Item no 7.1

THE CITY OF COUNCIL

Leader's Report

City of Edinburgh Council 25 June 2009

Edinburgh Loses out on over fl02million Business Rates Income Edinburgh has generated over f 102 million for the rest of the country through its contribution to the Business rates pool in 2008/09from the f280 million collected from businesses within the city. Edinburgh is, by far, the place that contributes most to the monies spent across the country. Edinburgh has delivered over f 1 billion to the rest of over the last 12 years.

During a recession, more than ever, priority must be given to wealth creation. For Scotland's future prosperity we must reward, rather than penalise, economic growth. lncentivising success, by allowing Edinburgh to reinvest the increased wealth it creates, would enable the city to continuously improve and to attract inward investment and encourage business.

I look forward to our discussions with The Scottish Government on how Edinburgh's progress can best be supported and sustained for the good of all of Scotland.

Protecting and Promoting the City

Partnership Workinq

Since the banking crisis hit the headlines, the Convener of Economic Development and I, together or separately, have had many meetings with all the main financial sector employees in Edinburgh. We have been encouraged by how constructive these meetings have been.

On behalf of the Council, we have stressed that we are keen to ensure that Edinburgh's reputation is not permanently damaged by what has been happening in the banking world; that HQ functions should be retained in Edinburgh; and that every effort should be made to minimise job losses in the Edinburgh city region.

The transparency and openness of these discussions led to us holding a meeting in mid-June attended by key players from the banks and ancillary financial sector organisations, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland, Stevenson College, Scottish Financial Enterprise and the Council.

1 The purpose of the meeting was to see how we could all work together to face the challenges of the recession and counter its effects on individuals and businesses. Information was shared about the Council-led Economic Action Resilience Network (EARN) which will see us work with partners to builder a stronger economy, and on the Scottish Government initiated Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) which provides a rapid response to the announcement of major redundancies.

It was agreed by all who attended that a comprehensive range of services and initiatives have been put in place to support those employees who face redundancy, not only in the finance sector but across the city. Although these are undoubtedly difficult times, we are confident that through working closely with our partners we can help people make the choices that are right for them as they seek to re-enter the workforce. Together we can limit the impact of the recession and build solid foundations for Edinburgh’s future success.

Festival of Place Makinq

On the 21 May, I hosted the first Festival of Place Making at the National Gallery on the Mound to mark and celebrate the end of Sir Terry Farrell’s five years as Edinburgh’s City Design Champion. The theme of the day was the value of place.

Sir Simon Milton, the Deputy Mayor of London, gave an insight into his city’s approach to place and Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council spoke of his efforts to enhance Manchester’s performance and the value of place in the context of city management. Lord Falconer, Chair of the newly formed Newcastle-Gateshead City Development Company, told his story from an Edinburgh lad’s perspective and shared his belief that place and identity are important elements of regeneration. Finally John Thorpe, Leed’s Civic Architect, shared with intense passion his thoughts on delivering place making in his city.

The event was well attended with over 150 delegates from a variety of backgrounds and the day was intense and skilfully managed. Electronic voting was deployed to capture the day’s outputs and I have invited Sir Terry to present these and summarise his five years as City Design Champion at the Council meeting in August.

Matt Murphy - Architectural Student of the Year

I was also delighted during the Festival of Place Making seminar to acknowledge the success of Edinburgh Final Year Architecture Student, Matt Murphy, in the Archprix International Architecture Awards 2009.

Economic Resilience - Economy Watch

The Edinburgh Economy Watch is a monthly report published by the Economic Development Unit which tracks how global and national conditions are affecting the capital’s economy. Information relating to the last 12 months allows readers to understand when and to what extent various aspects of the economy are being impacted. It can be effectively used as a barometer, offering the opportunity to detect signs of change. Trends are benchmarked against similar UK cities where possible,

2 providing a perspective of Edinburgh's relative performance. Economy Watch is available at www.edin burgh .gov.u Weconomicdata.

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

EICC's expansion plans received a boost in May with the submission of a planning application to create additional function space, cafe and breakout areas along with a commercial office development and retail space. The scheme comprises a new atrium building attached to the existing centre providing much needed meeting, reception and registration space with a delegate cafe and two levels of stand alone office space.

