ITEMNo SbI + EDI NBVRG H+ THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Committee: Minutes
The City of Edinburgh Council Year 2009/2010 Meeting 6 - Thursday 17 September 2009 Edinburgh, 17 September 2009 - At a meeting of The City of Edinburgh Council.
Present:- LORD PROVOST The Right Honourable George Grubb COUNCILLORS Elaine Aitken Alison Johnstone Ewan Aitken Colin Keir Robert C-Aldridge Louise Lang Jeremy R Balfour Jim Lowrie Eric Barry Gordon Mackenzie David Beckett Kate MacKenzie Angela Blacklock Marilyne A MacLaren Mike Bridgman Mark Mclnnes Deidre Brock Stuart Roy Mclvor Gordon Buchan Tim McKay Tom Buchanan Eric Milligan Steve Burgess Elaine Morris Andrew Burns Joanna Mowat Ronald Cairns Rob Munn Steve Cardownie Gordon J Munro Maggie Chapman Ian Murray Maureen M Child Alastair Paisley Joanna Coleman Gary Peacock Jennifer A Dawe Ian Perry Charles Dundas Cameron Rose Cammy Day Jason G Rust Paul G Edie Conor Snowden Nick Elliott-Cannon Marjorie Thomas Paul Godzik Stefan Tymkewycz Norma Hart Phil Wheeler Stephen Hawkins lain Whyte Ricky Henderson Donald Wilson Lesley Hinds Norrie Work Allan G Jackson 2
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
1 Urban Design
Sir Terry Farrell addressed the Council on the final day of his tenure as Edinburgh’s Design Champion, a post he had held since 2004. Edinburgh was a truly extraordinary place and during his time as Design Champion he had concentrated on place making actiuities and pro-active planning. He asked the Council not to be complacent about Edinburgh’s assets but to learn from other similar cities. He referred to the successful Urban Design Conference held in Edinburgh in May which had attracted leaders from four major British cities. He suggested that the Council should not just maintain the city’s assets but consider where they could go in the future and make something of them.
In order to do this he asked the Council to establish an urban design unit and to develop a City Making Forum which included both public and private sector representatives. He highlighted the 12 challenges for Edinburgh which he had presented to the Council in 2008 and particularly mentioned t\ivo major challenges - the Waterfront and Princes Street.
Finally he thanked those Council officers who had worked with him, wished the city well and indicated that he would be willing to help the city in another capacity in the future.
2 Questions
Questions put by members to this meeting, written answers and supplementary questions and answers are contained in the Appendix to this minute.
3 Minutes - Decision
To approve the minutes of the Special and Ordinary meetings of the Council of 20 August 2008 as correct records.
4 Edinburgh Prison Visiting Committee - Appointment
The Council was invited make an appointment to the Edinburgh Prison Visiting Committee following the resignation of Councillor Tymkewycz. 3
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Decision
To fill the vacancy from the specified reserve candidates.
(References - Act of Council No 29 of 28 June 2007; report no CEC/49/09- 1O/CS by the Director of Corporate Services, submitted.)
5 Leader’s Report
The Leader presented her report to the Council. The Leader commented on:
0 The Edinburgh Inspiring Capital entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 0 Signing of the second Single Outcome Agreement
The following issues were raised on the report:
Councillor Burns - Brian Harris and Mary McGookin - appreciation - Death of Ernest Levy - Refuse collection dispute - update on progress - meetings with Trade Union
Councillor Child - Single Outcome Agreement - air quality targets
Councillor Ewan Aitken - Arts and Learning Manager - filling of post
Councillor Whyte - Refuse collection dispute - resolution - tendering of service
Councillor Buchan - Tram project - use of greenways by private hire cars during construction
Councillor Balfour - Consultation on school estate rationalisation - timescale for response to questions from Parent Councils
Councillor Burgess - Redesign of Community Learning and Development Service - consultation with Community Centre Management Committees 4
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Councillor Munro - Single Outcome Agreement - affordable housing target
Councillor Day - Role of Community Learning and Developmen t workers
Councillor Mclvor ~ - Barony Place community garden
(Reference - report no CEC/61/09-1O/L by the Leader, submitted.)
6 Revenue Monitoring 2008109 - Outturn
The Finance and Resources Committee had referred to the Council ' recommendations arising from the outturn position of the Council's 2008/09 revenue budget
Decision
1) To approve the recommendations in paragraph 3.22 of the repdrt by the Director of Finance, returning 50% of qualifying underspends to departments that returned an underspend in 2008/09, setting the remaining 50% aside in earmarked balances and writing off the overspends in the Departments of Children and Families and City Development.
2) To transfer f0.418m from the unallocated General Fund balance to the Devolved School Management earmarked balance.
(References - Finance and Resources Committee 25 August 2009 (item 2); report no CEC/50/09-1O/FARC by the Finance and Resources Committee, submitted).
