Very excited to be writing my first branch update as co-convenor of our lovely group.
This month we have been working hard in the last push of business before we break for recess in July. Political business will pause but casework and ward work will continue.
I want to thank all members who attended our AGM and engaged in our work in the past month – we quite literally could not do our job without you, and we don’t take that for granted.
Chas and I hope you enjoy this month’s update and look forward to seeing folk at the branch AGM or other events.
Yours, Kayleigh x
Councillor highlights from the month
Asked to pick one highlight from the month, our councillors chose:
Alex Staniforth
Alex has been ensuring proper scrutiny at Finance and Resources committee proposing an amendment that means the money spent on Tour de France will align with council values and a motion that means we will get a further briefing on contracts for temporary accommodation.
Alys Mumford
Alys successfully brought a motion in support of travellers’ rights to Full Council – managing to get agreement from all parties (even the Tories!) that we should consult with traveller communities rather than imposing a permanent site which might not suit their needs.
Ben Parker
Ben has enjoyed working closely with Merchiston Districts Community Council in support of the Polwarth Pavement project and is actively working with officers and community groups to try and include some elements of street greening into the new junction design – watch this space!
Chas Booth
Chas successfully brought a motion to Full Council reiterating the council’s support for a climate justice approach to climate, and agreeing the council will finalise its assessment of the economic cost of action versus inaction on climate, and writing to the Scottish Government to urge them to follow the advice of the Climate Change Committee.
Claire Miller
Claire won support for her motion at Full Council asking officers to evaluate a four-day week for council workers – read all about it via BBC News.
Dan Heap
Dan has won support for a trial of participatory budgeting for local community grants along the lines of the well-established Leith Chooses process, and also has had his plans for making Firework Control Zones easier to apply for, passed.
Jule Bandel
Jule is unwell and taking time off from council business
Kayleigh Kinross O’Neill
Kayleigh has been settling into the role of co-convenor with Chas, and trundling along with transport including plans to revive Green beef with the Sheriffhall scheme.
Steve Burgess
Steve put a proposal for divestment from companies supporting the Israeli military to the Lothian Pension Fund but very sadly it was defeated 4 votes to 2 with one abstention.
Susan Rae
Susan held meetings with union reps from the Black Cab trade and Living Rent in preparation for work after recess, concentrating on new portfolio work.
Committee updates
Committee updates and other things to look out for in the coming month.
Council will be in recess during July, with licensing meetings taking place but no executive committees or full council meetings.
There are some interesting council consultations which are open for feedback during July and which members may wish to respond to:
- Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh (closes 22 July)
- The council is currently reviewing the provision of polling districts and polling places serving elections within Edinburgh (closes 18 July)
- The council would like to hear from communities about areas that are being considered for firework control zones (FCZ) this November (closes 28 July)
- The council is looking for your views on our actions to end poverty in Edinburgh (closes 31 July)
- The council is currently developing a plan to set out its priority Community Wealth Building actions (closes 26 September)
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work
At their additional committee meeting in June, Ben and Claire had some big wins in:
- defeating Conservative/Liberal Democrat positions to (once again) try to water down the rights of homeless people to present at any local authority for help
- pushing for greater action to radically reduce the number of second homes in the city and
- signing off for a community wealth building pilot to improve greenspace in council housing estates – something Ben has been working on for 2 years!
Transport & Environment
TEC-ers will be looking at the next stage of George Street’s regeneration and continuing our work on improving the safety and lives of delivery cyclists who work across our city.
Culture & Communities
New Park Management rules will come to the committee in the autumn.
Health & Social Care
The final decision on mental health cuts will be made in August. Alys has been busy meeting organisations affected and hopes to challenge these cuts but it will be very difficult to get support for this among other board members given the overall funding situation for health and social care.