The new space will allow ElCC to maintain its world class ranking in the highly competitive conference industry. ElCC has already contributed over f 233 million to the City economy. The expanded centre will allow ElCC to host a wider range of events from conferences with larger exhibition requirements and delegate numbers, stand alone exhibitions and banqueting to sporting events and cultural events. The scheme is scheduled for completion early 201 3 and is expected to generate around E89 million per annum to the Edinburgh economy.

Maior Developments

Despite the current economic climate, the Council's planning service remains busy with a steady stream of applications. Already this year, there have been a number of consents issued for significant housing developments, including affordable housing schemes. A number of new hotel developments in and around the city centre have also been approved. One of the city's most significant development proposals in recent years is the redevelopment of the St James Centre and planning permission for this project was given earlier this month.

While the overall number of applications is lower than in previous years, developers are also revisiting and revising existing permissions. This is partly due to the Council's commitment in our Economic Resilience Action Plan to find ways to assist the development community and allow development to proceed. The Council continues to encourage high quality development, and we will work positively with developers and their agents to secure this.

Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance (DEMA)

DEMA is a public and private sector project designed to bring together, and exploit, the synergies of a range of organisations and agencies to present our city to the markets we need to reach. DEMA has been taking an active role in promoting and progressing projects that are important to Edinburgh's economic development. This includes working through the Economic Active Resilience Network (EARN) to encourage businesses to work together to survive the recession; working with the Project Edinburgh team to launch a competition to find suitable tenders for the use of the former Royal High School; and, in partnership with the Filmhouse and Edinburgh Film Focus, working on the Made in Edinburgh project to showcase the creative industries within Edinburgh.

3 A Bluetooth technology trial is planned for the end of July to communicate welcome to Edinburgh messages. All compatible mobile phones will be able to receive communications and it is intended to activate Bluetooth zones at Edinburgh Airport, Waverley and Haymarket Train Stations and St Andrew Square bus station.

Tourism in Edinburgh is bucking the trend as more visitors take advantage of the great opportunities available in the city. Statistics for April show a rise of 6% in hotel occupancy to 78%, the biggest increase of any UK city and equally impressive is a rise of 18% in room occupancy for Guest Houses and Bed and Breakfasts.

A recent Travelodge survey identified Edinburgh as one of the top 3 destinations for 2009, anticipating a 19% increase in visitors compared with 2008. Edinburgh Castle welcomed 230,000 visitors in April and May a 10% increase on 2008 and Edinburgh was the only BAA airport to record a growth in May with passenger numbers rising by 1.4% against a company wide reduction of 7.3%.

Edinburgh’s reputation as a global centre for business tourism has been reinforced by the recent announcement that the capital has advanced from 36‘h to 28thplace in the latest world rankings, placing Edinburgh second only to London in terms of UK cities. Organisations staging conferences this summer include the International Association of Forensic Mental Health and the International Society of Developmental Biologists. Business tourism contributes approximately f300 million to the local economy.

A City of Events and Activity

The Gathering 2009

The Gathering 2009 is a celebration of Scotland’s culture, both contemporary and tradition and is a highlight of Homecoming Scotland 2009. Thousands of people are expected to travel from across the world for this unique family party in Holyrood Park on 25/26 July. There will be stalls, Highland Games, traditional music and dancing and examples of Scotland’s high quality produce and merchandise. Further information is available from www.thegathering2009.com.

Summer Festivals

With the Edinburgh International Film Festival now in full swing and the rest gearing up for August I am looking forward to another excellent series of Edinburgh Festivals. With a rich programme of cultural events, including the celebration of the 60th birthday of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we can look forward to maintaining our reputation for the best festivals in the world. All programme details can be found at www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk.

