, which ensures litter bin uplifts when
needed.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Increase
Environmental Wardens to deal with dog fouling, fly tipping and litter
dropping. </span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Work with
community partnerships, for example “Leither’</span><span lang="FR" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">s Don</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">’</span><span lang="DA" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">t
Litter”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></li>
<li>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Increase
barrow beats and continue to invest in the service in our communities. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<br />
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Councillor Ian Perry</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour's <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Planning<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>Spokesperson</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<a href="mailto:ian.perry@edinburgh.gov.uk"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ian.perry@edinburgh.gov.uk</span></b></span></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-49880649772761157822017-04-24T12:00:00.000+01:002017-04-24T13:36:18.009+01:00Getting Around Our City<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleagues <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/82/karen_doran" target="_blank">Karen Doran</a> and </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/70/karen_keil" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Karen Keil</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, ha<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">ve</span> drafted a short piece on '<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Getting Around Our <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">City</span></span>',<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> </span>which is for the Edinburgh Labour website --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu4njJqXiGQ/WPB6zj6hdUI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/DfccjMg8BTUf4FMUAZ9EDcqKJehS729aQCLcB/s1600/TfE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu4njJqXiGQ/WPB6zj6hdUI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/DfccjMg8BTUf4FMUAZ9EDcqKJehS729aQCLcB/s640/TfE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edinburgh
is a magnificent city, the fastest growing city in Scotland, with population
growth of some 1% per annum. People from all over the UK, and beyond, make a
positive choice to come here to live and to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is vital that those residents can walk, cycle and travel by public transport.
So, over the last five years, Labour has worked hard to ensure that we are
forward thinking in how people get around. We have significantly
increased investment in public transport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edinburgh
is thus the only city in the UK which has seen a decrease in car ownership
along with increased use of buses, cycling and walking. This has happened because Labour has invested
in Active Travel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Labour
has further pledged to continue with pavement resurfacing and will create a
dedicated <b>BUDGET FOR WALKING</b> to be used to install more pedestrian
crossings, drop kerbs, pedestrian zones and increase pathways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Labour
also pledged, back in 2012, to increase spending on cycling and it has followed
through with that promise. Spending on cycling is now 10% of the
transport budget, using the money to make routes safer. We renew that
pledge to <b>MAINTAIN SPENDING ON CYCLING AT 10%; </b>to complete the west to
east link across the city centre, and to build segregated cycle lanes.
Not only do we pledge to continue our work but we will introduce a cycle hire
scheme that is fit for purpose and will enhance visitors and residents
experience of Edinburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
award-winning Lothian Buses has upgraded its fleet with more accessible and
less polluting vehicles. Passenger numbers are rising every year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Labour has always promised, and
will always <b>PROMISE,</b> we will fight to <b>KEEP LOTHIAN BUSES AND EDINBURGH TRAMS IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP</b>. Edinburgh Trams currently has one of the
highest service satisfactions in the latest passenger survey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Labour
will continue to fight for a cleaner, safer Edinburgh to travel around in; with
20MPH zones in the City Centre, residential and shopping areas, while 30MPH
& 40MPH will be maintained on arterial routes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
will also look to introduce a <b>LOW EMISSION ZONE</b> in the city and monitor
it to ensure there is no shift of pollution to other areas.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Karen Doran and Karen Keil</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: small;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour Councillors for City Centre and Drumbrae</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:karen.doran@edinburgh.gov.uk"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">karen.doran@edinburgh.gov.uk</span></b></span></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:karen.keil@edinburgh.gov.uk"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">karen.keil@edinburgh.gov.uk<br /><br /></span></span></span></a></span></span></b></span></span><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-61924410619625000272017-04-22T05:00:00.000+01:002017-04-22T05:00:18.923+01:00April Leader's Report<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="106" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLmIFBTgDro/WIJQOqVXoPI/AAAAAAAAHu0/zVCm7c5TKLsWBhBM0eXKIiggDvCpXicYgCLcB/s640/Leaders%2BReport.png" width="640" /></div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: right;">
April 2017</h1>
<h2>
</h2>
<h1>
</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 450.0pt;" valign="top" width="600"><br /></td></tr>
<tr> <td colspan="3" style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 450.0pt;" valign="top" width="600"><h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ongoing satisfaction with life in the Capital </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.0cm 3.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 125.25pt;" width="167"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img align="left" alt="Andrew Burns" height="222" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Andrew_Burns_enews_165x222.jpg" width="165" /><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif; font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span></div>
</td> <td rowspan="2" style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm;">The latest <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20029/have_your_say/921/edinburgh_people_survey"> Edinburgh People Survey</a>
results made positive reading when they were published last month,
showing that the vast majority of respondents (94%) are satisfied with
life here in the Capital.<br />
<br />
Services like public
transport, parks and our calendar of cultural events continue to see a
high level of satisfaction too, while results showed residents across
the city feel secure in their communities.<br />
<br />
I was a
particularly heartened by the sense of inclusion demonstrated by the
results, with more people than ever agreeing their neighbourhood is a
place where people of different backgrounds get along (84%), and 94%
saying Edinburgh is welcoming and accessible to people of all ages.<br />
<br />
As
ever, the survey also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the areas
where public perception is poorer. Responses allow us to pinpoint
services, such as street cleaning and road maintenance, where people
feel we could be doing better, and help us to make plans for
improvement, to the benefit of everyone who lives in and visits the
city. <br />
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.0cm 3.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif; font-size: 7.0pt;">Councillor Andrew Burns<br /> Leader of the City of Edinburgh<br /> Council </span></div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Very much open for business </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Edinburgh has been featuring in the news again for all the right reasons this month after being named the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/Business/indyventure/edinburgh-best-city-uk-startup-business-bristol-london-expert-market-a7680901.html"> best city in the UK</a>
to start a new business. Our speedy internet connections, reasonable
office rent and a substantial pool of 'tech savvy' students all played
their part.<br />
<br />
This came hot on the heels of another, and even more impressive, result courtesy of JLL Investment's <a href="http://www.jll.com/research/193/investment-intensity-index-2017?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=838489232&utm_campaign=EMEAnon-specificBrexitedinburgh"> Intensity Index</a>,
which ranked Edinburgh fourth in the world for property investment.
This is remarkable when you consider that only Oslo, London and Munich
scored more highly, with the likes of New York and Sydney further down
the Top 10.<br />
<br />
Of course, the evidence of this is right
on our doorstop as the New Waverley and Haymarket developments continue
to progress well and work getting underway on the £1 billion Edinburgh
St James project.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping Edinburgh Beautiful </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Congratulations to the team working on the <em><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif;">Our Edinburgh</span></em>
campaign, which was awarded 'Programme of the Year' at this year's Keep
Scotland Beautiful Local Environment Quality Awards. The award
recognises the great job they've done to encourage pride in the city.<br />
<br />
We're
always looking at ways of improving our waste and cleansing services,
but by raising awareness of anti-social behaviour like fly-tipping,
litter-dropping and dog fouling, <em><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif;">Our Edinburgh</span></em> is encouraging the public to do their bit too - and it's already having an impact.<br />
<br />
In
its latest phase in Gorgie and Dalry, the campaign saw litter
complaints drop by 18% and 13 fixed penalty notices issued, while
citywide there has been a 44% increase in special uplift requests.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grand designs on Ross Theatre </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
It
boasts one of the finest backdrops in the country and it seems the rest
of the world agrees. The competition to replace the Ross Bandstand in
West Princes Street Gardens is gathering pace after 125 groups of
architects and designers spanning 22 countries were swiftly narrowed
down last month.<br />
<br />
The worldwide interest should come as
no surprise. Images of the venue are beamed to TV screens across the
world every Hogmanay and during the Festival Fireworks Concert each
August. After flying in from Japan, the USA and across Europe to visit
the site earlier this month, the <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2272/ross_theatre_competition_goes_global"> seven shortlisted architect teams</a> will have until June to submit their designs for a new pavilion.<br />
<br />
An
exhibition will be held by the Ross Development Trust, led by
benefactor Norman Springford, this summer to showcase their concept
designs and to receive local feedback, with a winner expected to be
confirmed in August 2017.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fighting inequality with the OneCity Trust</span></span> </h2>
<h2>
</h2>
The
OneCity Trust was established in 2003 (with the Lord Provost's 'Rapid
Action Fund' added in 2013) to support the most vulnerable in our
society and, over the last 12 months alone, has channelled over £125,000
into projects which help close the wealth gap here in the Capital.<br />
<br />
Every
community has a responsibility to care for its citizens and the OneCity
Trust relies on generous donations from Edinburgh people and
businesses. In the last year, it has received more than £36,300 support
from Travis Perkins, £3,000 from CGI Ltd and over £6,000 from Harvey
Nichols' carrier bag levy.<br />
<br />
Countless individuals
continue to pledge their support too. The Trust's President, the Lord
Provost, will 'brave' the Virgin Money London Marathon this weekend.
