Rightly, attention has been focused on our incredible Holyrood campaign and the four MSPs that were elected, include our own councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neil.
However, Green councillors have been combining campaigning and then celebrating our result with their work to make Edinburgh greener and fairer. From speaking out on the scandal of legal mistakes leading to the removal of traffic calming measures, to providing more money for community projects in poorer areas of the city, Greens continue to push the council to take radical action on the climate, nature and cost-of-living crises impacting Edinburgh.
We have also seen some changes in roles within the group, with Alys and Ben taking from Kayleigh and Chas, and they thank them for their incredible work convening the group in recent years.
Councillor highlights from the month
Asked to pick one highlight from the month, our councillors chose:
Alex Staniforth
At full council Alex proposed a motion to argue that deputations to late reports should be heard even if the maximum number of 6 deputations had been reached. A report on it will come for decision at next full council.
Alys Mumford
Alys has been meeting with residents concerned about fly tipping and the impact it is having on attracting rats into their homes. By being able to arrange meetings with both the waste teams and the biodiversity (rather than pest control) teams at the Council we have a plan to keep everyone happy by clearing the area sensitively and encouraging the rats to live by the river instead.
Ben Parker
At Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee this month, Ben raised concerns reported from partner organisations about the inadequate provisions which were in place for Ramadan in temporary accommodation across the city. Now the Council is investigating where there have been problems and reporting back to Councillors in due course.
Chas Booth
At Full Council, Chas pressed the Council Leader on errors in the legal processes around active travel measures which have led to three modal filters being ripped out of the Greenbank – Meadows Quiet Route, and may lead to the complete restarting of the Meadows – George Street route. The council leader’s response did not inspire confidence that processes will be addressed, so Green councillors will continue to press this.
Claire Miller
Working with Dan and Steve on the Culture and Communities Committee, Claire won support for officers to work on a costed proposal, using Tourist Tax funds, to re-open walking routes around the Castle in her ward, which have been closed due to the danger of rockfall. These are important through routes between Johnston Terrace/King’s Stables and Princes Street as well as being appreciated by tourists.
Dan Heap
Dan overturned a decision to allocate Tourist Tax money to each ward for participatory budgeting on an equal basis. Instead, Dan’s proposal to weight allocations by levels of poverty passed, resulting in an approximately £80,000 transfer of funds over three years from the richest to the poorer parts of the city.
Jule Bandel
Jule is taking some time off.
Steve Burgess
Through the Pensions Committee, Steve has secured a working group on oil and gas divestment, which will meet for the first time at the start of June.
Kayleigh O’Neill
In case you missed it, Kayleigh was elected an MSP! She is remaining as councillor for the rest of the council term, however, and will continue to fulfil her duties to constituents in Forth ward. At May Full Council, Kayleigh’s motion on implementing a gender-sensitive audit of the way council decision-making works. This is meant to ensure the council’s processes ensure female councillor, staff and residents are able to participate in decision-making. Officers will report back in December on how this can be implemented.
Susan Rae
Susan Rae has been drawing attention to concerns with how the council is procuring Bleed Kits. These help first responders to stem bleeding when someone has been injured with sharp objects, and the council is purchasing these because of a campaign supported by Susan from Lisa Petrie in memory of her son John McNab, who sadly passed away after being attacked. Susan has brought to the council concerns that kits being proposed for purchase are not those recommended by the campaign.
Green-aligned independent councillor Ross McKenzie highlights from the month
Asked to pick one highlight from the month, Ross chose:
Ross was delighted to be appointed to Housing, Homelessness & Fair Work Committee and Transport & Environment Committee. Ross has been concerned for some time that Housing-owned land in Edinburgh receives inadequate attention from environmental services such as waste and cleansing and he intends to pursue this issue across both committees.
Green councillors in the news
This month Green councillors have been in the news:
- Chas Booth used the regular Green councillor column to celebrate our historic win in Edinburgh Central and reflect on the opportunities our four MSPs have to make Edinburgh greener and fairer
- New leaders for Edinburgh Greens ahead of local elections | The Herald
Committee updates
Committee updates and other things to look out for in the coming month.
Policy and Sustainability
Council officers have responded to a petition to move the Council to 100% plant-based menus and their report is being brought to committee on the 26th. The recommendation is to reject it, but Greens have an amendment in. Watch this space…
Equalities
Claire gained cross party support for a motion at full council which called for the council to mark the 10-year anniversary of Jo Cox through a “Great Get Together” event and to explore creation of a civility charter for councillors in Edinburgh.
Culture and Communities Committee
A meeting in early June will be asked to approve a record 15 Firework Control Zones. Green councillor Dan Heap has been instrumental in introducing FCZs. The meeting will also decide on whether to proceed further with Dan’s plans to open up shared private gardens, such as Queen Street Gardens, to public access.