Taste of Edinburgh

I spent a couple of hours enjoying the Taste of Edinburgh in its new location in lnverleith Park. The organisers have confirmed that this year’s event was a huge success: the event sold out with a record 20,000 visitors attending the festival over the weekend of 29-31 May. Visitors learned tips from top TV chefs, such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jean-Christophe Novelli, and from local talent including

4 Tom Kitchin and Nick Nairn and were able to check out premier produce from Scotland’s finest food and drink suppliers.

Congratulation on this successful relocation also go to the North and South Neighbourhood teams who working closely with the organisers to ensure that this event built on previous years’ success.

World Class Rugby

Edinburgh hosted a trio of world class rugby events in May, showcasing the world’s best European, Rugby League and International Sevens sides. At the beginning of May the Murrayfield welcomed 60,000 fans for the engage Super League Magic Weekend with seven games of top-class rugby league in a party atmosphere. Next was the Heineken Cup Final, European Club Rugby’s premier competition, which, with a crowd of 66 000, saw Leinster triumph over Leicester Tigers to be crowned kings of European rugby. Finally, and building on last year’s success, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens Festival 2009 saw the final leg of the International Rugby Board (IRB) 7s. I am delighted that the Super League Magic Weekend and the Emirates Airlines Edinburgh Sevens Festival will return to the city in May 201 0.

The success of all three events is thanks to the hard work and support of the Council and its partners.

The Edinburgh Marathon

The 2009 Albert Bartlett Edinburgh Marathon, which took place on Sunday 31 May, recorded its largest number of entrants to date with 13,000 runners and 4,000 relay runners. Record numbers of spectators also turned out, helped by the good weather, to line the streets and cheer on the athletes. The Edinburgh Marathon is now one of the biggest running events in the UK and has been rated the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World magazine. The fastest runner was Martin Williams who won the race in a time of 2 hours 18 minutes 24 seconds.

Nocturne Cycle Race

The first Edinburgh Nocturne took place on 30 May over a tough course, featuring short steep climbs, sharp bends and cobbles, and was enjoyed by enthusiastic spectators who lined the route. After the Corporate Challenge, in which the Council team fought bravely against five other organisations, the programme continued with a folding bike race and challenge races. The main event, the Elite Criterium, was won by Tour de star David Millar supported by his team-mate Cameron Meyer.

Ice Hockey’s Homecoming

In another first for the city, Canadian American Hockey League (AHL) teams, the Marlies and Hamilton Bulldogs, will play each other on Thursday 24 September at . They will then appear in the Homecoming Cup on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September when they will take on the Belfast Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals. I look forward to welcoming our Canadian visitors in September. For further information visit www.icehockeyshomecoming.com.

5 Mela Cricket Cup

A new event will open the Mela Festival which runs from 7 to 9 August. In partnership with Leith Franklin Beige Cricket Club, a cricket tournament and exhibition game will be held on Leith Links. This event also featured a children’s “kwik cricket” tournament followed by a celebrity cricket game against the Leith team, featuring four of Scotland’s Saltire national team players. Further information can be found at www.edinburqh-mela.co.uk.

Royal Company of Archers

At the last Policy & Strategy Committee, there was cross-party agreement to protect established rights of the Royal Company of Archers, the Queen’s Body Guard in Scotland, to shoot annually on the Meadows for the Edinburgh Arrow. This is the 300th anniversary of the Presentation of the Arrow by Magistrates of the City of Edinburgh, so it was deemed appropriate to agree that the Lord Provost should present a scroll to the Royal Company of Archers reflecting these rights.

There was unanimous agreement to the motion I presented, so no opportunity to speak to the motion or to quote from the research note from Richard Hunter of Edinburgh City Archives. I will indulge myself now!

Richard remarked that the first formal record of the Royal Company is dated 1676 but there are grounds to suggest its beginnings were probably a century and a half before that. What is known is that a right to use the Meadows can be traced back to 1813.

The Edinburgh Town Council meeting on 10 March 1813 dealt with a petition from the inhabitants of Buccleuch Place regarding the neglect of a piece of land known as the Archers’ Butts. Used by the Archers before they moved to another piece of ground, the Butts’ area was now used for purposes that, “male and female delicacy forbids a minute description of the nuisance complained of. This however is of the less consequence, as it is believed some of the members of your Honourable body are not unacquainted with it.”