With Sunday's starting gun looming, you can show the Lord Provost and
the OneCity Trust your support through Donald Wilson's marathon <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=lordprovost"> donation page</a>.<br />
<br />
If
you know an organisation or scheme which fights inequality and promotes
inclusion, applications will be open until the end of May for 2017
grant funding. <a href="http://www.onecity.org.uk/grants/apply-for-a-grant/">Find out more</a> about applying for a OneCity Trust grant.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have your say on 4 May </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
The
local elections are almost upon us (as, of course, is another General
Election!) and voters across the country will be heading to the polls to
elect our new councillors on Thursday 4 May.<br />
<br />
A few reminders about this year's vote: <br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some polling places have changed, so check your poll card or <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20033/elections_and_voting/1428/where_to_vote"> our online guide</a> to find out where yours is before you head out </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">If
filling in a postal ballot, be careful to put your date of birth in the
relevant bit, rather than that day's date (it often happens!), then
make sure to sign it </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Use numbers when filling in the ballot, with 1 marking your first preference, 2 your second, and so on. Find out more about the <a href="https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote/what-are-the-different-voting-systems"> single transferable vote system</a> </span></li>
</ul>
These
elections are your chance to influence how services in Edinburgh are
delivered over the next five years by selecting the candidates you think
will do the best job for the Capital.<br />
<br />
Do please have your say on 4 May!<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spelling out Edinburgh's history this summer </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
After
transforming into the Edinburgh International Science Festival's quirky
laboratory this spring, the City Art Centre is making way for another
takeover in a few weeks time.<br />
<br />
Our flagship gallery
will open its doors to one of its most ambitious exhibitions when
hundreds of artefacts and artworks are drawn together and placed on
display for the very first time.<br />
<br />
Spanning 60,000 years, <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2275/city_art_centre_show_will_spell_out_history_of_the_capital"> Edinburgh Alphabet: An A-Z of the city's collection</a>
will feature never-before-seen treasures from the city's collections.
For anyone with a love of this city and its rich history, this free
exhibition really shouldn't be missed.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last word </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
As
you may be aware, many councillors, including myself, have chosen not
to stand on 4 May. I haven't done the maths, but the cumulative
experience leaving the Council must add up to many hundreds of years.<br />
<br />
As
current Council Leader, and on behalf of all the Group Leaders, I'd
like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the retiring
councillors who have given dedicated public service to their local
communities over so many years.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to wish
all remaining councillors, and new candidates, all the very best of
luck. It really is a privilege to serve your local community - and you
never know how long that privilege will last - so please do enjoy it
while you can.<br />
<br />
Huge thanks also to our dedicated
workforce, who have shown nothing but enormous understanding,
adaptability, and sheer dedication to public service, over recent years.
It's been my pleasure to work with you all.<br />
<br />
And
finally, many thanks to the people that matter most: the residents of
Edinburgh. You have given us the chance to make a contribution to the
ongoing evolution of this most beautiful city; one which I've had the
good fortune to call my family home for the last 24 years.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" noshade="noshade" size="2" style="color: #00718c;" width="100%" />
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay in the picture </span></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Keep yourself in the picture with our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/newscentre"> news section online</a>. Watch live full Council and some committee meetings on our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" title="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"> webcast</a>. Join the debate on Twitter #edinwebcast <br />
<br />
If you wish to unsubscribe please <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> email</a> us.<br />
</td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 70.5pt;"> <td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 99.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="132"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Edinburgh_CC"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Follow us on twitter" border="0" id="_x0000_i1034" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/twitter_leadersreport_65x54.png" /></span></a> </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/Edinburgh_CC">Follow us on Twitter</a> </div>
</td> <td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 234.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="312"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Webcast" border="0" id="_x0000_i1035" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Webcast_leadrep_129x95.jpg" /></span></a> </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Watch our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" title="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"> webcasts</a> </div>
</td> <td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 117.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="156"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Follow us on Facebook" border="0" id="_x0000_i1036" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Facebook_leadersreport_60x60.JPG" /></span></a> </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil">Follow us on Facebook</a> </div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</td> <td style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm;" valign="bottom"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The City of Edinburgh Council" border="0" id="_x0000_i1037" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Council_purple_logo_248x43.jpg" /></span></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-12042303881136626122017-04-21T12:00:00.000+01:002017-04-21T17:14:53.512+01:00April Full Council Meeting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-dNEeUh0ZI/WPB1uPCoptI/AAAAAAAAH6A/O5qWTDWe71sWq71Tg0xcRBxx_Ok-S2G8gCLcB/s1600/City-Chambers-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-dNEeUh0ZI/WPB1uPCoptI/AAAAAAAAH6A/O5qWTDWe71sWq71Tg0xcRBxx_Ok-S2G8gCLcB/s400/City-Chambers-close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may only be a matter of days until the Local Authority Elections - but Council business continues apace ...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">... April's Full Council Meeting is now just a week away - it takes place at 10am next Thursday 27th April.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">And all the reports are now up on Committee Papers On-Line (CPOL), and you can access <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/54027/agenda_of_27_april_2017" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">the main agenda directly here</a></span>; and each of the individual reports separately <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4178/city_of_edinburgh_council" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">via this link</a></span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br style="line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">Of course, as every month, if you're so minded - you can watch all </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">the proceedings live here</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> ...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">... or the meeting will be </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcasts" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">archived</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> a few hours after it finishes for viewing at your leisure!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">This will be my last 'Full Council Meeting' (as an Elected Member) after 18-years of public service --- </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">in all that time, </span></span>I don't think I've missed a single one, so reckon I've attended some 200 Full Council Meetings since May 1999 :-)) </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-59887153805678950002017-04-18T12:00:00.000+01:002017-04-18T16:05:15.498+01:00Our Economy and Jobs<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleague </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/48/gordon_munro" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Gordon Munro</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, has drafted a short piece on 'Our <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Economy and Jobs</span>', which is over on the <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/our_economy" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">Edinburgh Labour website</a> --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWiXOJE2SNY/WPYqWRtalSI/AAAAAAAAH7w/Ttf4HJE7mkU2590I6JS_u8PPKm9AVXHIQCLcB/s1600/Economy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWiXOJE2SNY/WPYqWRtalSI/AAAAAAAAH7w/Ttf4HJE7mkU2590I6JS_u8PPKm9AVXHIQCLcB/s640/Economy.JPG" width="594" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Edinburgh’s economy is the engine of the Scottish economy. Edinburgh
has the highest output per resident and is significantly higher than the
Scottish and UK average. Yet the SNP Government has cut our city's
budget by more than any other Local Authority in the country.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
key contributor to our city is the visitor economy. Revenue per
available hotel room peaked at a high of £167 in August and the lowest
point being January at £38 per room. This is why significant investment
is being made in Edinburgh in building hotels. This city has built
year-round tourism across the country, with Edinburgh the launch pad for
the rest of Scotland.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This tourism is attracted by our festivals which have been created
and funded by Edinburgh Council. Edinburgh’s festivals generate £313m
for Scotland with £280m in Edinburgh.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Scottish Government's cuts of £150m to Edinburgh's budget since
2012 has, inevitably, had an impact on the Council's ability to provide
funding for our festivals - and other cities have been quick to set up
their own, rival, events. To stay ahead Edinburgh needs more funding. A
modest tax on beds of, say £1 per room, would help fund festival
programming and infrastructure, and keep Edinburgh in front.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is another side to Edinburgh’s economy. Edinburgh has an
unemployment rate of 4.4% - lower than Morningside under Thatcher, yet
there are more people in in-work poverty than unemployed in Edinburgh.
