tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23054896575026502972024-03-13T15:41:18.447+00:00Edinburgh ConservativesNews from the City of Edinburgh Council Conservative GroupEdinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-27514396385803256482015-02-11T17:26:00.000+00:002015-02-11T17:28:42.524+00:00Time for the Council to Deliver for Edinburgh<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By
Councillor Iain Whyte<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh Conservatives have
published a budget that shows how the Council can provide better services at a
lower cost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Qf7yABRMqlFNFkMudWnpcFKqpByoHZ_6K_Zjk3gnWIhjLZhPd3MpC5EcYYeyDRQYlFWOuz71nJkHMj5LHJ80si8sOrsKO3gxV3mbakuM20fsRxyPgLOl8yRDyqy2ZwQgeg_nOKoHEp_/s1600/cllr+iain+whyte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Qf7yABRMqlFNFkMudWnpcFKqpByoHZ_6K_Zjk3gnWIhjLZhPd3MpC5EcYYeyDRQYlFWOuz71nJkHMj5LHJ80si8sOrsKO3gxV3mbakuM20fsRxyPgLOl8yRDyqy2ZwQgeg_nOKoHEp_/s1600/cllr+iain+whyte.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some of the things we have highlighted are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A reinstatement of the more
than £60m savings wasted by Labour and the SNP when they rejected private
sector partnerships in 2011; partnerships
provide guaranteed better services;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An end to the Labour/SNP War on
Motorists and boost for City Centre businesses with a freeze on pay
and display and permit parking charges;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More money and better methods
to repair our roads and pavements;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additional resources for care
of the elderly to address this year’s uncontrolled budget overspend and to
kick start a proper partnership with the NHS.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A trial of powered compacting
bins with a view to reducing street litter; <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An increase in reserves to
address the huge financial risks the Council faces.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of these things are measures
for the coming year but the key to our plans also set out a major change in the
way the Council works to be delivered over the next few years. This is
essential to allow us to meet increasing demands for services like care
for the elderly, while addressing the need to cut the amount we spend.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The harsh reality is that the
Council budget is set to reduce by over £100m in the next five years. So
the failure of this Labour/SNP Council to act is becoming criminal and risking
the very services they claim they wish to protect. Their change plan,
called “BOLD”, is actually rather timid as at best it will only
save £49m - about half of what is required. The Administration
has no plan to save the rest and their only alternative is savage cuts to
services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We Conservatives would make far
greater change and free up resource to maintain frontline services and
make service improvements. We want to see even more service interactions
go online, new and efficient ways of doing things imported from outside
and new working practices with a more customer based
approach. And if the private or voluntary sectors can provide services better
and cheaper then we should give them the chance because that will work best for
the people of Edinburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Council workforce is also too
big and has too many middle managers. But successive Administrations have
failed since 2007 to implement a workforce plan as Audit Scotland recommended.
We should tackle this issue with all the methods at our disposal even if that
ultimately means we have to reverse the current “no compulsory redundancies”
policy. We are here to service the public not just our staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The SNP and Labour Parties
have already wasted millions and want to stick to a blinkered,
dogmatic and old fashioned approach to service delivery. They support
services designed for the convenience of the provider and its workforce rather
than the customer. This is failing to deliver the savings they predict
and that are so desperately needed. Their policies, designed to
appease the Trade Unions, actively work against a slimmer, better equipped
workforce and improved service standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The time for dogma and
inaction are now over. Change takes a long time in Councils and needs
real leadership to deliver. That needs a set of actions to solve the whole
problem – not just half – and the determination to see it through. Only the
Conservatives will propose that this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ends</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: You can view our Budget Motion in full and all other papers for tomorrows meeting here: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/3601/city_of_edinburgh_council" target="_blank">CEC Budget 2015 </a></span></div>
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Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-62006592280606610592014-09-30T13:08:00.000+01:002014-09-30T13:08:09.899+01:00Leaked Report - Roads and Transport
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been brought to the Conservative’s Group attention
that a long awaited report into the Council’s Roads and Transport function has
been leaked and is in the possession of the Evening News. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cllr Mowat and
Rose have asked for this report to be shared with councillors so it is a shock
to see the findings reported in the paper before councillors have had the
opportunity to scrutinise the findings.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The findings (as reported) are truly shocking - £260 million
is required to bring roads up to standard, the department has been mismanaged,
there is a lack of proper accounting and a failure to control costs. In
today’s paper (Tuesday) there is additional information about using
unsuitable materials to carry out repairs – which could have been done better
for less. This needs proper scrutiny now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The text of an open letter from Councillor Joanna Mowat, Conservative Group Transport Spokesman, is as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>"Dear
Councillor Hinds<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>
</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>OPEN LETTER TO <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>COUNCILLOR LESLEY HINDS<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>
</strong></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em> </em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>I
was shocked to be contacted by the Evening News to say that they had a copy of
a leaked report which was commissioned to look at the management of the Roads
and Transport Departments of the Council.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like many Councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee I was
aware that such a report had been commissioned and had attended a briefing on
the interim findings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite myself,
and Cllr Rose asking for further reports or updates on this report nothing
further has been forthcoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed the
response from a senior officer was that this was an internal departmental
report and not for Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Evening News has now seen this report and Councillors should now have sight of
the Report and its findings. <o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em> </em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The