The result of the deliberations? The Royal Company of Archers was happy to give up use and maintenance of the Butts to the council as long as their rights to continue to use the Meadows was still recognized. The Magistrates and Council approved that the Royal Company should be accorded the right to shoot in the Meadows.

That would have been the end of the story but, as can happen even in the best-run of Councils, the Town Council omitted to formally record the Act. Some 46 years later, on 03 May 1859, a note in the margin of the 1813 minutes records ‘I.. . that liberty to shoot in the way within proposed should be reserved to the Royal Company in all future Sets of the Meadow ground.”

On June 16 2009, after the annual shoot in the Meadows, the Lord Provost presented the Royal Company of Archers with a framed scroll reaffirming the Royal Company’s right to shoot in the Meadows. In return the Royal Company presented the Lord Provost with a framed print of a Raeburn painting of archer, Dr Nathaniel Spens.

6 Promoting Local Democracy

Edinburgh’s Single Outcome Agreement

The Edinburgh Partnership (the city’s community planning partnership) provides a forum for the Council and partners to identify priorities and to improve services in the city. As Leader of the Council, I chair the newly formed Edinburgh Partnership Board which will have had its first meeting on June 18. The Edinburgh Partnership has prioritised four areas for attention:

+ care services, health improvement and social inclusion; land use and affordable housing; environmental sustainability and climate change; and + sustainable economic growth.

The Partnership’s business is informed by the Community Plan Action Plan developed around these themes. The city’s Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) 2009- 12 builds on the Community Plan and links to other core strategies and plans. The SOA is the Council’s key corporate policy document and sets out 33 outcomes for the city over the next three years.

Development of the SOA involved a wide range of individuals, groups, and organisations and is a good example of collaborative effort in the city. Achieving the outcomes will also require the continued efforts of all city partners. For more information visit www.edinburgh.gov.uWcommunityplanninq.

Community Council Elections 2009

Community Council elections are scheduled to take place in October and all 41 Community Councils in the city will take part. Key dates are:

Monday 31 August - start of nomination period; Monday 14 September - nomination period ends; Thursday 15 October - polling day (if required).

Community Councils have a key role in representing community interests and a number are planning to work together to promote the elections. For more information contact eileen. hewittOedinburgh.nov.uk or visit the Edinburgh Association of Community Council’s website on www.eacc.btik.com.

A Safe, Green and Clean City

Lothian Buses - Environmental Policy

Lothian Buses has developed an ambitious Environmental Policy. The company already has one of the youngest and greenest fleet profiles in the country and intends to build on this strong base by scrutinising all of its processes and workings - everything from the supply chain to waste disposal.

7 The policy will set out, and report on, annual targets for improving environmental performance. Initiatives are planned for engaging with employees and passengers to promote good environmental practice. The company also hopes to persuade car users of the sustainable alternative offered by clean and modern public transport.

New technologies will be investigated to identify alternatives to diesel engines. The company will also pursue developments in exhaust technology to allow older buses to meet the emissions standards of the cleanest in the fleet. As well as the improvements to air quality it is hoped that through involvement in community projects Lothian Buses can make a sustainable contribution to the local environment.

Britain in Bloom

The Edinburgh in Bloom Campaign, supported by Damhead Nurseries, gave away hundreds of trees, shrubs or vegetable plants in West Princes Street Gardens at their open day in May. Advice was also available on birdlife, composting and energy conservation. The Britain in Bloom judging date for Edinburgh has been confirmed for 3 August, and I am confident that Edinburgh will be looking its best.

Open Space Audit

A consultation exercise is currently seeking views from across the city on the use and access to open space. The results will contribute to a city-wide open space strategy to be accompanied by action plans, prepared in conjunction with neighbourhood partnerships. Information is available at www.edinburqh.aov.uk/openspacestrategv.

Festival Street Cleaning

From 26 July to 11 September, the Street Cleansing Taskforce and Refuse Collection will be providing an enhanced service to ensure that the streets are kept clean and tidy during the busy festivals period. This will include the following:

0 An increase in working hours, including night shift, and staff and hand barrow beats to tackle hotspots in the city centre; A thorough clean of Princes Street and tram fence banners before the start of the festivals; and 0 The High Street, Scotsman Steps and closes will be pressure washed daily.