This is why when Labour returned to power in Edinburgh in 2012 it
introduced the Living Wage for all Council employees. This directly
benefited over 2,500 workers and other employers across the city have
followed our lead. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course there is more to be done. That's why Edinburgh Labour will
make investing in our city's economy, to provide jobs and opportunities
for the future, a priority of a Labour Council. We will create good
quality jobs by investing in housing and public infrastructure, and we
will make sure that these jobs are well paid by ensuring that any
employer contracted by the Council pays their employees the living wage.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will increase practical support for new businesses and start-ups,
especially in the tech sector, to help our city grow with a balanced
economy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will expand training opportunities for adults and young people to
help people back into work, and we will ensure every young person leaves
school with the choice of a job, training or further education so that
no one falls behind in our economy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Edinburgh’s economy has to be fair for all. Only Edinburgh Labour will put Edinburgh first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gordon Munro</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour's Economy Spokesperson</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:gordon.munro@edinburgh.gov.uk"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gordon.munro@edinburgh.gov.uk</span></b></span></a></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-73298294877770318982017-04-13T12:35:00.001+01:002017-04-13T15:13:30.407+01:00Happy Easter to one and all :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yt_FvUEjg0/WO9h9HaMLPI/AAAAAAAAH5w/X5EMWOoHuiwZ5NwCO3ktWvOAokTVKVToQCLcB/s1600/Happy%2BEaster.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yt_FvUEjg0/WO9h9HaMLPI/AAAAAAAAH5w/X5EMWOoHuiwZ5NwCO3ktWvOAokTVKVToQCLcB/s400/Happy%2BEaster.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">I'm going to make a serious attempt to reaquaint myself with the family over the holiday-weekend ...</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">... so; no on-line presence (of any form!) between now, and until next Tuesday (18th) at least.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">I am available on the mobile if its a real emergency ...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">... but, in the nicest possible manner, I hope not to hear from too many folk ;-)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><b>Hope everyone has a good weekend.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-73341425579749570572017-04-10T14:11:00.000+01:002017-04-10T14:40:58.664+01:00Our Homes<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleague </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/86/joan_griffiths" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Joan Griffiths</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, has drafted a short piece on 'Our Homes', which is over on the <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/our_homes" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">Edinburgh Labour website</a> --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9e6ylMUqmE/WOuDy4SkdjI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/59LQuEE1kNsIrqUwRkVc14DHcXKfK-irgCLcB/s1600/Housing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9e6ylMUqmE/WOuDy4SkdjI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/59LQuEE1kNsIrqUwRkVc14DHcXKfK-irgCLcB/s640/Housing2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For
the last five years, Labour have taken the lead in housing for the City at a
time when demand for housing that people can afford is at an all-time high.
Nearly one third of Edinburgh households now live in expensive and insecure
tenancies in the private rented sector.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labours
record of housing delivery has been good with more than 5000 households helped
into new homes that they can afford, all built on brownfield sites across every
neighbourhood.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We will deliver a minimum of 16,000 affordable and low cost
homes for rent and sale over the next 10 years</b>, working with our partner
housing associations and co-operatives. To meet needs, we require at least two
thirds to be let at 'social rent' levels. Labour will campaign vigorously for
an increased grant from the Scottish Government to speed up this process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, building new homes is not enough
on its own – <b>Labour is committed to creating great places for people to live
and prosper</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Labour
pledges to strengthen the Registration System for private landlords by setting
up an inspection team</b> to ensure they
maintain their own properties and participate fully in common repairs, and
treat tenants fairly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labour
recognises that there are still individuals and families who do not have a
permanent place to call home. In this
difficult time of Welfare Reform, we have protected homelessness funding and
will continue to help the most vulnerable in our communities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labour is working
with our partners in Homeless Support Services through the Edinburgh
Homelessness Forum to look at creative
and innovative ways forward. To ensure
that we develop services that meet the needs of individuals who have been
effected by homelessness we have actively involved them in sharing their
stories with the forum. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We
are committed to helping more disabled and elderly tenants and owners to adapt
their existing homes</b>, and assist older and disabled home owners to move to more
suitable housing should they wish to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We will purchase
existing homes to help us meet the need for affordable housing</b>, where this
would not be more expensive than a new build home of the same size. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We
will work with other public sector and private land owners to develop land for
affordable housing</b>, prioritising brownfield sites, and we will always consider
possible use for affordable housing when selling council owned land.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Edinburgh
is continuing to increase in size, with housing need far outstripping supply, in our
fast-growing city. Yet we have made a great deal of progress in the last five
years and I am confident that, if the voters of Edinburgh put their trust in us
in May 2017, we can build on our achievements for the next five years.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joan Griffiths</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour's Housing Spokesperson</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: right;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="mailto:joan.griffiths@edinburgh.gov.uk" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">joan.griffiths@edinburgh.gov.uk</span></a></strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></em></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-89292300561779595982017-04-05T11:12:00.003+01:002017-04-05T11:12:44.974+01:00Our Caring City: Health and Social Care<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleague </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/13/ricky_henderson" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Ricky Henderson</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, has drafted a short piece on 'Our Children: Education and Families', which is over on the <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/caring_city" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">Edinburgh Labour website</a> --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwLUKEHxNto/WOTCGpJs27I/AAAAAAAAH44/M_1cg6yIRwYqvmqv47O0FGNW6apcFsvpQCLcB/s1600/Health%2Band%2BSocial%2BCare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwLUKEHxNto/WOTCGpJs27I/AAAAAAAAH44/M_1cg6yIRwYqvmqv47O0FGNW6apcFsvpQCLcB/s640/Health%2Band%2BSocial%2BCare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last five years, as part of the Capital Coalition, Labour has taken the lead in health and social care services for the city - our current Convener of Health and Social Care, Councillor Ricky Henderson, outlines our priorities for health and social care services:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More and more people are now living into their 80s and 90s which is a fact to be celebrated. Older people now make more of a contribution to communities and families than ever before.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, many people are also living longer with multiple health conditions sometimes requiring more support to continue living as independently as possible.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More young people with long term disabilities are now able to live much longer too but also needing extra support as they grow older.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the need for care services increasing and budgets reducing the challenges are fairly obvious.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour will highlight the shortfall in resources and demand that the SNP Government uses the powers it has to fully meet its responsibilities and provide the increased resources people need.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the next Council, we will -</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: right;">
</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take steps to <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">increase the length and flexibility of care visits and increase the availability of care</strong>, to help people live in their own homes for as long as possible.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Increase budgets for adaptations in homes,</strong> such as showers and ramps, to aid independent living.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Expand respite time and facilities</strong> for family and friend carers to safeguard their own health and wellbeing.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insist that voluntary and private organisations which work with us <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">pay the living wage</strong> and provide staff with proper training and conditions to ensure good quality care.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Work towards making our city ‘barrier free’ by improving accessibility</strong> to buildings, and making streets and pavements suitable for people with disabilities.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve access to health and care services by <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">creating eight local health and community hubs</strong> where people can work on solutions to their needs with health and care professionals and voluntary groups.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>Ricky Henderson</i></b></div>
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Health, Social Care & Housing Convenor</strong></em></div>
</em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="mailto:ricky.henderson@edinburgh.gov.uk" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ricky.henderson@edinburgh.gov.uk</a></strong></em></div>
</em></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-2314000877321556422017-04-04T19:00:00.000+01:002017-04-05T11:05:15.530+01:00Our Children: Education and Families<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">My colleague </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/16/cammy_day" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Cammy Day</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">, has drafted a short piece on 'Our Children: Education and Families', which is over on the <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/education">Edinburgh Labour website</a> --- I'll reproduce the text below, for those interested:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNlaXy60N8E/WOTAY4hAqDI/AAAAAAAAH4s/QPk6k9m7-iAAAaOhUTEqhdwt6-xvrhq3ACLcB/s1600/Education%2Bchild.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNlaXy60N8E/WOTAY4hAqDI/AAAAAAAAH4s/QPk6k9m7-iAAAaOhUTEqhdwt6-xvrhq3ACLcB/s640/Education%2Bchild.png" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the last five years, as part of the Capital Coalition, Labour has taken the lead in Education for the city - our current Convener of Education, Councillor Cammy Day, outlines our achievements:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Community Access & young people <u5:p></u5:p></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour have continued to deliver more Community
Access to our school estate. In partnership with community organisations and
Edinburgh Leisure we want to ensure our schools are used to their best
potential and that local communities are a key part of the school
community. Already Edinburgh Labour have delivered partnerships with
James Gillespie’s and Portobello High School – and will do much more.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently we launched our Youth Work Strategy with the
Edinburgh Youth Work Consortium, confirming our commitment to youth work
services in the future. We have expanded participatory budgeting into Youth
Work – to give young people their say in not only setting the agenda for youth
work but deciding on what should be funded in the future. Over the next three
years we want to see youth work funding set and agreed by the young people who
use the services. Next year, 2018, sees the International Year of the
Young Person – and Edinburgh Labour will ensure our young people are leading
the charge to ensure a capital city that young people are proud of.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Early Years & Childcare<u5:p></u5:p></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edinburgh Labour wants to give every child the best start in