article in the Evening News states that the report details mismanagement, lack
of proper accounting and failure to control costs – these are proper concerns
for Councillors and this report should be laid before the Transport and
Environment Committee at the earliest opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like your assurance that this report
will be presented to Councillors at the next Transport and Environment
Committee on 28<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> October.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Yours
sincerely<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em> </em></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em> </em></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>COUNCILLOR JOANNA MOWAT<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>(City Centre Ward<strong>)"<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-22992946185778353302014-08-20T14:09:00.004+01:002014-08-20T14:12:26.968+01:00Full Council Meeting 21st August 2014:Flying the Flag<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh Conservatives are tabling a motion at the August Full Council meeting (21 August) in light of
the proposal by a Green councillor to fly the Palestinian flag above the City
Chambers and the proposal of the Council leader to weigh in to the complex
political situation in the Middle East in a partisan way. More
positively, the leader of the Council is proposing that a flag should fly from
the City Chambers advertising a telephone number for the Disasters Emergency
Committee appeal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p>Conservatives on Edinburgh Council believe that, in the
light of intense suffering in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Ukraine, as well as
Gaza that humanitarian leadership should be more even handed. Edinburgh
already has an established relationship with Mercy Corps, a relief agency working
in most of these hotspots of suffering and Edinburgh Conservatives believe the
Council should encourage support for humanitarian relief in all these areas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The motion notes: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>the
appalling suffering in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Ukraine as well as Gaza</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>recognises
the desire of many in Edinburgh to contribute to the relief of such suffering</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>notes
that Edinburgh already has strong links with Mercy Corps (which has its
European Headquarters in Sciennes, Edinburgh)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>resolves
to fly an appeal flag and encourage donations to a range of crisis relief
hotspots and not just Gaza</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conservative group leader Cameron Rose has noted the following:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>The suffering of refugees and bereaved families
in a range of current crisis hotspots is enormous and cannot help but move
people to human compassion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I believe Edinburgh people expect their
councillors to reflect and engage local concerns rather than spend their time
and energy on international partisan political posturing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I deplore the intimidation and bullying
demonstrations on the streets of Edinburg which led to the silencing of one
particular theatre group at the Festival Fringe last month. Freedom of
speech is precious in this country but there is a difference between freedom to
express views and intimidation and bullying. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>The reported proposal from a SNP councillor to
rename the street where the US Consulate in Edinburgh is situated as the ‘State
of Palestine Terrace’ is a sad reflection of partisan and blinkered nature of
some Edinburgh councillors. It comes after a Green councillor proposed
flying a Palestinian flag from the City Chambers. I share genuine
concerns for suffering in Gaza. But the focus on what has long been an
international <b><i>political </i></b>campaign of the far left – when there is
such acute suffering in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Ukraine is one sided.
The focus of our civilised society and councillors is better directed
towards humanitarian help for hard pressed refugees and those suffering from
conflict.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: A copy of the full meeting papers for the August Full Council meeting can be accessed here: </span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-15383460398946733022014-04-01T13:00:00.000+01:002014-04-01T13:00:54.870+01:00Incident at Liberton High School<div style="font-family: droid-sans-1, droid-sans-2, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Following a tragic incident involving the collapse of an internal wall at Liberton High School this morning, a pupil has died.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: droid-sans-1, droid-sans-2, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Commenting on the tragedy, Conservative Councillor for Liberton/Gilmerton Ward, Nick Cook said:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: droid-sans-1, droid-sans-2, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">“This is tragic and troubling news out of Liberton High School this morning.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: droid-sans-1, droid-sans-2, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">My thoughts are first and foremost with the pupil’s family and the school community.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: droid-sans-1, droid-sans-2, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">However, questions must be asked and the cause of this incident fully investigated.”</span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-48256018516370500332014-02-12T13:47:00.001+00:002014-02-12T13:47:40.017+00:00EDINBURGH CONSERVATIVES CALL FOR AN EFFICIENT COUNCIL<div id="E60" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E60" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E61" qowt-eid="E61" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Edinburgh Conservatives have today published a budget that shows how the City can have better services at a lower cost.</span><span id="E62" qowt-eid="E62" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The proposals to be put forward at the Council budget meeting on Thursday by Conservative Finance Spokesman Cllr Iain Whyte include:</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E63" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E63" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E64" qowt-eid="E64" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A 1% Council Tax cut;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E65" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E65" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E66" qowt-eid="E66" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Details of the £61m wasted by Labour and the SNP when they rejected partnership with the private sector to provide better services and details of how this can be re-instated;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E67" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E67" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E68" qowt-eid="E68" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Plans to reduce management layers and unnecessary management posts in contrast to the Council’s increase in posts of over 300 in the last year despite austerity budgets;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E69" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E69" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E70" qowt-eid="E70" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An end to the war on motorists and boost for City Centre businesses with a freeze on parking charges;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E71" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E71" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E72" qowt-eid="E72" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A trial of powered compacting bins with a view to reducing street litter;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E73" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E73" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E74" qowt-eid="E74" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Withdrawal from </span><span id="E76" qowt-eid="E76" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CoSLA</span><span id="E78" qowt-eid="E78" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> the ineffective councils umbrella group making a considerable saving in future years and mirroring the approach of Aberdeen and Dumfries and Galloway;</span></div>
