As we write this month’s update we are eagerly preparing for Full Council with some epic Green motions on the agenda.
Alys has a motion on Supporting Health and Wellbeing for People in Edinburgh which looks at public health’s impact on local services, Ben is welcoming the Scottish Government’s Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Against the State of Israel, and Claire is working with the Council Leader and other parties to show solidarity with those affected by asylum hotel protests.
A very busy meeting ahead but as you’ll come to read, it is only a sliver of what Greens have been up to in September. Lastly, Chas and I want to say that we look forward to seeing some of you at Autumn Conference in the city and as we start to get out and about for the Holyrood campaign.
Take care and thanks, Kayleigh and Chas
Councillor highlights from the month
Asked to pick one highlight from the month, our councillors chose:
Alex Staniforth
Alex worked with Alys to put forward a successful motion to Finance and Resources Committee asking council officers to find alternative funding streams for projects and groups most recently cut by the Integration Joint Board.
Alys Mumford
Alys has been continuing to work on health inequalities and successfully brought a motion to Full Council calling for officers to bring forward proposals around health and wellbeing in time for the budget in February. Next step: getting other parties to include them in their own budget proposals!
Ben Parker
This month Ben was pleased to bring forward a motion at Full Council asking the council to write to the Scottish Government and seek clarity on what Holyrood’s support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against means for council spending. Currently, it is not legal for the council to pursue a BDS policy locally, so this is about encouraging the government to change the law to make that possible – watch this space!
Chas Booth
Chas brought a proposal to Transport and Environment Committee to explore ‘commercial waste zoning’ which is a way to cut down on the number of commercial bin lorries in busy urban areas by requiring businesses to use a single waste provider. Unfortunately this was voted down, but Chas is continuing to pursue the feasibility with council officers.
Claire Miller
In the city centre ward, Claire is gearing up for a public consultation on a ‘safer drug consumption facility’ in early 2026. Proposals are at a very early stage, with options being considered at the Cowgate or Spittal Street. It will be extremely important that all communities affected, including those who use drugs and those who live and work in these neighbourhoods, are fully engaged in the process to create this important new facility that aims to reduce the tragic rate of drug deaths in Edinburgh.
Dan Heap
Early in the month, Dan visited organisations operating out of Gate 55 in Sighthill to understand better the challenges they are facing in making good use of this important community facility. At Full Council, he had questions to probe progress in air pollution monitoring during the winter festivals; firework control zones, and trialling the Leith Chooses model of Participatory Budgeting in a new area of the city.
Jule Bandel
Jule is unwell and taking time off from council business.
Kayleigh O’Neill
Kayleigh attended a public meeting at Ps&Gs which looked at how the Christian community can work together and tackle the hatred and racism that is brewing in our communities. She looks forward to continuing outreach and work that helps new Scots feel truly safe and welcome in our city.
Steve Burgess
Steve is continuing to liaise with Edinburgh & Lothian’s Greenspace Trust on the new community growing garden at Prestonfield former bowling Green. A recent, first community event, a ‘Bat Walk’, was a success and South East Edinburgh Greens’ volunteers will be leafleting homes in the area to invite more local people to get involved in bringing forward a design that includes raised-beds and an orchard.
Susan Rae
Susan hosted the first meeting between the management of the council’s Licencing department, Green councillors and Living Rent with a view to finding a path to working together on mutual goals – specifically rogue landlords.
Committee updates
Committee updates and other things to look out for in the coming month.
Finance and Resources
After pushing on this for many months, we got agreement at the last F&R committee to bring front of house security staff in City Chambers, the Customer Hub and Waverley Court into council employment from the outsourced contractor. This is a great example of our influence being good for workers’ rights.
Transport and Environment
Some good wins this month at TEC! Kayleigh passed addendums on improving communications around Edinburgh’s Taxicard Scheme that looked at getting more disabled people onto public transport and for Changing Places information to be clearer for interested ward members. Chas worked on the council’s review of parking, trade waste, reducing car use and City Mobility Plan capital investment.
Planning
The deadline for Local Place Plans has been extended to June 2026 – any constituted community group can produce one and they can be as basic or as detailed as you like. These plans will be incorporated in the City Plan 2040, and you can find out more here: Local Place Plan – The City of Edinburgh Council
Equalities
Claire worked cross-party with the Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat groups to bring forward a joint motion at Full Council condemning the violent protests that have been taking place outside hotels where asylum seekers are staying. Thankfully this hasn’t happened in Edinburgh but we do house a number of asylum seekers in hotel temporary accommodation so it is a very real risk, so we felt it important to send a strong message through this cross-party work to asylum seekers and others affected that they are safe and welcome here.