life. We have invested in more early years and childcare provision across
the city. In December this year, the Labour led administration committed to
delivering a universal Breakfast Club for every child in our schools. We will
continue to support extra resources for children requiring additional support <u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We want to make early years’ provision more flexible to fit
in with family needs and provide extra resources to ensure that no children
fall behind classmates when they start school. We will expand early years
and childcare to deliver the increased hours required.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Working with the Voluntary Sector and wider childcare sector
we will deliver a new partnership to deliver the best start for our children
and young people.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Investing in our Schools – fit for the future <u5:p></u5:p></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our capital city continues to expand, with 300-400 new
families coming to the city every month, adding additional pressure to our
school estate. In the last five years the Labour led administration in
Edinburgh have delivered a new award winning secondary school at James
Gillespie’s, a state of the art new build at Portobello and a new young
people’s service at Heathervale.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition more classroom space has
been delivered at Victoria Primary, Wardie Primary and Granton Primary and new
gym halls and dining facilities in the primary schools detailed below.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u5:p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the last five years, this is what we have delivered ---</span></span></u5:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Capital Investment:<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Broughton PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Clermiston PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Craigour Park PS (6 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
East Craigs PS (3 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Flora Stevenson PS (3 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Fox Covert PS and St Andrew’s Fox Covert RC Primary School (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Gilmerton PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Granton PS (2 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
James Gillespie’s PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Liberton PS (4 class) <b>[under construction]</b><u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Pentland PS (3 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Ratho PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
St David’s RC PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
St Mary’s RC PS (Leith) (2 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Trinity PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Victoria PS (4 class)<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Wardie PS (5 classes in 2 phases)<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition we have built classrooms extensions at:<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Corstorphine PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Towerbank PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Kirkliston PS<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New halls have been built or existing halls extended at:<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Blackhall PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
East Craigs PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Sciennes PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Trinity PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Towerbank PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
Cramond PS<u5:p></u5:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">·
St Margaret’s RC <b>[under construction]</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will continue to invest in more schools in our city to provide the best education we can to the next generation of young people.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will build new schools at St John’s Portobello, St Crispin’s, Broomhills, Gilmerton Station Road, Leith Waterfront, Granton Waterfront, Maybury, Brunstane and Queensferry – and deliver new Secondary Schools for Castlebrae and West Edinburgh.<u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We want to provide the best learning environment for our young people and The Scottish Government need to provide support and resources to help deliver these schools and continue the upward travel of attainment that we have delivered year on year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-indent: -24px;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cammy Day</strong></em></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Education Children & Families Convenor</span></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:cammy.day@edinburgh.gov.uk" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">cammy.day@edinburgh.gov.uk</a></span></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-90605019458631582332017-03-27T15:41:00.000+01:002017-03-27T15:41:26.338+01:00Edinburgh Labour’s vision for the future of our Capital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBy9GlTbvqw/WNkj1qeAzpI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/ficIe3w2AZAevGMybjNKsxc0NEJnmIjnwCLcB/s1600/Manifesto%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBy9GlTbvqw/WNkj1qeAzpI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/ficIe3w2AZAevGMybjNKsxc0NEJnmIjnwCLcB/s640/Manifesto%2Bfinal.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... regular readers will be aware that <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/manifesto2017">Edinburgh Labour launched it's vision for the Capital City</a>, it's Local Government Manifesto, just <a href="http://andrewburns.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/edinburgh-labours-vision-for-capital.html">last week</a> - I've a <a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/andrew-burns-labour-s-manifesto-for-the-future-of-our-capital-1-4402974">short piece in today's local paper</a> outlining some more of the detail, which I'll reproduce below:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><u><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Building on Success – making Our City, truly One
City</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Back in November 2016, Edinburgh Labour launched a Draft Manifesto
consultation process, to which we subsequently received over 1,000 responses
from members of the public. And just last week, we became the first political
Party in Edinburgh to launch our finalised vision for the Capital – the
feedback we received to our earlier draft is clearly reflected in the final
document, which is now available at </span><a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.edinburghlabour.com</span></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Edinburgh
undoubtedly prides itself on being a fantastic place to live in, to work in,
and to visit. And over the years, Labour-led councils in our city have used
their powers to help create a dynamic economy that generates jobs, encourages
innovation and fosters new business. Twenty years ago, a Labour Council was
farsighted enough to nurture what is now Edinburgh Park. Over the coming decade
we need to work closely with our three city universities, and new technology
firms, to create similar opportunities for our children and grandchildren.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">However
with success come challenges – and our vision for the Capital attempts to
address the four main challenges facing our city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Challenge of Growth</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> - Edinburgh’s population
is already over 500,000 and is growing rapidly. Edinburgh is predicted to
become Scotland’s largest city by the mid 2030s. So we do need to plan for:
more homes and schools; better transport links; more skills training and more
jobs; and increased levels of services for all age groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Funding Challenge</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> - the funding the Scottish
Government receives from the UK Treasury has increased over the last few years,
but during that time the SNP Scottish Government has cut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">the
grants it gives to Councils. Edinburgh suffers more than most councils. It gets
the lowest grant of all Scottish councils - £1,928 per head against a Scottish
average of £2,232.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Challenge of Increasing
Centralisation</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
- the SNP Government keeps trying to get more and more control by centralising
services. Police Scotland, which has neither saved money nor improved services,
shows this does not work. In contrast Edinburgh Labour has consistently
devolved power and decision making to local people, working in partnership with
local communities and the voluntary sector.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Challenge of Poverty
and Inequality</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
- we need to ensure that all our citizens can share in<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="BasicParagraph">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">the
city’s success. Just under a sixth of the population (79,550) live in
households whose income falls below the poverty threshold. More than half of
these (42,100) are in work. Many are in jobs which are minimum wage, short term
or have zero hour contracts. High house prices and rents make living in the
city very hard for many. And there are also significant health inequalities
across the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Our vision for the Capital provides specific action to address these four
challenges; and these are actions that we know can be delivered upon – I’ll
mention a few here, but much more detail is available via the full document:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will <b>build a minimum of 16,
000 low cost homes for rent and sale over the next 10 years</b>, through the
Council and our partner housing associations and cooperatives. To meet need at
least two thirds should be let at ‘social rent’ levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will <b>improve access to health
and care services</b> by creating eight local centres where people can work on
solutions to their needs with health and care professionals and voluntary
groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will build <b>new primary schools
</b>at St John’s Portobello, Morningside, St Crispin’s, Broomhills, Gilmerton
Station Road, Leith Waterfront, Granton Waterfront, Maybury , Brunstane &
Queensferry, and <b>new High Schools </b>for
Castlebrae and in West Edinburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will <b>increase spending on
roads and pavements to a minimum of £20m per year,</b> and give local
communities more say on where work is done. And we will also maintain spending
on cycling at 10% of our transport budget, enabling projects such as the
completion of the west to east link across the city centre , and the building
of segregated cycle lanes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will <b>continue to support the
city’s major festivals</b> which generate jobs and boost local business but,
side by side with this increase the funding for local festivals and events. We
will also support the creation of further work spaces for artists and
craftspeople.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And we will campaign for an overhaul of the planning appeal system to
make it shorter, more independent and <b>give
communities the right of appeal</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Edinburgh
Labour believes that the mark of a civilised society is how it looks after its
young and vulnerable citizens – and the proposals outlined in our vision for
the Capital will help do just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cllr Andrew Burns<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Labour Group Leader &</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-66946599048948594792017-03-23T07:00:00.000+00:002017-03-23T07:00:28.273+00:00March's Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZRXn6cPU0s/WNKlaP3CwRI/AAAAAAAAH30/_tHoNBl-yawGAVnt0jK4oEDYmAonpFuVQCLcB/s1600/PolicyImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZRXn6cPU0s/WNKlaP3CwRI/AAAAAAAAH30/_tHoNBl-yawGAVnt0jK4oEDYmAonpFuVQCLcB/s320/PolicyImage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the Reports are now published for March's "Corporate Policy and Strategy" Committee; it meets at 10am, next Tuesday, 28th March ...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">... and, believe it or not, this will actually be the very last meeting of the Committee prior to the Local Elections on Thursday 4th May :-(<br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><br style="line-height: 20.79px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">The relevant paperwork is now in the public domain: the main Agenda </span><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 20.79px;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53732/agenda_of_28_march_2017" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">can be found here</a> ...</span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;">... and all of the individual Reports can be accessed via Committee Papers on-Line (CPOL) </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4159/corporate_policy_and_strategy_committee" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">as linked from here</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">.</span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;">Couple of Reports that may be of interest:</span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53736/item_71_-_2016_edinburgh_people_survey_headline_results" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Edinburgh People Survey' Results</span></a></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53723/item_77_-_customer_contact_update" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Customer Contact Update</span></a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">And, of course, as usual the "Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee" meetings are all webcast live - and thereafter archived!</span></span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">All available </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/home" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">via here</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.79px;"> --- it's TV; but quite possibly not like you've ever seen before ;-)<br /><br /></span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-73021388620483604812017-03-22T13:30:00.000+00:002017-03-22T16:59:20.953+00:00Residents continue to be satisfied with life in the Capital<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">'Edinburgh People Survey' results</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqAmcCqqnE/WNKhVSzAHyI/AAAAAAAAH3w/KhxqA4rdyQkLct1sN7T8uKqjmK3lsDNcACEw/s1600/EPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIqAmcCqqnE/WNKhVSzAHyI/AAAAAAAAH3w/KhxqA4rdyQkLct1sN7T8uKqjmK3lsDNcACEw/s640/EPS.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<time datetime="2017-03-22 12:42:00" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin: -1em 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #9e9e9e; font-family: "open sans" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em;"><br /></span></time><time datetime="2017-03-22 12:42:00" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin: -1em 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #9e9e9e; font-family: "open sans" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em;">Published Wednesday, 22nd March 2017</span></time><br />