7 Work Style Transformation
The Finance and Resources Committee had recommended that the Council allocate money from the Spend to Save Fund to progress Phase 1 of a strategic Workstyle Programme within the context of Achieving Excellence 2. 5
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Decision
To allocate f 170,000 from the Spend to Save Fund to take forward Phase 1 of the Workstyle Programme.
(References - Finance and Resources Committee 25 August 2009 (item 20); report no CECI51IO9-1 O/FARC by the Finance and Resources Committee, submitted .)
8 Information Security Update
The Finance and Resources Committee had recommended that the Council allocate BT Efficiency Fund resources to progress the Council’s Information Security Strategy.
Decision
To release E458,000 from the BT Efficiency Fund to take forward the Information Security Strategy.
(References - Finance and Resources Committee 25 August 2009,(item 21 ); report no CEC/52/09-1O/FARC by the Finance and Resources Committee, submitted .)
9 Chief Executive’s Annual Report 2008/09
The Chief Executive’s Annual Report for 2008/09 was presented. The Council’s achievements over the year were listed together with challenges for 2009/10.
Decision
To note the Chief Executive’s Annual Report for 2008/09.
(Reference - report no CEC/53/09-1O/CE by the Chief Executive, submitted.)
10 Council Single Outcome Agreement 2008-1I - Annual Report on Progress
An annual update was provided on progress towards the delivery of the Council’s Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) for subsequent submission to the Scottish Government. 6
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Motion
1) To note the progress made towards the delivery of the Council’s Local Outcomes as outlined in the report by the Director of Corporate Services.
2) To submit the progress report to the Scottish Government.
3) To note that
(a) in future, the Council would consider an annual SOA monitoring report in August each year covering the progress made in the previous financial year; and
(b) a six-month progress report would be available for consideration in January/February 2010 on the new Edinburgh Partnership SOA 2009-12.
- moved by Councillor Dawe, seconded by Councillor Cardownie (on behalf of the Administration).
Amendment
1) To note that on 26 June 2008 the Single Outcome Agreement for 2008-1 1 was approved at full Council on the ‘casting vote’ of the Lord Provost.
2) To note further that the opposition amendment, moved by Councillor Burns and seconded by Councillor Whyte, on 26 June 2008 indicated:
0 that the concordat, signed by COSLA, did not have the confidence or assent of this Council and that thk Council had not been consulted on its content before it had been signed; 0 that the SOA framework fundamentally shifted the balance of local authority accountability towards central government and away from loca I electorates; 0 that the Administration had the right to negotiate its own SOA but that this would only ever reflect the wishes of half of the elected members on the Council and that, as such, the requirements of opposition parties had not been met; that the SOA, as constituted, undermined the fundamental independence of this local authority; that the SOA, as constituted, committed this local authority to a significant number of unfunded proposals and should thus be rejected as unacceptable.
3) To agree that these serious democratic concerns remained entirely valid. 7
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4) To note further:
0 the huge bureaucracy involved in completing this Annual Report and in the ongoing monitoring of this authority’s 68 local outcomes; the fact that only 33 of these 68 outcomes (less than 49%) were ‘on schedule or completed’; 0 the fact that NO1 1-LO51 indicates local communities now feel LESS able to influence decisions that affect their neighbourhood; 0 the fact that NO15-LO67 indicates that people’s perceptions of the quality and responsiveness of public services in Edinburgh were WORSEN ING; 0 that the SLDlSNP Administration had failed to set out adequately a vision for the future of public services in the city or a strategy to implement any such vision or, indeed, the outcomes in the SOA.
5) Thus to submit only Appendices 1 and 2 of this report to the Scottish Government along with this Opposition Amendment.
- moved by Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor Henderson (on behalf of the Labour Group).
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion - 29 votes For the amendment - 29 votes
There being an equal number of votes for the motion and the amendment, the Lord Provost used his casting vote in favour of the motion.
Decision
To approve the motion by Councillor Dawe.
(References - Act of Council No 20 of 26 June 2008; report no CEC/54/09- 1O/CS by the Director of Corporate Services, submitted.)
I1 Design Activity
An outline of the future of the City Design Champion role and a review of the progress of the Design Initiative were provided together with proposals to take forward design activities within the Council. 8
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Motion
1) To express the Council’s gratitude to Sir Terry Farrell.
2) To support the continued work of the design Initiative as outlined in the report by the Director of City Development.
3) To note that additional resources might be required and that this should be considered during the budget setting process.
- moved by Councillor Lowrie, seconded by Councillor Thomas (on behalf of the Administration).
Amendment
To call for a report to the Planning Committee to examine the possibility of appointing a further Design Champion to be a “critical friend” to the City of Edinburgh. This report should consider the process of appointment and selection and whether an appointment could be made on a pro bono basis.
2) To call for a report detailing the timescale for the appointment of the City Making Board and its membership.
- moved by Councillor Mowat (on behalf of the Conservative Group), seconded by Councillor Hinds (on behalf of the Labour Group).
The mover of the motion, with the consent of his seconder and the mover and seconder of the amendment, accepted paragraph 2 of the amendment as an addendum to his motion.