The street cleaning crews will continue to work in the city centre in partnership with Essential Edinburgh. Household refuse collections will be carried out at night.

Muirhouse Week of Action

In May the North Neighbourhood Partnership and Neighbourhood Team, the Police and Muirhouse/Salvesen Community Council staged two “Local Action” events.

The Neighbourhood Action Unit and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency carried out road checks. Police and Community Safety Officers visited homes to provide information on crime prevention, fire safety and council services. Environmental Wardens patrolled the area to help tackle dog fouling and littering, and children

8 from Craigroyston Primary School learned about the problems caused by graffiti and vandalism and planted a new garden at the Millennium Centre.

Leith Week of Action

From 1 to 6 June, Leith enjoyed its “Week of Action 2” in the Lorne and Hillside area, organised and sponsored by the Housing and Built Environment Action Group a sub group of the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership.

A drop in surgery at McDonald Road Library allowed residents to meet police and council officers to discuss their concerns. School children helped with litter picks at Montgomery Street and Dalmeny Street Parks, while police and council teams distributed leaflets on crime prevention, fire and community safety to 3000 homes. Checks of business waste were carried out along with patrols for dog fouling and litter. CCTV patrols took place, and the police carried out bike checks and gave advice to responsible cyclists, while stolen bikes were identified and action taken.

Community Safety staff and the Police joined Friends of Dalmeny Street Park on 6 June for a community event providing a bouncy castle, face painter, 5 a side football and a visit by the Wombles who delighted the children with their anti-litter message.

Providing Affordable Housing for All

Delivering 500 Affordable Homes this Year

The Council has accepted a grant offer from the Scottish Government for f41.5m to support Registered Social Landlords to develop new affordable homes. This is an increase on last year’s programme but most of the funding is already committed to existing projects. Increased investment is needed to tackle the shortfall in affordable housing in the city. The Council aims to approve 630 new homes and is expecting 500 affordable homes to be completed this year.

Accessible and Affordable Homes

Last year the Council supported housing associations to purchase 115 new homes from private developers. Due to the economic downturn the Housing Associations negotiated significant discounts and the homes were excellent value for money.

13 of the homes purchased for affordable rent are close to Easter Road. These flats, although not designed specifically for wheelchair users, are wheelchair accessible. Hillcrest Housing Association, working in partnership with Edinburgh Supported Living, has allocated seven of the flats to people with severe physical and learning difficulties. The new residents, some of whom were previously in residential care, are delighted with their new homes.

21 st Century Homes for Edinburgh

The Council will receive f 1.67m to assist with building council homes in Gracemount. We have also been invited to submit further information for a share of the remaining unallocated Scottish government monies. As progress with demolition and rehousing is well underway in Pennywell and North Sighthill, it is hoped that we may be able to

9 secure some of this funding. The Scottish Government has announced an additional round of f25m available nationally and we expect to bid for this in early Autumn. This Administration has built the first council housing in Edinburgh for a generation and all monies received will help us build more council homes.

Homelessness Services

Newly commissioned advice and support services have begun working with people to prevent or respond to their homelessness. These services fulfil commitments set out in Edinburgh’s Homelessness Strategy and will:

Expand locally based advice services to prevent homelessness;

0 Improve support to people moving into new accommodation through furniture provision, support with utilities and access to other services; 0 Improve access to overnight emergency accommodation;

0 Increase access to private rented sector accommodation;

0 Expand support to allow more people to maintain their accommodation.

The first new customers benefited within days of the new services going live and the Council is confident that more people than ever before will get help.

A City for Learning

Council to Consult on School Closures

The Education, Children and Families Committee have agreed that the Council should consult on proposals to close four primary schools at the end of the 2009/10 session.