<div class="editor article-news" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="intro" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.2em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 21.12px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2268/residents_continue_to_be_satisfied_with_life_in_the_capital">Residents continue to be satisfied with life in the Capital</a>, the latest Edinburgh People Survey has shown.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
The City of Edinburgh Council’s <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20029/have_your_say/921/edinburgh_people_survey" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">annual study</a>, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, found 94% of the 5226 respondents are satisfied with the city as a place to live, while two thirds said they are happy with the way the Council manages the city.<br />
<br />
Survey participants also reported feeling secure in their communities - around three quarters don't believe vandalism, anti-social behaviour or alcohol-related disorder to be a problem, while 85% feel safe after dark.<br />
<br />
Feedback showed an increased perception of diversity and inclusiveness too, with 86% agreeing their neighbourhood is a place where people of different backgrounds get along – up from 81% in 2014 – and 94% agreeing Edinburgh is welcoming and accessible to people of all ages.<br />
<br />
Councillor Andrew Burns, Council Leader, said: “There is a lot to be pleased about in this year’s Edinburgh People Survey results – despite an increasingly challenging financial climate and demand for services, we continue to see a high level of satisfaction with life in the Capital.<br />
<br />
“What’s also clear is that people feel safe, welcome and included in their local communities, regardless of their background, which certainly adds to the quality of life here.<br />
<br />
“While we are encouraged by positive feedback, the survey has allowed us to take stock of the areas the public feel we need to improve too, and this will help inform our priorities moving forward.”<br />
<br />
Councillor Frank Ross, Depute Council Leader, added: “Every year the Edinburgh People Survey gives us an insight into what the public feel we are doing right, and the things they want us to do better.<br />
<br />
“It’s great to see such high satisfaction this year with services like public transport, parks and our calendar of cultural events, but we also acknowledge the areas that scored lower, and intend to act on these concerns to improve the city for everyone.”<br />
<br />
Despite ongoing budgetary constraints, almost half of residents believe the Council offers good value for money, while there was a rise in the proportion who agree that the Council displays sound financial management – 33%, compared to 24% in 2014 and 29% in 2015.<br />
<br />
There was recognition, however, that this figure could be improved and that the survey offered the opportunity to focus resources on the areas that matter most to people. Other areas for improvement include street cleaning, roads maintenance and cycle safety.<br />
<br />
A number of new questions added to the survey, which is now in its tenth year, highlighted residents’ travel habits, revealing the most common form of transport to be bus – 68% had used the service in the last month. Respondents travelled on foot most frequently—on average 5.2 days a week compared to 4.6 days a week driving.<br />
<br />
Key findings in the Edinburgh People Survey 2016 include: </div>
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Residents continue to be happy with life in Edinburgh, with 94% of participants satisfied </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">89% of respondents are satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live – the same as last year</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">46% think the Council keeps them informed on spending and saving proposals – an increase of 50% since 2014 (when the proportion was 30%)</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Over two thirds of respondents – 71% - think the Council cares about the environment</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">More people than ever are using online library services – 24% compared to 16% in 2014</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">59% said they supported the new 20mph speed limits being introduced in Edinburgh</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Residents generally believe the Capital’s programme of festival events makes the city a better place to live – 80% agreed, rising from 72% in 2014</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Almost two thirds of those who answered this question – 64% - were satisfied with facilities for young children, with 59% satisfied with teenagers’ facilities</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Satisfaction with street cleansing was 58%, down on its long-term average </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">50% were satisfied with road maintenance – broadly in line with other local authorities in Scotland</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Information gathered by the survey is used throughout the year to inform work with services, while identified areas for improvement will be addressed, with updates on progress fed back to committee mid-year.<br />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />
The survey is undertaken through face-to-face interviews with residents across the city’s 17 multi-member wards each year, conducted in the street and door-to-door.<br />
<br />
Members of the <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4159/corporate_policy_and_strategy_committee#minutesDateSearchWidget" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee</a> will consider the survey results on Tuesday, 28 March.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-24128208683920956712017-03-22T13:00:00.000+00:002017-03-22T16:03:51.973+00:00Growing popularity of city allotments<h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 209, 209); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: MetaWeb-Bold, "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
New allotment strategy recognises growing popularity of city plots</h1>
<time datetime="2017-03-22 12:11:00" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #9e9e9e; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; margin: -1em 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Published Wednesday, 22nd March 2017</time><br />
<div class="editor article-news" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="intro" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.2em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 21.12px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2267/new_allotment_strategy_recognises_growing_popularity_of_city_plots">The City of Edinburgh Council is set to improve</a> access to and management of allotments in the Capital in recognition of their social, environmental and health benefits.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Members of the <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4155/transport_and_environment_committee" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Transport and Environment Committee</a> approved the Council’s third allotment strategy - <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53641/item_81_-_cultivating_communities_a_growing_success_2017_%E2%80%93_2027" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Cultivating Communities: A Growing Success 2017 – 2027</a> yesterday (Tuesday, 21 March).</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Since the first strategy was implemented in 2002 allotments have surged in popularity – there are now 1488 plots across the city, compared 1065 plots in 1998, with the current provision comparable to that of the 1960s.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Amongst the strategy’s objectives is the intention to ensure adequate provision to allotments by investigating potential new sites, encouraging people to develop and manage plots on Council-owned land and the creation of allotments as part of the planning process for new developments.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “The popularity of allotments has soared over the last couple of decades, as people recognise the many benefits allotment gardening can offer in terms of healthy eating, relaxation and social interaction.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
“In response to this our third allotment strategy aims to improve and increase accessibility to allotments. As well as investigating new sites ourselves we are keen to see communities take on and cultivate allotments on Council land, which we would fully support to help alleviate demand.”</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Over the last 15 years Council has increased the number of plots by more than 400, improving the quality of existing sites, giving more people access to allotments and promoting food growing initiatives citywide.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
More recently, the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 placed a requirement on local authorities to provide and protect existing allotments. The latest strategy aims to support this through four objectives – to ensure adequate provision, develop robust management, improve customer experience and adopt revised regulations.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Stuart McKenzie, President of the <a href="http://www.fedaga.org.uk/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Federation of Edinburgh and District Allotments and Gardens Associations (FEDEGA)<span class="away" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; left: -9999em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">(external link)</span></a>, who are represented on the Allotment Strategy Steering Group, said: “FEDAGA welcomes the adoption of this strategy to empower Edinburgh communities to fund, build and manage their own allotment spaces whilst also ensuring every inch of our precious allotment stock is used effectively. We look forward to working alongside the Council Allotment service to achieve these strategic objectives.” </div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
A series of actions linked to each objective have been drawn up following consultation with stakeholders and allotment-users. As well as investigating a list of potential new sites for allotments, the strategy aims to ensure plots are accessible to all and to promote biodiversity on new sites. A key focus of the new strategy is to engage the community to take ownership of their own sites, in collaboration with the Council.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Guidance for plot inspections to enhance quality and a proactive approach to the allotment waiting list will help achieve the robust management of allotments, while a website and the use of social media are proposed to improve the customer experience. Plotholder training, in partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, The Orchard Project and Scottish Rural University College, will also be on offer to new plotholders.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Find out more about <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20122/allotments/265/allotments_in_edinburgh" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Cultivating Communities: A Growing Success 2017 – 2027</a> on the Council website.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Allotment facts</span></div>