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion (as adjusted) - 29 votes For the amendment - 29 votes
There being an equal number of votes for the motion and the amendment, the Lord Provost used his casting vote in favour of the motion.
Decision
To approve the motion (as adjusted) by Councillor Lowrie.
(References - Act of Council No 1 of 29 May 2008; report no CEC/55/09-1O/CD by the Director of City Development, submitted.) 9
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12 Portobello Community Centre and Library
In response to a motion by Councillor Child, the results were provided of a feasibility study into the re-provision of Portobello Community Centre and Portobello Library in conjunction with affordable rented housing for elderly people.
Motion
1) To agree that no further action be taken on these proposals.
2) To discharge the motion by Councillor Child. - moved by Councillor MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Brock (on behalf of the Administration).
Amendment
1) To note the contents of the report by the Director of City Development.
2) Not to agree the recommendations in the Director’s report.
3) To take the report into consideration in the roll forward of the Capital Programme.
4) To hold further discussion with the Portobello/Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership and community groups about future community centre provision for Portobello
- moved by Councillor Child, seconded by Councillor Godzik (on behalf of the Labo ur Group).
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion - 40 votes For the amendment - 18 votes
Decision
To approve the motion by Councillor MacLaren.
(References - Act of Council No 25 of 13 March 2008; report no CEC/56/09- 1O/CD by the Director of City Development, submitted.) 10
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13 First Periodic Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries
Further proposals made by the Boundary Commission to revise the boundaries for the Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies and the Lothian Scottish Parliament Region were detailed.
Decision
To note the revised boundaries and consultation arrangements.
(References Act of Council No 19 of 28 May 2009; report no CEC/57/09- 1O/CE by the Chief Executive, submitted.)
14 Review of Standing Orders
Approval was sought for refreshed consolidated Standing Orders.
Motion
1) To approve the draft consolidated Standing Orders attached at Appendix 1 to the report by the Director of Corporate Services with immediate effect.
2) To further modify the Standing Orders by substitution of “Head of Legal and Administrative Services” for “Council Secretary” wherever it appeared in Standing Orders and other procedural documents with effect from the date the postholder took up the appointment.
3) To designate the Head of Legal and Administrative Services as “proper officer” for the statutory purposes listed in paragraph 6 of the Director’s report from the same date.
- moved by Councillor Dawe, seconded by Councillor Brock (on behalf of the Ad ministration).
Amendment
1) To note the historic role of the Lord Provost and their role in chairing meetings of the city council.
2) To agree that the introduction of time limits with traffic light systems had diminished that role. 11
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3) To agree that 'the authority of the Lord Provost should be preserved and, as such, the ability to direct time allocated during the meeting of the Council should be the preserve of the Lord Provost. Therefore, to reject changes to SO 55(6) and SO 25(9).
- moved by Councillor Godzik, seconded by Councillor Hinds (on behalf of the Labour Group).
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion - 43 votes For the amendment - 15 votes
Decision
To approve the motion by Councillor Dawe.
(References - Act of Council No 21 of 26 June 2008; report no CEC/58/09- 1O/CS by the Director of Corporate Services, submitted.)
15 Public Petitions Process
Consideration had been given to whether the Council's current arrangements for handling public petitions, deputations and other forms of democratic engagement could be enhanced, with reference to both the Committee system of governance and the Neighbourhood Partnership arrangements.
Motion
To note the report by the Director of Corporate Services.
- moved by Councillor Dawe, seconded by Councillor Brock (on behalf of the Ad ministration).
Amendment
1) To note the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee report which encouraged "the introduction by local councils of locally based public petitioning processes" and especially the success of the Parliament's e- petition system in widening access to the parliamentary process.
2) To note further the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill,u currently being considered in Westminster, which sought to secure greater involvement of people in the workings and 12
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decision-making processes of local public authorities and "ensure that councils respond to petitions and can consider other matters raised by citizens in their area". 3) To agree that local authorities could improve in terms of "openness and accountability" and to note the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto pledge in this regard.
4) To agree that a public petitions process would indeed "encourage participation, address inequality and provide a more approachable and more relevant local government".
5) To call for a petitions process to be trialled in the City.
- moved by Council Godzik, seconded by Councillor Ewan Aitken (on behalf of the Labour Group).
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion - 40 votes For the amendment - 18 votes
Decision
To approve the motion by Councillor Dawe.
(References - Act of Council No 14 of 25 June 2009; report no CEC/59/09- 1O/CS by the Director of Corporate Services, submitted.)
16 Treasury Management: Annual Report 2008/09 and Update on 2009/10
Details of the performance of the Council's Treasury function were provided.
Decision
1) To note the Annual Report on Treasury Management for 2008/09.
2) To note the progress with the 2009/10 Strategy.
3) To remit this report to the Finance and Resources Committee for their scrutiny.