Funding for schools is linked to the number of pupils attending our schools. The Council has a duty to ensure that resources are targeted in the most efficient and effective way. In the last decade our school estate has seen the number of primary schools reduce from 103 to 91. However we still have 8600 empty places in the city’s primary schools, which is 26% of the available capacity; or the equivalent of over 21 Gylemuir or 14 South Morningside Primary Schools. The annual operating costs for Gylemuir and South Morningside Primary Schools are f870,049 and f 1,646,379 respectively. Clearly better use must be made of funds and our priority must be to provide the best educational experience for all our pupils.

The four schools that are being proposed for closure are all operating at between 33 and 41 YO capacity and cost significantly more per pupil to run than other schools in the city. I would like to reassure parents of the pupils in the four schools (Burdiehouse, Drumbrae, Fort and Royston) that no decisions have yet been taken. Following public consultation we will give sustained and proper consideration to all views before coming to a final decision.

UK Environmental Award for Currie High

Well done to Currie Community High School who won the Schools category at the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2009.

10 The school has made substantial progress in reducing energy use over the past 10 years. The first school in Edinburgh to install a wind turbine, it also has a solar thermal system, and pupils enjoy cross-curricular learning on sustainable energy. The school building is testament to the school’s green commitment: 2,000 lights have been upgraded to low-energy; windows have been sealed and doors replaced to reduce heat loss, and the boiler is switched off for several months of the year. Solar thermal panels heat the school swimming pool.

Investment in sustainable energy technologies at the school has been managed in partnership with the school and the council has provided funding and secured grants for the wind turbine and solar thermal panels. In addition, it has negotiated a green tariff electricity for the school through a contract with Scottish and Southern Energy.

St Leonard’s Nursery Wins Scottish Education Award

Congratulations to St Leonard’s Nursery School on winning the Smarter Scotland Greener Schools Award at the Scottish Education Awards. St Leonard’s won the award due to their commitment to caring for the natural world. Head Teachers, Claire McCusker and Caroline Ellis who job share, have created a caring ethos throughout the nursery with staff, parents and children all committed to protecting the environment. I am delighted that this hard work has been recognised.

Stevenson College Visit

The Chief Executive and I had an extremely informative visit to Stevenson College last month. Under the energetic leadership of Principal and Chief Executive, Brian Lister, the college attracts over 17,000 students each year and is proving very popular in these economically uncertain times, with recent applications having doubled.

We saw round the college and spoke to students from all quarters of the world, all of whom seemed to be really enjoying their experience in Edinburgh and at Stevenson College. We were treated to a wonderful impromptu song and dance performance in the Music Box, purpose-built music and performing arts accommodation.

Slightly surprised to find ourselves written in to the college’s International Week events, we were delighted to participate in a lunch-time meeting, learning a great deal about Stevenson College’s strong links with overseas countries but particularly with Malawi. Brian Lister had visited Salima College, Malawi, to help Malawian College Principals and there will be a visit by Principals to Edinburgh later this year. Practical aid is being provided by the equipment and materials sent by charity container shipment to Malawi.

Quest Seekers

This summer, Edinburgh City Libraries will be inviting children to participate in an exciting quest called the Summer Reading Challenge. Now in its eleventh year, this year’s challenge, devised by the Reading Agency, is called Quest Seekers. By reading 6 books, children can complete challenges of Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair, collect stickers to put in a colourful fold out poster and win

11 a dragon bookmark, a gold medal, a certificate, a magic pen and the chance to enter a city wide draw for some fabulous prizes donated by our sponsors.

Quest Seekers will be running in all Edinburgh City Libraries from 29 June - 30 August. Over 3,000 children in Edinburgh completed last years Reading Challenge. To tie in with the challenge, all libraries will have a display of books specially tailored to the fantasy theme and will be holding events, story times, rhyme times, treasure hunts and much more - and it is all completely free.

Providing a Modern, Effective, Integrated Transport Network

Trams

Members will be aware that the Policy & Strategy Committee approved, in principle, a package of measures to mitigate the effect of tram construction during the busy Festival period. A stakeholder workshop, facilitated by Marshall Poulton, Head of Transport, generated useful ideas from, amongst others, representatives of retailers, hoteliers, festivals, Essential Edinburgh and the National Galleries complex. Whilst there is a strong consensus that tram construction work should continue through the festivals, we have to ensure that the city remains open for business, catering for the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

To do this, we must provide residents and visitors with regularly updated information; promote the city and the wonderful opportunities available throughout the year (and particularly at festival time); manage the city centre space to ensure a first class visitor experience; and, have in place people and signs to help our visitors. I am grateful for the advice and commitment we have received from stakeholders and I shall maintain a close personal interest in the design and effectiveness of the mitigation measures. It is particularly important that we use the experience to inform the way we promote other events and manage other spaces at busy times.