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">There are currently 1488 Council-managed plots in Edinburgh, with a waiting list of 2510 people</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">The turnover for allotments is currently 8% a year</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">The second allotment strategy - Cultivating Communities - A Growing Challenge – saw allotment provision rise by 19%</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">There are currently a total of 44 allotment sites across Edinburgh with a variety of plot sizes</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">A Council allotment officer is responsible for most of the allotment sites </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">60% of allotment plot-holders live within two miles of their plot. The demand for an allotment plot is greatest in the traditional tenement flat areas of the city</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Half plots are becoming increasingly popular amongst residents</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-16167227279745616002017-03-21T10:30:00.000+00:002017-03-22T16:00:14.663+00:00Edinburgh Labour's vision for the Capital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGFnzUC-DOc/WNKfWDy7WsI/AAAAAAAAH3s/jL62qQ6DO7EsObeYkoG8868_m-tOotq-ACLcB/s1600/Edinburgh%2BLabour%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGFnzUC-DOc/WNKfWDy7WsI/AAAAAAAAH3s/jL62qQ6DO7EsObeYkoG8868_m-tOotq-ACLcB/s640/Edinburgh%2BLabour%2B2017.jpg" width="640" /></a>
One City: Our City; a European City to be proud of ...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
On Thursday 4<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">th</sup> May, the residents of Edinburgh will elect City Councillors for the next five-year period. Our vision for Edinburgh is set out in our local government manifesto <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">"One City, Our City: A European City to be proud of", </em>available to download below.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Back <a href="http://andrewburns.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/draft-manifesto-for-2017-local.html">in November 2016 we published a ‘draft manifesto’</a> in preparation for the next Local Government Elections in May 2017. This document represented our initial ideas, but we sought your input and<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong>used this feedback to adjust this draft document before launching our final Manifesto on 21 March 2017.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
This manifesto is the result of a consultation process which has seen submissions from citizens, community groups, business, trade unions and events such as the Side by Side Conference in North Edinburgh.<br />
<br />
We received over 1,000 submissions and re-drafted our final Manifesto as a direct result of that feedback.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thank you for contributions and hopefully you will see that this has substantially revised the draft document which sought views last year.</em></strong></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br />
</em></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/labourclp439/pages/528/attachments/original/1490017496/ED_LAB_MANIFESTO_FIN_LR.PDF?1490017496" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cd1719; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here to download Edinburgh Labour's manifesto</a></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XV8QwEDc_Fo/WNKd6CG-wmI/AAAAAAAAH3o/ybUh6uclEm4WH5ak9PjusVTtXabNplLcgCEw/s1600/Manifesto%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XV8QwEDc_Fo/WNKd6CG-wmI/AAAAAAAAH3o/ybUh6uclEm4WH5ak9PjusVTtXabNplLcgCEw/s320/Manifesto%2Bfinal.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Contact Edinburgh Labour:</strong></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
0131 667 8538</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<a href="mailto:edinburgh@labour.org.uk" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cd1719; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">edinburgh@labour.org.uk</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
FREEPOST RTRU-CXYU-UCXK<br />
Edinburgh Labour Party<br />
78 Buccleuch Street<br />
Edinburgh<br />
EH8 9NH</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
Or visit our <a href="http://www.edinburghlabour.com/2017_candidates" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cd1719; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">candidate page</a><span style="color: #8d8d8d;"> </span>to contact your local Labour candidate.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
---</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #8d8d8d;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-61225607940494086122017-03-13T23:00:00.000+00:002017-03-15T21:49:49.732+00:0016 and 17year-olds eligible to vote in the Scottish Council elections for the first time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FI2FCFtt_8/WMk7qpHBFZI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/shFgaO71JyoV7_oyLb5sVFLzmWXGCxU8wCLcB/s1600/Ready%2Bto%2BVote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FI2FCFtt_8/WMk7qpHBFZI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/shFgaO71JyoV7_oyLb5sVFLzmWXGCxU8wCLcB/s640/Ready%2Bto%2BVote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 209, 209); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: MetaWeb-Bold, "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Pupils get ready for first vote in Council elections</h1>
<time datetime="2017-03-13 15:25:00" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #9e9e9e; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; margin: -1em 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Published Monday, 13th March 2017</time><br />
<div class="editor article-news" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="intro" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.2em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 21.12px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/2261/pupils_get_ready_for_first_vote_in_council_elections">On the day the formal notice was published ahead of the local government elections on 4 May</a>, a group of 16 and 17-year-old pupils in the Capital today found out more about how to register to vote. </div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
A voter registration event was held at Holy Rood RC High School, raising awareness among pupils about their eligibility to cast their vote in the Council elections for the first time.<br />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: "This is the first time 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in Scottish Council elections and it's a great opportunity for young people to get involved in local democracy and have their say about how services are delivered where they live.<br />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;" />
"Registration for the 4 May election ends on 17 April and it's quick and easy to do - find out more at <a href="https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 127, 159); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007f9f; font-size: 17.6px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; transition: color 0.2s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">yourvotematters.co.uk<span class="away" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; left: -9999em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">(external link)</span></a> and make your vote count."</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Asked why it was important for young people to go out and vote, Holy Rood High S5 pupil Jason Stewart-Evans, 17, said: "It gives me, as an individual, more of a say in my political system."</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Niyoshi Dave, 16, also S5, said: "I believe it is important to vote because the laws being passed right now will significantly affect my future."</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 17.6px; margin-bottom: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
And Christy Biju, 16, S5, said: "Voting is a right we have and we should use it, especially young people because we are the future. We need to make our voices heard!"<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-34145433797995358472017-03-10T10:07:00.000+00:002017-03-10T10:07:29.022+00:00March Leader's Report<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="106" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLmIFBTgDro/WIJQOqVXoPI/AAAAAAAAHu0/zVCm7c5TKLsWBhBM0eXKIiggDvCpXicYgCLcB/s640/Leaders%2BReport.png" width="640" /></div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: right;">
March 2017</h1>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Make your vote count!</span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVENH1cawVs/WL_mHJQLDII/AAAAAAAAH24/4ECxL7XR2so9sii9Sx0Uft1q1uh9J9TtwCLcB/s1600/AB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sVENH1cawVs/WL_mHJQLDII/AAAAAAAAH24/4ECxL7XR2so9sii9Sx0Uft1q1uh9J9TtwCLcB/s1600/AB.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f"
stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_19" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Andrew_Burns_enews_165x222" style='position:absolute;margin-left:-.05pt;
margin-top:1.3pt;width:107.3pt;height:153.75pt;z-index:1;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\3512996\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Andrew_Burns_enews_165x222"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">In just under eight weeks’ time, Scotland will head to the polls for
the Scottish Council elections – your chance to have your say in how services
are delivered where you live. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In 2012, less than half (43%) of the
electorate turned out to vote and so I really would encourage you and your
family to take part. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As with last year’s Scottish Parliament
elections, 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote on 4 May – a first for
Council elections. But remember that they – and anyone else who’s eligible –
MUST be registered first before they can take part. And if you’ve recently
changed address, don’t forget that you’ll need to re-register to vote.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">Registration ends at midnight on Monday 17
April. Visit </span><a href="https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote" style="text-align: center;">gov.uk/register-to-vote</a><span style="text-align: center;"> today to make sure your vote counts.</span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Cooperative
Capital</span></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we launched our Cooperative Capital framework back in 2012, we
aspired to develop a new relationship with service users, citizens, communities
and partner agencies across the City, with more focus placed upon <i>‘doing
things with people’</i>, rather than <i>‘to them’</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, we’ve reported back regularly on progress and at our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/9072/conference_outcomes.ppt">annual conference</a> held late last year, 80 delegates from across the public, third and
community sectors, reflected upon the main successes and challenges of the
Framework to date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These included an increase in the number of coops and social
enterprises; improvements in community engagement through Neighbourhood
Partnerships, such as participatory budgeting; asset transfer projects; more
transparency in council decision making; and the implementation of the living
wage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am delighted with the progress we have made over the past five years –
and sincerely hope it provides a platform for the Council to continue to ‘do good
things’ with the people of Edinburgh in future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________</span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Our Edinburgh</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We all know how frustrating dropped litter,
fly-tipping and overflowing bins can be, that’s why we’ve been making every
effort to address issues like this through our Waste and Cleansing Improvement
Plan, which is already making progress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As part of this, we’ve seen the innovative <i>Our Edinburgh</i> campaign make great
strides to generate pride in our surroundings amongst the public, discouraging
things like littering, dog fouling and the misuse of communal bins with bright
posters, online videos and community engagement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That’s why I’m very pleased to hear the
campaign has been shortlisted as a finalist for both ‘Best Campaign’ and
‘Programme of the Year’ at this year’s <a href="http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/local-environmental-quality/">Keep
Scotland Beautiful Awards</a>, recognising efforts to improve the cleanliness
and quality of the environment for the public. Good luck to all those involved!</span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________</span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Award winning designs</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">More positive news for
our schools building programme as James Gillespie’s High School scooped two
awards at the recent </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://kdmedia.co.uk/propertyawards/winners/winners-2017/">Scottish
Property Awards</a> winning both Public Buildings
categories in the Architectural Excellence and Development of the Year
categories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This academic year has
seen two new state-of-the-art high schools for James Gillespie’s and Portobello
High open with more in the pipeline. The new Boroughmuir will open in August
and, just this week, final demolition work started on the tower block on the
old Portobello High School site which will result in a new St John’s RC Primary
opening in August 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">With an additional
£6.7m to tackle rising rolls in next year’s budget, this shows our commitment
to providing our young learners with the best possible educational environment
to thrive in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________</span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">20mph rollout</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our 18-month rollout of slower speeds for
residential, shopping and city streets took a big step forward with the ‘go
live’ of Phase 2 in North and South Central / East Edinburgh on 28 February.