(Reference - report no CEC/60/09-1O/F by the Director of Finance, swbmitted.) 13
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17 Civil Contingencies Planning - Motion by Councillor Dawe
The following motion by Councillor Dawe was submitted in terms of Standing Order 28:
“That Council instructs the Chief Executive to give specific consideration to Audit Scotland’s ‘Improving Civil Contingencies Planning’ Report (August 2009) when presenting his annual report on ‘Emergency Ptanning & Business Continuity Management’. * The Chief Executive’s report should reference the general findings of Audit Scotland’s study and describe how best The City of Edinburgh Council can address the key recommendations and fulfil its responsibilities for improving resilience through partnership working.”
Decision
To approve the motion by Councillor Dawe.
18 The French Institute - Threatened Closure - Motion by Councillor Hinds
The following motion by Councillor Hinds was submitted in terms of Standing Order 28:
“This Council welcomes the long established strong link between Scotland and France. For over 60 years The French Institute, based in Edinburgh, has promoted exchanges and cultural dialogue between the people of France and Scotland, nurturing the living ties of the Franco-Scottish alliance. Council therefore notes with concern the threatened closure of the Institute in its present form. Council resolves to write to the French Government to request the continuation of the range of cultural experiences currently offered by the French
Institute in Edin bu rg h .I’
Motion
To approve the motion.
- moved by Councillor Hinds, seconded by Councillor Perry (on behalf of the Labour Group).
Amendment
1) To agree the spirit of the motion and the desire to retain and enhance the range of cultural experiences currently offered by the French Institute in Ed inburgh. 14
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2) Given that the latest information from the French Consulate gave grounds for optimism, to agree that it would be inappropriate to write to the French Government at this juncture but to reserve the right to do so should the position alter significantly.
3) To note that the French Consul-General had agreed to keep the Administration apprised of developments.
- moved by Councillor Brock, seconded by Councillor Hawkins (on behalf of the Ad ministration)
Voting
The voting was as follows:
For the motion - 29 votes For the amendment - 29 votes
There being an equal number of votes for the motion and the amendment, the Lord Provost used his casting vote in favour of the amendment.
Decision
To approve the amendment by Councillor Brock.
19 1O:lO Campaign - Motion by Councillor Child
The following motion by Councillor Child was submitted in terms of Standing Order 28:
“Council welcomes the launch of the 1O:lO campaign (www.101Ouk.orq), which seeks a commitment to a 10% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of 2010.
Council notes that Ed Miliband MP, David Cameron MP and Nick Clegg MP have all offered their support to the campaign. Nine Local Authorities have also signed-up to the campaign:
Greenwich, Hackney, Islington, Richmond, Oxford, Slough, West Sussex, Stroud, Eastleigh, and Kirklees.
Council agrees that Edinburgh should formally sign-up to the 1O:lO campaign.” 15
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Decision
1) To note that a report on the Council’s Carbon Reduction Programme would be considered by the Policy and Strategy Committee in October 2009.
2) To consider membership of the 1O:lO Campaign as part of that report.
20 Direct Payments - Motion by Councillor Ewan Aitken
The following motion by Councillor Ewan Aitken was submitted in terms of Standing Order 28:
“Council notes:
0 The significant increase in the number of people applying for direct payments following the home care tender process;
0 The experience of some applicants of a slow turn round and in some cases allegedly being told that their approved payments were being withheld.
Council calls for a full and detailed report within 3 cycles on the situation regarding direct payments to include:
0 A tracking of increases in applications over the last 2 years and an assessment of the reasons for significant changes in application rates;
0 An analysis of completion timescales over the last 2 years with an assessment of reasons for any delays (eg limitations caused by lack of capacity);
0 A review of all reasons for any payments being withheld, in particular from individuals whose applications have been approved;
0 The reasons for the introduction of the “Direct Payments Review for tendering exercise’’ form and its connections to the tendering for home care process;
0 Connections to the delivery of services from agencies, eg introduction of fixed or average payment rates;
0 An indication of what consultations have taken place with service users and providers on changes introduced to the direct payments process; 16
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What support, if any, is available for those who move to direct payments, on issues such’as employment, training, insurance etc and the costs of that support.”
The Lord Provost remitted the motion to the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee in terms of Standing Order 28(3), subject to competency. 17
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Appendix (As referred to in Act of Council No of 17 September 2009)
QUESTION NO 1 By Councillor Buchan answered by the Lord Provost
Question Within the last 9 months, how many opposition Councillor motions have been remitted to other committees of the Council compared to those promoted by Administration CounciI lo rs?
Answer Standing Orders 28 and 29 cover the submission of motions to the Council and its Committees. Standing Order 28(3) allows the Lord Provost to direct that a motion submitted to the Council be remitted to the appropriate Committee if, in his opinion, that motion falls within the remit of that Committee.
Since December 2008,65 motions have been submitted for consideration by the Council - 10 from Administration members and 55 from opposition members. 17 motions from opposition members have been remitted to the appropriate Committee. The rest of the motions have been considered by the full Council.
Supplementary Can I thank the Lord Provost for the motions that have Question been remitted? Could I just ask just briefly for the reasons for remitting some of these maybe non confrontational motions to various Committees?
