February is always a busy month in local government because of the dreaded ‘B’ word – budget. Here I highlight my contribution to our group’s budget proposals (that unfortunately were not taken) and other updates in my committee and party space.
Leith Connections
Earlier this month the Traffic Regulation Order sub-committee (that sits under Transport & Environment) approved making the low traffic neighbourhood in Leith permanent.
As this committee was quasi judicial I was unable to comment on the topic beforehand (which was very difficult!), however my colleague Cllr Chas Booth remained active and supportive so I can share his thoughts. Speaking to Edinburgh Reporter he said;
“I’m absolutely delighted the Leith Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) has been made permanent today. This is the right decision for Leith, and will help to lock in the traffic reductions, safer streets and cleaner air that this scheme has already delivered. Thousands of my constituents will be breathing a sigh of relief at this decision, and hundreds of kids will be able to walk, wheel and cycle to school more safely as a result.”
Transforming Mobility Workshops
I’ve been really lucky to stay involved with a transport project titled ‘Transforming Mobility’ that includes a programme of citizens’ workshops exploring disabled representation and experiences of mobility across the UK. As part of the project, last November I visited Belgium and did similar work across Ghent and Leuven which was inspiring for future development of mobility and accessibility projects back home.
This month the workshops returned to Edinburgh and officers from across Transport came to learn from disabled people and reflect on what has been learned throughout the project. I’m looking forward to continuing the improvement of accessibility of the Council and city – it can be a tiring battle when you feel like you are the only one fighting but I can feel a cultural shift in the Chambers and won’t give up.
Budget
That takes us nicely onto the topic that has been on everyone’s mind this month. BUDGET. As we always do, despite the numbers being against us, Greens worked hard to propose a fair, green and progressive budget that focuses on helping people and planet.
Within those proposals, as transport spokesperson, I had three main asks:
- Accessibility Officer – a full time post for someone to be wholly dedicated to improving the accessibility of the city by working across directorates and also assisting in the running of our Accessibility Commission.
- Delivery of the City Mobility Plan – proper resourcing for the framework that covers all means of how we move around the city – public transport, paths, crossings, decarbonising transport, reducing transport poverty and so much more.
- Support for a Circular Economy – increased funding and support to deal with our city’s recycling and waste infrastructure in a way that also benefits people’s pockets and improves our relationship with materials and objects.
Unfortunately these items were not accepted into the Administration budget that passed. This is of course disappointing but the show (and politics) must go on and I’ll push for these improvements wherever and whenever I can ahead of the next budget. You can read our group’s reflections on the Budget here.
Scottish Green Palestine Solidarity Group (PSG)
I was really honoured to be invited to a meeting of our party’s PSG to discuss how Councillors are supporting Palestinians and calling out the genocide in Gaza. We chatted about the impact that pension funds, advertising and political support can have on wider movements. I also shared information on my motion from 2023 that called for the Council and NHS Lothian to direct donatable mobility aids to volunteers that send equipment to injured Palestinians and Ukrainians.
There is a lot of work happening in the Council that is relevant to the wider pro-Palestine movement and I’m really proud to be part of a group that raises awareness and fights at every opportunity. If you are in the Scottish Greens I would totally recommend joining a meeting and see if there is a way you can get involved.