From Granton to Portobello to Duddingston to Morningside, 20 is now plenty on
many more of our roads, with a strategic network of streets maintained at 30 or
40mph. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We carried out <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20243/20mph_for_edinburgh/1249/better_and_safer_at_20mph">extensive public consultation and research</a>
in planning this rollout, which found that most people in the Capital want
speeds brought down around homes, shops and in the city centre. Slower speeds
don’t just make our streets safer for everyone, they also make them a nicer
place to be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Find out which streets have changed, and
when 20mph is coming to your area, on our dedicated <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/20mph">20mph for Edinburgh</a> pages. </span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Leith Street works planned </span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Work is already under way on the £1 billion
<a href="http://www.edinburghstjames.com/">Edinburgh St James</a> development, a hugely important project
for the Capital which will create thousands of jobs and deliver millions of
pounds to the local economy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Later this month, the Transport and
Environment Committee will consider a report outlining plans by the developer
to carry out major essential works on Leith Street. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Provisionally scheduled to begin after this
summer’s festivals, the work would include closing Leith Street between its
junction at Waterloo Place down to Calton Road to cars, buses and vans for 44
weeks. Access for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services will be
maintained throughout the works. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We have been working extremely closely with
the developer to identify the best way of carrying out these works safely and
in a way that keeps the closure period to a minimum. We
will continue to monitor the impact of the work and ensure the developer keeps
the public properly informed at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Supreme Court to sit in Edinburgh</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Following an approach to the Council, it
has been agreed that the UK Supreme Court will sit in the Edinburgh City
Chambers in June. This is the first time that the UK’s highest court has sat
outside London.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Several appeals<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> will
be heard during the week commencing 12 June, with at least five of the Supreme
Court Justices sitting over the course of the visit. The list of cases to be
heard during the visit are in the process of being finalised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Provision will be made for extensive public
seating for those interested in observing proceedings at first hand while court
staff will also use the opportunity to offer public talks about its work when
the Justices are not sitting. <a href="http://www.supremecourt.uk/">Further
information</a> will be available from their website in due course.</span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Stay in the picture</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Keep yourself in the picture with our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/newscentre">news section online</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you
wish to unsubscribe please <a href="mailto:leader@edinburgh.gov.uk?subject=Unsubscribe">email</a> us. Watch
live full Council and some committee meetings on our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" title="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">webcast</span></a>.
Join the debate on Twitter #edinwebcast</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_26" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Facebook logo"
href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:406.5pt;margin-top:30.95pt;width:28.5pt;height:29pt;z-index:2;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text' o:button="t">
<v:fill o:detectmouseclick="t"/>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\3512996\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="Facebook logo"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil" title="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil">Follow us on twitter</a> Watch on our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" title="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">webcast</span></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil" title="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil">Follow us on Facebook</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 70.5pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; width: 99.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="132"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Edinburgh_CC"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Follow us on twitter" border="0" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/twitter_leadersreport_65x54.png" id="_x0000_i1025" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/Edinburgh_CC">Follow us on Twitter</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; width: 234.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="312"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Webcast" border="0" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Webcast_leadrep_129x95.jpg" id="_x0000_i1026" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Watch our <a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" title="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/">webcasts</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="height: 70.5pt; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; width: 117.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="156"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Follow us on Facebook" border="0" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Facebook_leadersreport_60x60.JPG" id="_x0000_i1027" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/edinburghcouncil">Follow us on Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" valign="bottom"><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="The City of Edinburgh Council" border="0" src="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/images/Council_purple_logo_248x43.jpg" id="_x0000_i1028" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0.0cm 3.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 125.25pt;" width="167"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.0cm 3.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 125.25pt;" width="167"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.0cm 3.0pt 0.0cm 0.0cm; width: 125.25pt;" width="167"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span></div>
</td> <td rowspan="2" style="padding: 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-85543856955335228842017-03-10T10:03:00.000+00:002017-03-10T10:03:41.567+00:00March Full Council Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLEI0xhNn-Q/WL3ti_XEyVI/AAAAAAAAH2g/PznMF_VGU4sLnIUa8SWx_e0cjYzapWq9wCLcB/s1600/City_Chambers%252C_Edinburgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLEI0xhNn-Q/WL3ti_XEyVI/AAAAAAAAH2g/PznMF_VGU4sLnIUa8SWx_e0cjYzapWq9wCLcB/s320/City_Chambers%252C_Edinburgh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March's Full Council Meeting is just a week away - it takes place at 10am next Thursday 16th March ...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">... all the reports are now up on Committee Papers On-Line (CPOL), and you can access <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53566/council_agenda_of_16_march_2017" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">the main agenda directly here</a></span>; and each of the individual reports separately <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4151/city_of_edinburgh_council" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">via this link</a></span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br style="line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">Of course, as every month, if you're so minded - you can watch all </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">the proceedings live here</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> ...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">... or the meeting will be </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcasts" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">archived</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> a few hours after it finishes for viewing at your leisure!</span></span><br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-56149938149942913712017-02-22T21:59:00.003+00:002017-02-22T22:01:18.803+00:00February's Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpkDF_EFS8Y/WK4JNGZPsgI/AAAAAAAAH18/hZgmQ6vSH9IyKqHi2XMjZjwRpivFCnujwCLcB/s1600/Policy%2Band%2BStrategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpkDF_EFS8Y/WK4JNGZPsgI/AAAAAAAAH18/hZgmQ6vSH9IyKqHi2XMjZjwRpivFCnujwCLcB/s320/Policy%2Band%2BStrategy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">All of the Reports are now published for <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Febru</span>ary's "Corporate Policy and Strategy" Committee; it meets at 10am, next Tuesday, 2<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8th February</span>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br style="line-height: 20.79px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">The relevant paperwork is now in the public domain: the main Agenda </span><span style="color: #990000; line-height: 20.79px;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53359/agenda_of_28_february_2017" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">can be found here</a> ...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">... and all of the individual Reports can be accessed via Committee Papers on-Line (CPOL)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4134/corporate_policy_and_strategy_committee"><span style="color: #990000;">as linked from here</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Couple of Reports that may be of interest:</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53354/item_72_-_welfare_reform_-_update" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">Welfare Reform - Update</a></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/53356/item_74_-_domestic_abuse_service_redesign_update_-_developing_a_co-ordinated_community_response" style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">Domestic Abuse Service Redesign Update</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">And, of course, as usual the "Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee" meetings are all webcast live - and thereafter archived!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;">All available </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/home" style="color: red; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">via here</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> --- it's TV; but possibly not like you've ever seen before ;-)<br /><br /></span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-53770539336240385832017-02-22T10:27:00.002+00:002017-02-22T10:28:20.117+00:00A Co-operative Agenda for Scottish Local Government<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtmkkwbSF3k/WK1m3nsKOFI/AAAAAAAAH1c/TORQz_WnbXcASRniOHImyOhOY8_Ga3syACLcB/s1600/Not-Just-Shoppers-Co-op-Party-Banner%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtmkkwbSF3k/WK1m3nsKOFI/AAAAAAAAH1c/TORQz_WnbXcASRniOHImyOhOY8_Ga3syACLcB/s320/Not-Just-Shoppers-Co-op-Party-Banner%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If you're up in Perth, at the Scottish Labour Conference, this weekend - the following <a href="https://party.coop/event/becoming-a-co-operative-council-a-co-operative-agenda-for-scottish-local-government/">fringe may well be of interest</a>:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h1 class="tribe-events-single-event-title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Becoming a Co-operative Council – A Co-operative Agenda for Scottish Local Government</h1>
<div class="tribe-events-schedule tribe-clearfix" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans"; margin: 1em 0px 1.5em; zoom: 1;">