Supplementary Thank you for your question. The criteria for moving a Answer motion toeaCommittee is taken on each individual motion and whether it will result in more information and generate debate at Committee, bearing in mind the relevant officers are present. You will have nQticed, I assume, that out of the ten Administration motions, seven of the motions were either congratulations to organisations on various achievements or expressions of sympathy which received unanimous backing of the Council. 18
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QUESTION NO 2 3y Councillor Buchan answered by :he Convener of the Transport, nfras tructu re and Environment :om mittee
Question (I) What is the take up of the chargeable denesting service over the past three years?
Answer (I) Fifteen sites have been denested in the last three years. All buildings owned by the Council where nesting gulls are present are cleared and the relevant department is invoiced for the work.
Question (2) Has there been a survey of nesting gulls in the city and if so, what conclusions were drawn from this study on how to deal with the nuisance issues associated with these a nima Is?
Answer (2) No. To carry out a comprehensive city wide survey would be very complex and could only be achieved at disproportionate cost.
Question (3) What proactive steps is the Council Administration taking to tackle the issues of seagulls in Edinburgh?
Answer (3) The Council's pest control section advise owners in areas where complaints are received of their responsibility to clear nests from their property and of how this can be done.
Proposals to containerise significant areas in the city centre are to be considered by the Transport, Infrastructure & Environment Committee on 22 September. This initiative, along with night time refuse collection of refuse during the tram works allied to the tough stance adopted by the Environmental Wardens to badly presented trade waste, should have a significant impact on the gull problem in the city. 19
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In addition we are awaiting the outcome of a pilot project being carried out by Dumfries & Galloway Council in collaboration with Dr John Coulson (a recognised expert on gulls), the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage to tackle gulls in Dumfries.
Question (4) What steps will the Convener introduce to denest complete streets rather than single buildings?
Answer (4) See Answer 2 above. In addition, as the Council has no mandate to access roofs of private property this task would not be feasible or financially sustainable.
Question (5) Will the Convener consider setting up a working party with community councils that are affected by this issue to identify measures in which the issue can be tackled effectively and using a multi-agency approach?
Answer (5) I shall give sustained and proper consideration to the outcome of the Dumfries & Galloway pilot before determining the most appropriate means for addressing this issue. 20
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QUESTION NO 3 By Councillor Blacklock answered by the Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee
Question (1) How many housing support complex needs hours were being provided before the tendering of the homelessness service?
Answer (1) 2,986 hours per week of housing support was commissioned for 2008-09.
Question (2) How many housing support complex needs hours are being provided now?
Answer (2) We have the capacity to provide up to 3,438 hours.
Supplementary It is just the same question. You have not answered my Question original question. How many hours are being provided per week, per month anything just any information to answer the question.
Supplementary The question is how many hours of complex needs and Answer supports were being provided before the tendering service. I have given you that answer 2,986. How marry hours of complex needs are being provided now, I have given you an answer 3,438. Before tendering 2,900 plus after tendering 3,400 plus. So we have increased it substantially the amount of hours and capacity that has been there. So the tendering process has been a win for the service user because they are getting a better quality of service, a win for the Council because we are getting efficiencies and, crucially, a win for those that in the past we have not been able to afford to provide a service for. I think that this is a triumph for this Administration and you should be up here congratulating me. 21
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QUESTION NO 4 By Councillor Burns answered by the Leader of the Council
Question Several recent reports, and Council statements, have indicated a target-date of April 201 0 for the final implementation of 'Single Status' within the City of Edinburgh Council. Can you confirm if it is still the Council's intention to have 'Single Status' fully in place by April 2010 and, if not, what the target-date now is?
Answer The implementation of Single Status is a complex issue requiring both a negotiated and technological solution. The Council has recently recruited a new Programme
I Director to shape and lead the implementation phase of Modernising Pay (which incorporates Single Status). The Work Programme is currently being scoped - a significant task given the scale and complexity. A better understanding of the work involved and indicative dates for implementation will be available once the scoping stage completes in November 2009. Every effort is being made to deliver Modernising Pay in the shortest possible timescales.
Supplementary I know that it is the intention that the scoping stage is Question completed in November 2009. I wonder if I could ask the Council Leader when it is the Administration's intention to report the outcome of the scoping stage to full Council and is it the Administration's intention still to aim to have the whole modernisation pay process finished by April 201O? So when is it coming back to Council and is the target still April 2010?
Supplementary I cannot give you an exact date but it certainly will have to Answer come back to this body and obviously it is our aim to, have it done by April 2010 but as your Administration very well knows it is a hugely complex matter and we inherited the fact that this had not been sorted out. We are doing our best to get it sorted out as quickly as possible but I am sure you will agree with me if it had been easy I am sure your Administration would have done it and not left us having to pick up the pieces and deal with it now. 22
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QUESTION NO 5 By Councillor Day answered by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee
Question (1) What is the total cost to this authority of running the Stepping Stones for Young Parents Project? Please provide this information to show staffing and running costs separately.
Answer (1) Stepping Stones - f 184,324, including f129,OOO for staffing.
