It’s been another busy month at the council, with lots of work going on behind the scenes to solve problems for constituents and to lay the groundwork for possible future policy wins.
At the same time, Green councillors have been using the committee and full council meetings to push Green values and grab some headlines, with work to ensure council-owned external bodies align with council policies, and a motion to say the Donald Trump is not welcome here.
We look forward to having an informal chat with any member at the forthcoming monthly Member Councillor Forum about any of this work, or any other issues you’d like to raise.
Chas and Susan
Green group Co-Conveners
Councillor highlights
Asked to pick one highlight from the month, our councillors chose:
Alex Staniforth
Alex fought for trans inclusive services at full council and ensured the council will identify any gaps in provision for trans and non-binary survivors of violence and abuse.
Alys Mumford
Alys spoke at a conference ‘A Tale of Two Feminist Cities’ along with Glasgow Green councillor Holly Bruce, which was a chance to talk about how we have been pushing for feminist planning in our respective councils.
Ben Parker
At the Full Council meeting in March, Ben brought a motion to ban arms companies from testing products on council parks and greenspace land. Unfortunately, the motion was defeated by Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors.
Chas Booth
Chas was delighted that the council’s climate change adaptation implementation plan, Climate Ready Edinburgh, has been agreed and he successfully brought an amendment to committee asking for more information on climate resilience for residents.
Claire Miller
Claire has been supporting residents who are being consulted on the changes to waste collection in many areas of the City Centre ward – if you live in one of the areas affected (New Town, West End, Calton Hill) the consultation is open until 4 April for your feedback.
Dan Heap
Dan has been continuing his work on city-wide firework control zones to protect animals, vulnerable people and air and water quality; and also brought an amendment to ensure that a new community growing grants scheme prioritised communities with limited access to community growing opportunities.
Jule Bandel
Jule has been taking some time off due to ill health.
Kayleigh O’Neill
Kayleigh attended a very interesting roundtable event on behalf of the Greens that looked at the South Suburban Tram-Train proposal by a group of wonderful Heriot Watt students.
Steve Burgess
Steve will be proposing to the Pensions Committee that they strengthen the Lothian Pension Fund’s policy on climate change to protect member’s interests.
Susan Rae
Susan has been taking some time off due to ill health
Committee updates
Transport & Environment
Kayleigh is bringing a motion that looks at how we can fund and facilitate free bus passes for parents/carers/guardians of young people under 22 who may need to travel with someone.
Planning
Alys and Ben are bringing a motion to the upcoming Planning Committee meeting about how we can embed accessibility into our buildings and built environment.