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #282bb9; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 16.5px; margin-top: 33px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="tribe-event-date-start" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Saturday 25th Feb at 5:30 pm</span> - <span class="tribe-event-time" style="box-sizing: border-box;">6:30 pm</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="post-15449 tribe_events type-tribe_events status-publish hentry policyarea-communities devolved_region-scotland tribe_events_cat-scottish-labour-conference-2017 wpautop cat_scottish-labour-conference-2017" id="post-15449" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 18px;">
<div class="tribe-events-single-event-description tribe-events-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; width: 1182.47px;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Buffet Available</em></span></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16.5px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li class="first-li" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Councillor Linda Gow, Falkirk Council</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Councillor Joan Griffiths, City of Edinburgh Council</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Councillor Frank McAveety, Glasgow City Council</li>
<li class="last-li" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chair Councillor Rita Miller, Vice-Chair Scottish Co-operative Party</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">In partnership with Co-operative Councils Innovation Network</span></div>
<div class="tribe-events-single-section tribe-events-event-meta primary tribe-clearfix" style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin: 30px 0px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="tribe-events-meta-group tribe-events-meta-group-details" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inherit; float: left; margin: inherit; padding: inherit; vertical-align: top; width: inherit; zoom: 1;">
<h3 class="tribe-events-single-section-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #282bb9; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
Details</h3>
<dl style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Date:</dt>
<dd style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><abbr class="tribe-events-abbr tribe-events-start-date published dtstart" style="border-bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: default;" title="2017-02-25">Saturday 25th Feb</abbr></dd>
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Time:</dt>
<dd style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><div class="tribe-events-abbr tribe-events-start-time published dtstart" style="border-bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: default;" title="2017-02-25">
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm</div>
</dd>
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Event Category:</dt>
<dd class="tribe-events-event-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://party.coop/events/category/scottish-labour-conference-2017/" rel="tag" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #5b1973; text-decoration: none;">Scottish Labour Conference 2017</a></dd></dl>
</div>
<div class="tribe-events-meta-group tribe-events-meta-group-organizer" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inherit; float: left; margin: inherit; padding: inherit; vertical-align: top; width: inherit; zoom: 1;">
<h3 class="tribe-events-single-section-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #282bb9; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
Organiser</h3>
<dl style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><dd class="tribe-organizer" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://party.coop/organiser/scottish-co-operative-party/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #5b1973; text-decoration: none;" title="Scottish Co-operative Party">Scottish Co-operative Party</a></dd>
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Phone:</dt>
<dd class="tribe-organizer-tel" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">07803011693</dd>
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Email:</dt>
<dd class="tribe-organizer-email" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">r.mccready@party.coop</dd>
<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; list-style: none;">Website:</dt>
<dd class="tribe-organizer-url" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://scotland.party.coop/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #5b1973; text-decoration: none;" target="_self">http://scotland.party.coop</a></dd></dl>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="tribe-events-single-section tribe-events-event-meta secondary tribe-clearfix" style="background: rgb(250, 250, 250); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin: 30px 0px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="tribe-events-meta-group tribe-events-meta-group-venue" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inherit; float: left; margin: inherit; padding: inherit; vertical-align: top; width: inherit; zoom: 1;">
<h3 class="tribe-events-single-section-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #282bb9; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
Venue</h3>
<dl style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><dd class="tribe-venue" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://party.coop/venue/norie-miller-studio-2/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #5b1973; text-decoration: none;">Norie-Miller Studio 2</a></dd><dd class="tribe-venue-location" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><address class="tribe-events-address" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding-right: 3px;">
<span class="tribe-address" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="tribe-street-address" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Perth Concert Hall</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="tribe-locality" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Perth</span><span class="tribe-delimiter" style="box-sizing: border-box;">,</span> <span class="tribe-postal-code" style="box-sizing: border-box;">PH1 5HZ</span> <span class="tribe-country-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">United Kingdom</span></span></address>
</dd></dl>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662128.post-27175250005419866902017-02-20T07:00:00.000+00:002017-02-20T11:11:04.410+00:00Political culture change ...<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've got a short opinion-piece in the </span><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/andrew-burns-the-culture-of-politics-has-changed-a-lot-in-five-years-1-4369553">local Newspaper today</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, on the issue of 'political culture change' - for those interested, I'll reproduce the main text below ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xfabKHeCa8/WKWi9Orb_0I/AAAAAAAAHz8/b9ZjvlSGyzoCSXMItWCSFi61XeyfPbVPACLcB/s1600/cultural%2Bchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xfabKHeCa8/WKWi9Orb_0I/AAAAAAAAHz8/b9ZjvlSGyzoCSXMItWCSFi61XeyfPbVPACLcB/s640/cultural%2Bchange.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coalition, cooperation and culture-change</span></u></b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I think you’d need to be inhabiting a wholly different world from the
one I live in, not to be aware that trust between the electorate and those of
us either elected, or employed, to serve that electorate, has broken down badly
in recent years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And it was clear when we formed our local Labour/SNP coalition
administration in Edinburgh, following the last 2012 Scottish Council
Elections, that business as usual wasn’t an option; we had to change the way we
did things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As an incoming Council Leader, I knew there was no time to waste in
ensuring that we had a clear, unambiguous programme for governance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And not just as a Council Leader, but also as a ward councillor, and a
member of my local community, I understand the scale of the challenges that we
are all facing locally. Many communities are disengaged from local democracy;
Councils can seem like distant bureaucracies; and, as organisations, we
constantly struggle to manage significant funding reductions just as local
people are putting more and more demand on local services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If Councils are going to survive in this context, and if communities are
going to thrive, then we all need to start doing things differently. We need to
work together, in genuine and equal partnership with local people, to make the most
of the strengths that lie in our communities. Most importantly, we must drive
real innovation, with local people at its core, if we are to face the
challenges ahead of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So – back in 2012, we agreed a clear set of <i>some </i>53
commitments, in a new ‘Contract <i>with</i> the Capital’. That
contract was openly published, and within weeks, the <i>‘monitoring
against delivery’ </i>of our promises was live and very visible via the
main Council website … and continues to be so, with six-monthly reports going
to Full Council Meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And yes, Scottish Local Government had already changed
substantially, back in 2007, with the introduction of a proportional
voting-system: STV-PR with multi-Member wards. But that change was mostly in
terms of political make-up (structural change) … and deeper cultural change, in
the way politics was conducted, was clearly going to take a little longer; and
much more effort to instigate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, we also committed to becoming a ‘Co-operative Council’ – we wanted
to encourage not just local communities, but our many partners and those using
our services, to become more involved in how those services are planned,
managed and delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That meant looking at new ways of delivering services but it also meant
co-operating with other agencies, other cities and crucially, the people of
Edinburgh: doing things <i>with them</i> and not doing things <i>to
them</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And by way of example, that <i>new approach</i> to the way we
worked, and the way we engaged with others, has included some significant
actions in making the vision of a ‘Cooperative Council’ a reality:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We established the first <b>Petitions Committee</b> at the
Council. That Committee is chaired by a Member of Edinburgh’s Opposition, Green
Group. This has helped enable local residents to have an additional channel to
raise issues of concern, with their elected representatives, and directly with
the Council.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We completely<b> overhauled our scrutiny function</b>; and
established a new ‘Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee’; again Chaired by
a Member of Edinburgh’s Opposition, Conservative Group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We also<b> completely revised our budgetary process</b>, which led
to the publication of draft budgets – for the first time in decades, in
Edinburgh – and further allowed several months of public consultation, each
year, all prior to setting any final budgets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And last – but by no means least –<b> </b>we’re now <b>webcasting</b> (both
live and archived) all of our Full Council Meetings, and an increasing number
of our regular Committee Meetings. I’m now frequently challenged about previous
comments and commitments – and that has to be good for local democracy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And I firmly believe that the co-operative principles of
empowerment, equal partnership, and collective action offer a positive route to
not simply survive through tough times, but to enable local communities to
thrive, supported by relevant and meaningful local public services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The cumulative impact of all these considered-changes has been fairly
significant - and, I would argue, we have re-gained a renewed sense of
engagement with residents. <i>There is</i> a new political
narrative within the City Chambers here in Edinburgh; the <b>political
culture</b> (and not just the structures) has now, most definitely changed
--- and changed for the better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cllr Andrew Burns</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684349200288599810noreply@blogger.com0