Question (2) What is the total cost to this authority of running the Granton Children’s Centre? Please provide this information to show staffing and running costs separately.
Answer (2) Granton C&F Centre - f303’211 including f274,469 for staffing.
Question (3) What work has been done since September 2008 to ensure that the Stepping Stones for Young Parents Project premises have been kept wind and water tight?
Question (4) What work has been done since September 2008 to ensure that the Granton Children’s Centre premises have been kept wind and water tight?
Answers (3) It is not possible to fully extract the work for Stepping (4) Stones as Stepping Stones operates from premises within Granton Children’s Centre.
Any works undertaken are carried out under a property finance code for the Granton Children’s Centre.
Many of the works undertaken were for cyclical maintenance and performance contracts and were implemented throughout the whole property during the period September 2008 to date. 23
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Specific'works to keep the premises wind and watertight cornp rise:
Metal door repair to Stepping Stones door Clearing kitchen drain blockages Clearing grounds drain blockages One roof leak repair in the centre Vandalised window glazing replacements on two occasions One external door repair Door entry system repair Reglazing the front door. 24
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QUESTION NO 6 By Councillor Day answered by the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee
Question What was the total number of hours worked by private cleaning contractors for the Gathering Weekend event and over the Festivals period and what budget heading was this paid from?
Answer Full details on this and other information asked for in previous Council Questions will be included in a comprehensive report following resolution of the dispute.
Supplementary Can you confirm that the costs of providing the private Question contractors far outweighs the savings made during this ongoing dispute.
Supplementary As stated Lord Provost full details of the whole matter will Answer be dealt with in a comprehensive report following resolution of the dispute. Meantime I’m afraid there is no information being made available. 25
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QUESTION NO 7 By Councillor Ewan Aitken answered by the Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee
Question (I) As the Convener is aware, there is all-party support for Direct Payments. Given the volume of applications for Direct Payments:
0 what is the timescale for processing and approving applications? 0 how will the award of packages in the Care and Support tender be affected?
Answer (1) Direct Payments Applications are processed as quickly as is practically possible. Applications have increased significantly in the last three months and the process for assessment and approval is currently under review.
The number of contracts awarded will depend on the number of hours available at the time of contract award.
Question (2) Will all those who applied for a Direct Payment and are affected by the Care and Support tender receive approval prior to their existing service being tendered?
Answer (2) The existing service has already been tendered. For applications currently being processed, approval will depend on an assessment of the person’s ability to manage the direct payment and the availability of sufficient funds for the direct payment through release of funds from existing housing support block contracts.
Question (3) Since the implementation of the Care and Support tender process, how many people have been assessed or approved for Direct Payment and, of them, how many have not yet had their funds released? 26
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Answer (3) At 10 September 2009, 54 clients had been assessed and approved. A further 84 have applied and are being assessed.
Question (4) When funding for Direct Payments is released, how will that rate compare with the rate currently paid by the Council for the purchase of the person’s support service?
Question (5) Are there any plans, temporary or permanent, to introduce a fixed or average payment rate for Direct Payments relating to purchased services from an agency?
Question (6) Is it the Council’s intention to introduce a Direct Payment agency rate that is lower than the actual equivalent cost of directly purchased services from approved providers?
Answers (4) The answer to Questions 4, 5, and 6 is that the direct (5) payment rate for care and support services will be based (6) on the rate which the Council pays for commissioned services.
Question (7) Where an individual received a Direct Payment for a service that has financial contributions from both Care At Home and Supporting People, will both elements be paid at the same rate?
Answer (7) Yes.
Supplementary I just wondered.if the Convener could give me an answer Question to the last part of question 3, which does not appear to be in his answer, which is how many of those who have been assessed have not yet had their funds released. There are a number of folk who were told “your assessment is complete but we are not releasing your funds”. I wonder if you could give us that number.
Supplementary My understanding - I am 75% sure of the answer to this Answer Councillor Aitken, I need to be a 100% sure of this so I will get back to you in writing with this - my understanding was that 54 had been assessed and are getting the funds and when they get approved they get the funds but it is such a technical complex area and it is a very sensitive time so I will absolutely double check these figures and report them back to you in writing. 27
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 8 By Councillor Munro answered by the Convener of the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee
Question (1) What was the size of the Council housing stock in Edinburgh immediately before the implementation of the Right to Buy legislation?
Answer (1) On 1 January 1979, the City of Edinburgh Council owned and managed 57,935 homes.
Question (2) What is the current number of Council houses in Edinburgh?
Answer (2) As of 9 September 2009,'the City of Edinburgh Council owns and manages 21,880 homes. 28
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 9 By Councillor Hinds answered by the Leader of the Council
Question In view of the commitment by the Minister for Rural Affairs and Environment that "the element of the flooding budget that is passed to local authorities will reflect the level of flood risk that each local authority faces"and that the formula for allocation will be "agreed between local authorities, central government and COSLA ", will the Leader of the Council:
a) provide details of meetings which the Council has attended and any correspondence to settle the allocation formula.
b) state what the formula is and what proportion of available funds should come to Edinburgh.
c) state what sum has come to Edinburgh as a result of the formula discussions and whether this sum will be sufficient to allow Edinburgh to go forward on schedule with all its planned flood protection works.