<div class="qowt-stl5 qowt-li-0_0 qowt-list" id="E79" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E79" qowt-entry="1" qowt-list-type="b" qowt-lvl="0" qowt-template="0" style="background-color: white; counter-increment: lc-1-0 1; counter-reset: lc-1-1 1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span id="E80" qowt-eid="E80" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Plans for further efficiency savings to reduce the risk of overspends or major cuts to public services in the coming few years.</span></div>
<div id="E81" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E81" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E82" qowt-eid="E82" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cllr Iain Whyte said: “All Councils claim efficiencies when making budget reductions but unless you make real structural change in the way the Council is run progress will be limited. </span><span id="E83" qowt-eid="E83" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our plans make that structural change and will free up resource to maintain frontline services and make service improvements. We also have to work with all partners to bring innovation, adopt modern technology and working practices and a more customer based approach. We have to truly embrace partnerships with the private and voluntary sectors as these can give us the holy grail of better quality services at lower cost.</span></div>
<div id="E84" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E84" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E85" qowt-eid="E85" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“In contrast the current Administration has wasted millions by sticking to a blinkered and old fashioned approach to service delivery. This is failing to deliver the savings they predict and service standards on areas like bin collections and recycling </span><span id="E86" qowt-eid="E86" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">are missing their limited targets.” </span></div>
<div id="E87" qowt-divtype="para" qowt-eid="E87" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.38; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10pt; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E88" qowt-eid="E88" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Our budget makes a number of service improvements and shows how to fill the Council’s financial black hole over the next few years while maintaining service levels. But even more importantly we show that this is possible while returning money to hard-working families through a Council Tax cut. Just like Stirling Council has proved this is perfectly possible. It will help family budgets as the recovery takes hold and boost our local economy. But most importantly it sets the Council’s a clear aim to achieve a more efficient and effective Council in future.”</span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-72561832000019840362014-02-03T16:33:00.000+00:002014-02-03T16:33:19.352+00:00Conservatives challenge Property Repairs secrecy<div class="ecxMsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Conservative Finance Spokesman Cllr Iain Whyte today challenged the need to hold a discussion of a report on the Council's resolution of the Property Repairs scandal in private. The Committee went ahead behind closed doors after the Convener accepted that there may be confidential legal advice given to Committee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Iain Whyte said: "I wanted as much discussion of this issue as possible in public as people are angry that the Council hasn't yet resolved the affected property owners complaints or finalised bills for those left in limbo as they haven't been given a cost for work that was carried out. The report at the meeting today was largely about setting the procedure and not about individual cases and I believe the procedure should be a matter of public record.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Following the discussion I successfully pressed for a greater proportion of cases where there is a proposal to write off debt, to come to a Council Committee rather than simply be decided behind closed doors by officers. This can give councillors and the affected owners more confidence that their case is being dealt with in an open way. It can also strike a balance by ensuring Council officers don't just throw further large amounts of public money at the issue to 'make the problem go away'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Finally, I have successfully persuaded the Committee that we need monthly reports on the resolution process as many owners are concerned at the slow progress made to date so far. Now we can hold the officers to account over the performance of the system. Conservative councillors want to see a more open approach in future and a swift resolution to the many cases that have caused owners so much distress."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">ENDS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For further information contact Iain Whyte on 07879 486133.</span></div>
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Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-59630062415432585092013-12-03T12:31:00.000+00:002013-12-03T14:02:53.558+00:00Welfare Reform<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The issue of Welfare Reform was covered at the Council's Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Item 7.1 on the agenda provided information which shows that
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">in
just 6 months the Council is dealing with additional rent arrears of
£2.6m - that is a 132% increase - which appears to be a direct result of a
signal sent out by the Council with their ill advised no evictions policy.
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By contrast, Housing Associations knew what would happen and resisted the 'no
evictions' policy. The figures presented today illustrate how right they were. The same figures illustrated that out of Housing Associations who have currently responded, the rate of increase in arrears is significantly lower at 9% - 22%.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Labour/SNP Administration failed to accept an amendment from the Conservative Group calling for a review of the 'no evictions' policy and an immediate report on its effect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making a contribution in support of the amendment, Councillor Cameron Rose also noted: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">1.
How the unfair consequence of this policy is that it has led more people to get
into debt.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">2.
That It is unfair to tenants and taxpayers who may now have to pick up the cost of
the increases in unpaid rent.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">3.