Princes Street

Princes Street is one of the most spectacular promenading streets in ; it is the heart of the city and our equivalent of a civic “town square”. We have to exploit its full potential. We are actively considering how Princes Street should operate as place once the tram is up and running. Earlier this year we met with a wide range of experts and city centre stakeholders to develop consensus around a vision for the street. We are also conscious that its recent closure to through traffic has not led to the chaos that some predicted. Based on this experience a feasibility study has been commissioned to examine the potential for making all or part of Princes Street a much more pedestrian friendly urban space. The study will be concluded by the autumn.

Supported Bus Services

This Administration is committed to ensuring that all Edinburgh communities are served by reliable, affordable public transport. A special meeting of the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee on 26 May agreed a package of new bus service contracts. Despite the very difficult financial climate, the Council has been able to secure the future of bus services 13 and 63 and the service to Ratho Village.

12 Additionally we have protected elements of services 18, 24 and 42. Discussions are continuing over the future of service 20, and I am hopeful of a successful outcome.

This result exceeded expectations. I congratulate everyone involved, particularly Ewan Horne, in bringing this complex process to such a satisfactory conclusion.

Cycling

This Council has a strong record of encouraging cycling and the numbers of cyclists in the city has quadrupled since 1980, compared to a static position across the rest of the UK. The Council recently signed the 'Charter of Brussels I which sets an ambitious target for increasing cycling in Edinburgh. The Charter includes a target of 15% of trips by bicycle by 2020, whilst reducing the risk of fatal accidents by 50%.

Caring for our Vulnerable Residents

Protecting our Senior Citizens

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on June 15, the Council made a plea to the public to be more aware of adults who may be at risk. The Council and its partners want to raise awareness about Elder Abuse and to increase the reporting of potential cases of abuse. Abuse can happen in different ways. It can be physical or psychological harm, neglect, theft or intimidation, or behaviour leading to self-harm. Members of the public are asked to make contact if they suspect that someone may be being abused or have been abused. Social Care Direct, the Police or the Emergency Social Work Service will take all concerns seriously.

Useful Contact Details:

Social Care Direct - 0131 200 2324 or [email protected] Lothian and Borders Police - 0131 31 1 3131 Emergency Social Work Service - 0800 731 6969 NHS Helpline 0800 224488

Residents Well Equipped to Live Independentlv

A modern, customised community equipment store opened recently at Prestonfield Park. The Store is a partnership between the Council, NHS Lothian and East and Midlothian Councils and provides equipment that allows people, with illness or disabilities, to remain living at home.

The Community Equipment Store works with around 400 people every week issuing 1700 pieces of equipment. This level of activity is testament to the hard work of the team to help people live their lives to as full an extent as possible. The relocation of the store to new premises is a key part of service modernisation.

13 Under Age Tobacco Sales

The “Enhanced Tobacco Unit” works to reduce the supply of tobacco products to under 18s. The Scottish Government has set out key indicators as follows:

Every local authority to visit a minimum of 20% of tobacco retailers to advise on the legislation relating to the sale of tobacco: To “test” purchase tobacco by under 18s from a minimum of 10% of retailers; To work jointly with Revenue and ,Customs regarding counterfeitkontraband tobacco products; and To reduce the number of illegal tobacco sales by 50% by 201 1.

As part of its Tobacco Enforcement Campaign community safety staff visited retailers providing advice on the legal sale of tobacco products. Afterwards, purchases of tobacco products were attempted by suitably trained and supported individuals less than 18 years of age and 13 out of 40 retailers (32%) sold tobacco and consequently each of these retailers is subject to enforcement action. This ongoing campaign will focus next on the City Centre and North Neighbourhoods.