Answer a) The allocation formula was derived by the Scottish Government without direct consultation with the Council. Meetings have, however, been held, and correspondence exchanged (letters from Councillor Wheeler on 21 January 2009 and Councillor Mackenzie on 20 July 2009 - replied to by Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Environment, on 18 February 2009 and 13 August 2009 respectively), with the Scottish Government to press for funding to progress the Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme and the Braid Burn Scheme.
b) The Scottish Government has advised that funds are allocated on a pro rata basis and are dependent upon the number of properties at risk in each Local Authority area. This is supplemented/adjusted dependent upon existing commitments and known projects to be progressed 29
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
The Scottish Government informed the Council that funds were included in the General Capital Grant.
The following funding has been made available for the Water of Leith and Braid Burn Flood Prevention Schemes:
2008/09 - E12.28m 2009/10 - f8.33m\ 201 0/11 - f5.77m
Allocation beyond these years is unknown.
As reported to the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee on 28 July 2009, the Council budget for the Water of Leith Scheme, taking into account the General Capital Grant, shows a shortfall of f22.7m. The report also stated that the Transport Convener had written to the Scottish Minister highlighting the financial situation and requesting the Government’s commitment to the confirmed scheme. In the event that additional funds cannot be secured the Committee unanimously agreed the recommendation that the Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme be progressed in a phased manner within the available funding.
Supplementary I am sure like myself Councillor Dawe is concerned with Question the people, particularly at the Water of Leith and the flooding. I know my constituents were expecting work to start in the Colonies area in October/November with the tender that had been accepted and now I think we were informed at the last Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee that it may well be another year this is delayed. I’m sure she is concerned every time particularly heavy rain which we appear to be having more of this year they get nervous regarding flooding. I just wanted to clarify from her understanding on (c), the Scottish Government informed the Council that funds were included in a general capital grant. What amounts were those, were they identified and does she, like myself, believe that we have not got the right number of resources from the Scottish Government to allow us to be able to start this Water of Leith Flooding Prevention Scheme? And secondly will the Administration continue to press the Scottish Government to get the right amount of money to make sure we can start this work? 30
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
Supplementary As far as I am aware the answer to your first question is Answer actually in (c). The sums of money that identified there that is the money that is being made available. We are one of nine authorities, I think, who have had substantial sums of money made available and I think from a rough look at the figures we have actually got more than other authorities have. But I absolutely agree it is work that has to be done and obviously we will be continuing to press to get whatever financial help we can do. In the meantime it makes sense to approach things in a phased manner so at least some of the work is done as quickly as possible. 31
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 10 By Councillor Child answered by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee
Question (1) Two separate reports within the papers for the Council meeting on 20 August 2009 contained contradictory information about the likely start date for the construction of -a new Castlebrae/Craigmillar High School. Can the convener please advise what the current situation actually is?
Answer (I) The report referred from the Planning Committee was prepared before the review of the future of the arms length companies was completed. That review found that, in the current economic circumstances, the construction and occupation of new houses was unlikely to proceed sufficiently quickly to justify the provision of a new school before 201 8.
Question (2) If the project is to be further delayed (as indicated in one of the reports) who made that decision, when, and with what authority?
Answer (2) The PARC business plan was predicated on the sale of land and the development of over 3,000 new homes. This would have provided both the funds and the students for the new school. As the report to the Planning Committee stated, in the current economic climate, the business case does not stack up and as a result is being revised. As reported and approved by Council on 20 August, the replacement school appears unlikely to be completed before 201g.
Question (3) Who was consulted before the decision was taken?
Answer (3) As indicated above, the decision was taken by Council.
Question (4) Why was the appointment of a permanent Head Teacher halted? 32
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
Answer Given the challenging budget situation facing the Council, together with the current level of surplus teachers, the Department has introduced a number of measures to maximise redeployment opportunities for existing employees. One of the measures put in place is to limit recruitment to internal staff in order to create further vacancies for re-deployment.
The appointment process for Castlebrae High School was stopped at the long leet stage, in order to consider whether it would be more appropriate to make an internal appointment and it was decided that internal recruitment was a viable option in this case.
Because the Department has not undertaken the full external recruitment process, the post has been filled on a temporary basis to allow a review of the position in one years ti me.
Supplementary Thank the Convener for her answers which I do find rather Question extraordinary that a throw away sentence that appears in her report to Council on arms length companies that 2018 was the earliest date the school could be delivered, and that is the sentence which I understand the Acting Chief Executive of ED1 thought was to be removed because it pre-empts a PARC Board decision on its own business plan, and that throw away phrase is all it takes for a Council decision under this Administration. I find that quite extraordinary. Likewise the decision about appointing a temporary rather than a permanent Head Teacher to Castlebrae High School. This decision was made, nobody consulted or even informed. So was the Convener herself consulted or even informed by Council officers about these two matters and if so when?