That It is unfair that some tenants have extra rooms paid for from the public purse.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">n
addition, Councillor Rose highlighted that around 4000 people are bidding for houses in Edinburgh because they
consider themselves overcrowded. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Commenting, Councillor Rose said: "Labour
and the SNP are fighting hard to maintain these injustices. Today they
sent a signal that they don't care about fairness."</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"></span></span> </div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Full Committee Papers can be found here: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/3166/corporate_policy_and_strategy_committee"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/3166/corporate_policy_and_strategy_committee</span></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"></span></span> </div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The full text of the Conservative Motion to the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee reads as follows:</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Item 7.1 Welfare Reform – further update.</em></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></em></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Notes with concern the 132% increase in rent arrears
in the six month period between 31<sup>st</sup> March 2013 and 30<sup>th</sup>
September 2013 resulting in an additional £2.6m of Council house rent
debt.</em></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><em>
</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Notes that the Council’s adopted ‘no eviction’ policy
appears to have had a dramatic effect on the level of rent arrears in contrast
to the policy of Registered Social Landlords, where increases in rent arrears
have been more modest.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"><em>
</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><em>Resolves to review the ‘no evictions’ policy and calls for
an immediate report on its effect within one cycle.</em></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-45017195744417691182013-09-12T13:07:00.003+01:002013-09-12T13:07:41.672+01:00National Sport Performance Centre coming to Edinburgh
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Edinburgh
has won the race to be the location for the new national sport performance
centre, beating off strong competition from Stirling and Dundee.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 15pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The
successful bid by Heriot-Watt University, in partnership the City of Edinburgh
Council, to host the £30m facility was announced today by Deputy First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Conservative
Group Leader Cllr Rose, said, “This is excellent and exciting news for the
Capital City. The new centre will not only bring sporting benefit but economic
benefit to the city as well. I want to congratulate the whole team for their
hard work and achieving an excellent result.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-35920588919925509542013-08-15T17:04:00.004+01:002013-08-15T17:05:18.577+01:00Tram companies report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO6sIhTI7h0yssMvyfWH-a3lPdkio0b2k4fQ-LxW1CG5_1iMExXvPpP5xkz5jxCE88OCzRIKm5s23sGk3QrUwyzwDyy65TGAYHsuuetJM7mRT1FeDj8BpAYD9bwvbnju_HuKA568vB3gF/s1600/trams.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO6sIhTI7h0yssMvyfWH-a3lPdkio0b2k4fQ-LxW1CG5_1iMExXvPpP5xkz5jxCE88OCzRIKm5s23sGk3QrUwyzwDyy65TGAYHsuuetJM7mRT1FeDj8BpAYD9bwvbnju_HuKA568vB3gF/s200/trams.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Tomorrow, the Labour/SNP administration of Edinburgh Council will publish the report on the proposals for the governance of the company structure for Lothian Buses and the tram companies.<br />
<br />
In a<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1291/%E2%80%98transport_for_edinburgh%E2%80%99_can_be_the_future_of_public_transport_in_our_capital-lesley_hinds"> media release today</a> initial details are included. Because surrounding Councils hold a 9% stake in Lothian Buses (with the remainder held by Edinburgh Council), the governance structure has three elements - Lothian Buses, the tram company and Transport for Edinburgh, the parent company.<br />
<br />
The report will be considered at a meeting of Edinburgh Council on 22nd August.<br />
<br />
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Cameron Rose has commented on the proposals and press release:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: black;">"Given the history of the
project, the top priority is to get trams up and running as efficiently as
possible. With trams now being tested on the track between Gogar and the
Airport, <b>Transport for Edinburgh</b> needs to focus on providing a
good service to travelling customers with integrated tram and buses.
Grand plans for the future are premature. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: black;">The reality is that the tram
part of the companies will not run profitably for some considerable time and
the priority is to get it running smoothly - and into the black as soon as can
be. That is what the people and taxpayers of Edinburgh expect and
deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black;">The proposals published by the
Administration are for a politician to chair the board of the transport
companies. That is not a good idea. I believe a non executive
director with relevant transport expertise would be more appropriate and I will
try to persuade the Administration to accept this improvement."</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: black;"></span></i> </div>
</blockquote>
The report will be available on<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol"> the Council web site</a> late tomorrow morning. </div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-42316991351500158242013-08-12T14:10:00.000+01:002013-08-12T14:10:49.465+01:00Edinburgh Conservatives mourn the passing of David McLetchie MSP<br />
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It is with great sadness that Edinburgh Conservatives have learned of the passing of Lothian MSP and former Scottish Conservative Leader, David McLetchie, aged 61.</div>
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<a href="http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/McLetchie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/McLetchie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Commenting, Edinburgh's youngest Councillor, Nick Cook said:<br />
<br />
"I feel privileged to have known and had the opportunity to learn from David McLetchie.<br />
<br />
David was a 'true blue' Conservative. He was an excellent MSP for both the people of his former Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider Lothian region. He was a towering figure in Scottish politics who was respected across the political divide. Above all he was a thoroughly decent man.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."<br />