Volunteers Recoqnised

On 1 June, as part of National Volunteers Week, the Council extended its thanks to around 2500 volunteers who put their time and energy into helping people who use health and social care services in the city. Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Mercy Corps Visit

Last month I was delighted to officially open Mercy Corps European Headquarters at Sciennes, Edinburgh. My first direct experience of Mercy Corps was as a member of the Working Group set up to help fundraising and awareness raising after the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. The City of Edinburgh Council and Mercy Corps worked together in a partnership to raise more than f600 000 for the people of Aceh, one of the hardest hit areas. I was impressed at how effective Mercy Corps was in mobilising humanitarian aid for some of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.

Any disaster or crisis -whether its cause is war, civil war, flood, fire, earthquake, or economic collapse - needs immediate help to cope with the impact. And there is no shortage of world disasters needing aid. The statistics are terrifying: from 300 - 400 disasters a year in the early 1990s to 700 - 800 by 1999.

But Mercy Corps does not stop with the emergency response. Its value is immensely increased by its continuing help to vulnerable communities, transforming the lives of those in over 40 countries. The range of countries helped and action taken includes: TB campaigns in Pakistan; agricultural work in Afghanistan; clean drinking water and sanitation in Somalia; conflict management programmes in Iraq; helping children cope with physical and psychological trauma after the Sichuan earthquake; and demonstration gardens in Sudan.

Mercy Corps is 30 years old this year. I wish its staff well in the decades ahead and look forward to working closely with them.

14 Investors in People (lip)

On 12 June, I was pleased to speak at a City Chambers reception to mark the Council regaining full status as an Investor in People, twelve months ahead of target, and to thank all those involved in the committed and professional team effort that made this possible. It was good to be able to announce that Schools in Edinburgh had also just received the news that they had been assessed as meeting the stringent requirements, thus meaning that all areas of the Council have achieved lip recognition.

In his report for lip Scotland, the managing assessor said his team had found a shift in culture within the Council to one that was more open and inclusive, greatly improved communication between managers and staff and a marked improvement in consistency of practice. This is due to the efforts being made throughout the Council to ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge to deliver an excellent service.

I believe it is vital that our staff have the opportunity to develop to the maximum of their ability, creating a more productive, effective, efficient and contented workforce. I am confident that we will continue to develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement, not because it ticks the lip boxes but because it is the right thing to do.

Queen’s Birthday Honours

I am delighted that a number of Edinburgh residents have been recognised for their public service and contributions to their respective organisations and communities.

I especially congratulate Lynn McNair, Head of Cowgate Under 5s Centre, Professor Joan Stringer, Principal of Edinburgh Napier University and Phyllis Herriot, retired Councillor from Lothian Region and active community representative. A list of all Edinburgh recipients appears in Appendix I.

Councillor Jenny Dawe Leader City of Edinburgh Council

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Professor Joan Kathleen Stringer, Principal and Vice Chancellor Edinburgh CBE Napier University Christopher Michael Clark, CBE Director, National Galleries of Scotland Professor David John Breeze, OBE Lately Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic Scotland, Scottish Executive Mrs Mary Gray Cuthbert, OBE Head, Tobacco Control, Sexual Health and HIV, Health Directorate, Scottish Executive Professor Peter Mitchell Grant, OBE Regius Professor of Engineering and Electronics, University of Edinburgh Ms Lynn Jacqueline McNair, OBE Head of Centre, Cowgate Under 5s Centre Professor Ian Ralston, OBE For services to Archaeology in Scotland Reverend Professor Douglas William For charitable services in Scotland David Shaw, OBE Peter William Syme, OBE Director, The Open University in Scotland David Ogilvie Maclogan Wedderburn, Chairman, Building Standards Advisory OBE Committee Henry Ferguson, MBE For voluntary service to Football and the Seagull Trust in Edinburgh Mrs Phyllis Herriot, MBE For services to the community in Edinburgh Euan James Stuart MacDonald, MBE For services to People with Motor Neurone

I Disease in Scotland I Maurice Edward Wilson, MBE I House Team Manager, Scottish Executive I

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