Supplementary On the question of the date for the new school, yes I have Answer been kept if you like in the communication loop. Obviously the matter is essentially a PARC matter because the new school was predicated on the development of housing and other facilities such as supermarkets in the new regeneration so it is their decision and presumably it will be in their minutes and that has nothing to do with my remit. Secondly the Director and senior officers made the decision to appoint a temporary post at Castlebrae for a year and of course they did consult me and I do support them in that decision. 33
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 11 By Councillor Henderson answered by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee
Question (1) Please provide the total number of qualified teachers employed by the Council in the primary and secondary sectors at the start of each of the following academic years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.
Answer (1) Teaching fte (full time equivalent) allocated to schools
I I Primary Ifte I Secondary I fte I Pupil Roll teachers Pupil Roll- teachers 2005/06 25648 1431 20034 1537 2006/07* 251 01 1425 19823 1462 2007/08** 24676 1432 19460 1569 I2008/09 I24541 I1412 I 19234 I 1540
* Reduction in class contact time for teachers - additional teachers allocated ** Class size reduction at PI, SI & S2 English - additional teachers allocated
NB Actual numbers of teachers employed can vary throughout the session depending on absence cover requirements etc
Question (2) With only 19 of 215 probationary teachers securing permanent employment with the Council at the start of this academic year, what assurances can the Administration offer newly qualified teachers that their skills are required in the city?
Answer (2) Newly qualified teachers can apply for vacancies that arise naturally through the course of a session. The pattern has been that the numbers of newly qualified teachers employed in Edinburgh does therefore increase as the session progresses. 34
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 12 By Councillor Henderson answered by the Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee
Question Please provide the figures for revenue expenditure in the latest year for which figures are available for the following categories:
Primary Schools Teaching staff No n-teachi ng staff 0t her costs
Secondary schools Teaching staff Non-teaching staff Other costs
Other Educational estaJishments (please indicate what these are) Teaching staff Non-teaching staff Other costs
Costs of other functions within the Education part of the Children and Families Department budget broken down by function
Answer
City of Edinburgh Council Children and Families Teaching Non-teaching Other Total Gross 2008-09 Actual Staff Costs Staff Costs Expenditure Expend Expenditure 000's 000's 000's 000's
Primary Schools 60,241 13,381 21,550 95,172 Secondary Schools 68,917 13,267 20,134 102,317
Other Educational Establishments Nursery Classes 3,079 4,004 96 7,179 Special Schools 7,541 3,780 1,485 12,806 Community Learning And Development 14 7,605 2,113 9,733 Nursery Schools 1,891 2,242 502 4,635 35
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
City of Edinburgh Council Children and Families Teaching Non-teaching Other Total Gross 2008-09 Actual Staff Costs Staff Costs Expenditure Expend Expenditure 000's 000's 000's 000's
Child & Family Centres 0 5,651 700 6,352 sub-total = 12,526 23,282 4,897 40,705
Other Functions Health &Wellbeing Provision of music, arts, health and sports both within and outside schools. The major components of this area are Instrumental Music Instructors, the Music school at Broughton High, the recreation grounds and the Sports Unit. 885 2,687 8,782 Inclusion A number of grant funded initiatives to improve access to education, particularly for underprivileged and disadvantaged children . The largest of these is the Education Maintenance Allowance scheme. Other items in this area are Clothing grants, Education Welfare Officers and the 20:20 Vision projects. 163 95 1 2,616 3,731 School Improvement Reviewing and improving schools performance. The largest part of this area is the Quality Improvement Officers. Other areas are Additional Support for Learning, Curriculum for Excellence and Information & Learning Resource Services. 1,455 690 1,347 3,492 sub-total = 2,503 6,851 6,651 16,005
Children and Families Total 144, 187 56,780 53,232 254,199
Data from C2000, excluding Central Support Costs, FRS17 and Capital Charges 36
The City of Edinburgh Council 17 September 2009
QUESTION NO 13 By Councillor Burgess answered by the Convener of the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee.
Question Will the Administration consider introducing 20mph home zones for all residential areas?
Answer This Administration is committed to introducing 20 mph speed limits in residential areas and appropriate shopping streets areas throughout the cify.
To prioritise capital budget funding, all residential areas in Edinburgh have been assessed for traffic calming. The Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee will consider a new list for 20mph zones on 24 November.
Supplementary The answer highlights the limitation placed on the Question introduction of 20 mph zones by budgetary constraints and this is largely because the current system of 20 mph zones includes introduction of speed bumps and other relatively expensive calming measures. I wonder if the Convener would consider asking the Transport Department to explore the possibility of introducing 20 mph zones in residential areas without the need for such costly traffic calming measures and that would allow more residential areas to be included?
Supplementary I thank the Councillor for the question I know that it has Answer been looked at and there has been some work done on that possibility. It is not, you will not be surprised to hear, anywhere nearly as effective as the introduction of physical measures to restrict speed. It is something I am sure will be covered in the report.
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