<br />
<br />Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-61980199641317929252013-07-24T16:49:00.000+01:002013-07-24T16:49:42.407+01:00Edinburgh Conservatives to call for emergency council meeting on trams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkiu2ef2tIbV67yh96-gC7OfHQFFMeLWWu4teginshtvpejGqV8nR7uuc745RQfDy4zpbmOaSlxSynb0XKnAEJdabkPVGo8N0xtfkXC_hLOB70NENuj44m4AkgbiHcW-6Fq0sGjmGzG1j/s1600/trams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkiu2ef2tIbV67yh96-gC7OfHQFFMeLWWu4teginshtvpejGqV8nR7uuc745RQfDy4zpbmOaSlxSynb0XKnAEJdabkPVGo8N0xtfkXC_hLOB70NENuj44m4AkgbiHcW-6Fq0sGjmGzG1j/s1600/trams.jpg" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Negotiations
between Edinburgh Council and Lothian Buses have failed to meet a deadline for
agreement which was set for Monday this week. The negotiations are to agree
strong governance, financial and shareholder controls for the operation of
trams and buses in Edinburgh. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Conservative
Group Leader Cameron Rose noted:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"It is essential that a satisfactory agreement
is reached on governance, financial and shareholder controls for the operation
of buses and trams. <o:p></o:p></span></blockquote>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Knowing the importance of the
terms of such an agreement I will be calling for an early meeting of all
councillors for no later than 8th August if the delayed negotiations further
stall or if the agreement is not considered to be satisfactory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 5pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If we cannot be assured there is a satisfactory
agreement by Monday next week, it is essential councillors are fully updated to
review and decide on the options on this important issue. Edinburgh
Conservatives will push for an urgent meeting of all councillors as soon as
possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 5pt 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edinburgh Council is the senior shareholder and
councillors must ensure the strategic direction and operation of trams and
buses is in the best interests of the people of Edinburgh."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Notes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 46.85pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edinburgh Council is 91%
shareholder of Lothian Buses (the remaining interest lies with the neighbouring
councils).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The agreement envisages a
holding company with two subsidiaries, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams Ltd,
the latter with Edinburgh Council as the sole shareholder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 46.85pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edinburgh Council met on 27th
June and noted that negotiations were expected to be completed by 22nd July. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 46.85pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Edinburgh Conservatives proposed
(and the Council accepted) the following in relation to the negotiations<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Edinburgh
Council notes such discussions are scheduled to be completed by 22<sup>nd</sup>
July and instructs that the group leaders of all parties be briefed immediately
prior to their conclusion in order to assess their success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the absence of a satisfactory conclusion
protecting the Council’s position having regard to its financial contribution
and liabilities, opportunity should be afforded to the Council leader, in
consultation with group leaders to institute an emergency meeting of Council
within 14 days.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 46.85pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The minuted decision can be found
</span><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/39843/minute_of_27_june_2013"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">here (item 10)</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> and report in full Edinburgh
Tram – Preparing for Operations can be seen </span><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edinburgh.gov.uk%2Fdownload%2Fmeetings%2Fid%2F39756%2Fitem_no_8_2-edinburgh_tram-preparing_for_operations&ei=fLjvUa-xDKSr0QXWgYHACQ&usg=AFQjCN"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-82390855729938436872013-06-27T15:08:00.002+01:002013-06-27T22:39:03.178+01:001997: Nelson Mandela in Edinburgh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><em>"I have always had a great deal of admiration for Mrs Thatcher."</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu683eA5wsDLsPn5SweQXhrAjFvRF2cmScmu1Glv5AiVyz_ZN6DvWzRUVrmDtDJdTgD5opbvXR0MUVFFHTvnjlmGjzHd7-4Tg8Dbjy-3HJlUc4uTSBKL7ZwNBhJ0koAnH6_BCQoeu7B78/s1600/nelsonmandela.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu683eA5wsDLsPn5SweQXhrAjFvRF2cmScmu1Glv5AiVyz_ZN6DvWzRUVrmDtDJdTgD5opbvXR0MUVFFHTvnjlmGjzHd7-4Tg8Dbjy-3HJlUc4uTSBKL7ZwNBhJ0koAnH6_BCQoeu7B78/s400/nelsonmandela.png" width="370" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The generosity of spirit of Nelson Mandela was on display in an encounter which took place in Edinburgh on 27th October 1997.</div>
<br />
He had been awarded the freedom of the City of Edinburgh but was on a very tight schedule that day. Only a brief visit to Edinburgh was possible. I understand the ceremony took place in the Caley Hotel on Princes Street after breakfast.<br />
<br />
Daphne Sleigh was the leader of the opposition Conservatives on the Council and in that capacity was a member of the welcoming councillors and dignitaries from the city. <br />
<br />
A formidable woman in her own right, she was somewhat apprehensive as the great man was introduced to, and shook hands with, the Conservative leader in Edinburgh. "<em>Conservative</em>", she recalls he said. She admits trembling as she wondered where, if anywhere, the conversation would now go. <br />
<br />
"<em>Tell me how is Mrs Thatcher</em>?" he asked. Daphne replied that she was very well. With warmth he then told the leader of the Conservatives in Edinburgh, <em>"I have always had a great deal of admiration for Mrs Thatcher. I was touched by her concern for me."</em> He told the leader of the Conservative group how kind Mrs Thatcher had been to him when he met her. In the ensuing few moments of conversation Nelson told Daphne how Mrs Thatcher had urged him to conserve his energy 'because your country needs you.'<br />
<br />
It was a remarkable vignette (not picked up by the media of the time) of the gracious spirit of the great man's ability to rise above differences. It is a reminder to us all that in his life, a generosity of spirit vanquished hatred. It was a remarkable example to set to his nation and worthy of remembering.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafBAhTf2QeK_cCglEU28boyzWKNlzNtnaW3a1mmZtAwukReAuTeAZDKkCkHJrhx9b1FXLU9lVUssZ_Ou8Nbs0efiVGBR3Ue_LbwsOls0ns3ITAp_ZDqQI5b0_MKdIUll6dGCuKx1U_t4/s1600/daphnesleigh.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafBAhTf2QeK_cCglEU28boyzWKNlzNtnaW3a1mmZtAwukReAuTeAZDKkCkHJrhx9b1FXLU9lVUssZ_Ou8Nbs0efiVGBR3Ue_LbwsOls0ns3ITAp_ZDqQI5b0_MKdIUll6dGCuKx1U_t4/s1600/daphnesleigh.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daphne Sleigh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Note. In 1990 Mandela made two visits to London. He was reportedly furious that in the first visit he was blocked by the ANC from meeting Mrs Thatcher, who was still Prime Minister. But he telephoned her and he describes in his autobiography her kindness in urging him to reduce his punishing schedule for the sake of his health. He did have a three hour meeting with her later in the year. He notes that he did not make any headway with her on sanctions but that she "<em>chided me for not taking her advice and cutting down on my schedule</em>".<br />
<i>Sources:</i><br />
<i>A Long Walk to Freedom</i>, 1994, chapter 104.<br />
<em>Interview with Daphne Sleigh</em></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-86802041298733766172013-06-27T14:39:00.000+01:002013-06-27T14:39:37.537+01:00Council leader rejects Audit Commission<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTCJuQkJWmtG7tjVdZwAr1e_Ix1gtX4DTbi9WmXBRn_XyMEnMAswJkaSa1t09ut8mRl0OQj4u7w_1cw4cjKZLFKuXIYG7LQ14nwaxB4WYkKDfnbBAw7Q-Et6j8nkRhzL1R0ijzgguw_EK/s275/cameronrose.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTCJuQkJWmtG7tjVdZwAr1e_Ix1gtX4DTbi9WmXBRn_XyMEnMAswJkaSa1t09ut8mRl0OQj4u7w_1cw4cjKZLFKuXIYG7LQ14nwaxB4WYkKDfnbBAw7Q-Et6j8nkRhzL1R0ijzgguw_EK/s275/cameronrose.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cllr Cameron Rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This morning I challenged Andrew Burns, the Labour Council leader, over the recent Best Value Audit of Edinburgh Council.<br />
<br />
Pointing out the 'very challenging' financial position of the council, the Audit Commission made the following point:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>'The position became more pressing when the Council decided not to externalise certain services'</em><br />
</blockquote>
It was referring to a programme of outsourcing which promised the taxpayer savings of £294m over a seven to 10 year period along with contractually guaranteed improvements in service.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I </span>asked Cllr Burns if he agreed with the Audit Commission. His reply was that he did not. <br />
<br />
Now I can understand if he were to have argued that the the decision to reject those savings was a legitimate political decision - even though I sharply disagree with his politics. That, however was not his argument. <br />
<br />
It was that the Audit Commission was wrong and that the loss of savings through this programme did not make the financial position of the Council more pressing.<br />
<br />
Extraordinary - because the Council's alternative savings programme is undeniably much smaller! And an untenable position when you consider the Council is now really struggling to make those savings. On the service front we also have the ongoing complaints over waste collection which was one of the key services where improvements were promised. <br />
<br />
The long term outcome of Labour's political decision is fewer, poorer services for us all.<br />
<br />
Cllr Cameron Rose,<br />
Conservative Group leader<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-36282700944221852022013-06-21T15:34:00.001+01:002013-06-21T15:34:22.571+01:00Liberton/Gilmerton By-election 2013The by-election count for the Liberton/Gilmerton Ward took place today at the City Chambers. The election was held following the sad death of SNP Councillor Tom Buchanan.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDUSYeAt_tGB3Gy00Jt1-J7A-BprtqgWhyfgJKbsAfFW5qIAxIUXeh7q1Z_F6FzbTXYBJMDROL60dfES6aTGvi17ml-jY39INE4p4yO7BoHVzTtKsOWc7NQL1i3kF2p37T9E-D6xhpX2y/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDUSYeAt_tGB3Gy00Jt1-J7A-BprtqgWhyfgJKbsAfFW5qIAxIUXeh7q1Z_F6FzbTXYBJMDROL60dfES6aTGvi17ml-jY39INE4p4yO7BoHVzTtKsOWc7NQL1i3kF2p37T9E-D6xhpX2y/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDUSYeAt_tGB3Gy00Jt1-J7A-BprtqgWhyfgJKbsAfFW5qIAxIUXeh7q1Z_F6FzbTXYBJMDROL60dfES6aTGvi17ml-jY39INE4p4yO7BoHVzTtKsOWc7NQL1i3kF2p37T9E-D6xhpX2y/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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</a>Commenting on the by-election result, Scottish Conservative candidate, Stephanie Murray said:<br />
<br />
"I congratulate Keith Robson on his victory today and wish him well. I am satisfied with the Conservatives result and believe this demonstrates that there is a good Conservative presence in the Ward. I thank Conservatives across the Ward for turning out to support me. Once again we finished clearly ahead of the Liberal Democrats."<br />
<br />
Conservative Councillor for Liberton/Gilmerton, Nick Cook said: <br />
<br />
"I congratulate Labour's Keith Robson on his victory. However, with three out of four Ward Councillors now all representing the same Party, I am more committed than ever to providing a robust, common sense alternative voice for voters right across Liberton/Gilmerton."Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-55303295802445003992013-05-29T17:04:00.000+01:002013-05-29T17:04:03.700+01:00Leith Waterworld is a sorry tale of dysfunctional decision taking <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4Zf4nmgYvBtIOFMzWJDzFOA-nT9zMvEgSGPT9Lo4-QubTlWdYDE6hDkAubUniEgJq0tlLXSVa-9DdYFtfEcL5rdvBH_Uac3-xbuCzs6IpuhnPyEgoXcYb2wH1Jm4bYPBAvJXO84nAAEp/s1600/leithwaterworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4Zf4nmgYvBtIOFMzWJDzFOA-nT9zMvEgSGPT9Lo4-QubTlWdYDE6hDkAubUniEgJq0tlLXSVa-9DdYFtfEcL5rdvBH_Uac3-xbuCzs6IpuhnPyEgoXcYb2wH1Jm4bYPBAvJXO84nAAEp/s200/leithwaterworld.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow the Labour/SNP administration will decide on
whether to honour its ill advised commitment to allow pressure group Splashback
yet more time to work up a feasible plan to run Leith Waterworld. The
alternative is to accept an offer for the sale of the empty premises. An offer of £1m has been received from a company intent on creating a commercial play facility for young people and their
families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today the administration has indicated their intention to
break their commitment to the Splashback campaign group and sell the premises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This will be the welcome culmination of a period characterised by
indecision and U-turns which has up to now cost the taxpayer dearly and will continue
to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Edinburgh Conservatives have consistently urged that the only
responsible option is to sell the premises. The campaign group bid has
been an expensive distraction of time, money and resources long after the key decisions were taken. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proceeds from the sale were to have been allocated to
the funding of the refurbishment of the Commonwealth Pool and the delay in the
closure and sale has resulted in annual increased costs to the council tax
payer of almost a quarter of a million per annum (including £85,000 in borrowing costs
£154,000 for annual maintenance of the vacant property).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At last it appears the current SNP/Labour administration has
been forced by common sense to do the right thing – albeit belatedly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Note:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. The report can be found <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/39305/item_no_8_2_b_-potential_sale_of_leith_waterworld">here</a>. (Further links to previous reports and decisions can be fond in this document).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Background timeline:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A decision to close Leith Waterworld was taken
by the Council in September 2005</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pool closed in January 2012</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A closing date for offers was set for 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
February 2012</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Indications were received of likely offers from
several interested parties</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> February 2012 Council
voted to delay the closing date for up to six months to enable the campaign
group Splashback to prepare and submit a bid</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new closing date was set for 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
August 2012 by which time the only bids were from Splashback to take possession
of the premises for a nominal sum</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Council again agreed on 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
September 2012 to provide assistance to Splashback to see if they could create
a viable bid ‘with a strict deadline of 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> January 2013'</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> January 2013 the Council
voted to </span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">extend the feasibility phase to the end of 2013 again promising Splashback support to establish feasibility </span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">provide further support, including up to
£125,000 to help the process</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">and a further £225,000 support in the following
two years</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">to remarket the property </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Media Contact: Cllr Lindsay Paterson</span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-70631841677934835942013-05-22T21:29:00.000+01:002013-05-22T21:29:18.130+01:00Cllr Cameron Rose - We need to build on Engine Shed brand, loyalty and success - not jeopardise it. <br />
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<i>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbICrijLVJn4jK41gZaPTWhXa9HSi_eLAF2aSWDRsN8ckTF4uqYiCIhG5LfYBMBO4BN78TNWbsz-of-xXrAxLdRGLEBO751pa9J3Iy4eQGOOxwCUs6eKhTUpKQr0uNxM8XergjmmrPSw/s240/crarthursseat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cameron Rose, local Councillor" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbICrijLVJn4jK41gZaPTWhXa9HSi_eLAF2aSWDRsN8ckTF4uqYiCIhG5LfYBMBO4BN78TNWbsz-of-xXrAxLdRGLEBO751pa9J3Iy4eQGOOxwCUs6eKhTUpKQr0uNxM8XergjmmrPSw/s240/crarthursseat4.jpg" width="250" /></a>Last week, on my own blog, I said I had sought a briefing from council
officers on the proposals. I have done that. Next, I consider the
leader of Economic Development, Cllr Frank Ross, needs to make a personal visit
to the Engine Shed. I have corresponded with him:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> Frank,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><i> </i></o:p><i>I have listened to and questioned the officers. I have looked at the draft report. I have spoken to Marian MacDonald the Engine Shed's Chief Exec</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>It is not as simple as moving to a ‘pure supported
employment' model from an 'employment pathway'. The Engine Shed involves
training (time limited) which is very focused on taking people into employment
in which they will remain for a lengthy period. Changing is not a simple
matter – especially bearing in mind the Engine Shed brand, loyalty and success
which has been built up over a long period.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>I believe it is essential that you see and hear of the
Engine Shed enterprise business model and operation first hand and I urge you
to pay a visit as soon as possible to shape the direction of the report. It
is a business and I am not sure how the proposals in the report will
satisfactorily replace the loss of valuable expertise and service to the
community for young people with learning difficulties.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>I appreciate there are complex issues and the goals the Council
is seeking to achieve have merit. However I look forward to continuing our
discussion and search for a satisfactory solution. For me, the closure of
the Engine Shed is not a realistic option.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Best wishes,</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Cameron</i></div>
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<br /></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-28199255431105819432013-05-10T21:22:00.000+01:002013-05-14T20:13:17.380+01:00Stephanie Murray selected for Liberton/Gilmerton By-Election<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsWSJjiQLfBeBt99gVj1TOz7J8KgIVnxd2MfslnufhhWfIpCr7j1uNZpZfOedcED0ujixbwrNcU2OjKYO-kvOaRglCFvwiN6HaaM7kfAj_OR8PJOZVoU6WJBatFNdnp87YOPytE7A4TGP/s1600/stephanie+murray+campaign+photograph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsWSJjiQLfBeBt99gVj1TOz7J8KgIVnxd2MfslnufhhWfIpCr7j1uNZpZfOedcED0ujixbwrNcU2OjKYO-kvOaRglCFvwiN6HaaM7kfAj_OR8PJOZVoU6WJBatFNdnp87YOPytE7A4TGP/s320/stephanie+murray+campaign+photograph.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie Murray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Stephanie Murray has been selected by local Conservatives as Scottish Conservative & Unionist candidate for the upcoming by-election in
Liberton/Gilmerton.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Stephanie is in her 20s and
was born and raised in the ward. She currently works for KPMG in the field of tax. Standing
as the Conservative candidate in the 2010 by-election in the same ward, she took
the Conservatives into 3<sup>rd</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>place above the Lib Dems. Her performance
was seen as a key building block on the road to the Conservatives gaining a seat in the ward at the 2012
council election when fellow local activist Nick Cook became Edinburgh's youngest
councillor.
</span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">She is a previous
chair of Conservative Future Edinburgh, the organisation of young Conservatives
in Edinburgh. Stephanie has a degree in law from Edinburgh University and a BA
in humanities and social science. She is well known locally.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cameron Rose, leader
of the Conservative Group on Edinburgh Council welcomed her nomination:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“Stephanie brings youth, local knowledge and common sense to this
by-election contest."</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Nick Cook, Edinburgh's youngest Councillor and current Conservative Councillor for the Liberton/Gilmerton ward commented: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">" Stephanie is an excellent choice as Conservative candidate for Liberton/Gilmerton.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Having campaigned in the ward alongside her at the 2010 by-election and during my own election campaign in 2012, I know first hand that she is a very approachable, knowledgeable and compassionate individual. She was born and raised in the ward and has an excellent understanding of the local community."</span></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-23334803918068266072013-04-26T12:27:00.000+01:002013-04-26T12:31:59.423+01:00Property Repairs ScandalThe full extent of Edinburgh's property repairs scandal is closer to being uncovered with the long delayed publication of the two Deloitte reports which investigated the scandal. <br />
<br />
The reports were published at noon today (Friday 26 May) on the Council website. As there are still some disciplinary issues ongoing there are many redactions in the published reports. The release follows repeated calls from Cllr Cameron Rose, leader of the Edinburgh Conservatives on the Council for the publication of the reports.<br />
<br />
Four issues stand out.<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>The human cost of the scandal</strong>: There are 726 official complaints from property owners under review. Each of these represents a group of people who believe they have been dealt with unfairly. Complaints include owners who believe they have been overcharged, had inflated work carried out or received sub standard work. The majority of these have still to be resolved and the speed is worryingly slow.</li>
<li><strong>The financial cost of the scandal</strong>: By the end of 2012 there still remained almost £40m of uncollected debt owing to Edinburgh Council - a result of the mismanagement. The scale of the scandal and its cost to the people of Edinburgh is emphasised by this amount being outstanding 9 months after the Project Power report was completed in March 2012.</li>
<li><strong>Release of the report</strong>. Despite repeated claims of openness and transparency by the current administration there has been delay after delay in releasing this information which show some of the extent of the malpractice and mismanagement which has taken place on a very damaging scale.</li>
<li><strong>Corruption and mismanagement</strong>: Police proceedings are live in relation to a number of people and companies related to the activity of the Council's Property Conservation and Property Care services. Internal disciplinary proceedings are continuing.</li>
</ol>
The publication of the two Deloitte reports, even with redactions, is an important, if belated, step in shining a light on what really went on and bringing redress to the many who have suffered - some over many years. It is not the full story by any means.<br />
<br />
The delays in the publication of the reports, the slow response to resolving the outstanding complaints and the delays in recovering legitimate debts, continue to cost the Edinburgh taxpayer dear.<br />
<br />
The Labour/SNP administration need to do much more to resolve the blockages preventing quicker redress to the many aggrieved property owners. The financial losses to the Council need to be addressed more quickly.<br />
<br />
The reports can be found <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Corruption%20and%20mismanagement:%20%20%20Police%20proceedings%20are%20live%20in%20relation%20to%20a%20number%20of%20people%20and%20companies%20related%20to%20the%20activity%20of%20the%20Council's%20Property%20Conservation%20and%20Property%20Care%20services.%20%20Internal%20disciplinary%20proceedings%20are%20continuing.">here</a>. <br />
<br />
The Project Power Report was provided to the Council in March 2012 and the Project Solar report in June 2012<br />
<br />
Further infomation from <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/56/">Cllr Cameron Rose</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-75219710876888390022013-04-16T15:54:00.001+01:002013-04-25T10:51:19.681+01:00Edinburgh Council's irresponsible "no evictions" policy is unfair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh's Administration councillors today ignored their officers' advice and adopted a left-wing "no evictions" policy for those who fall into arrears following Government changes to housing benefit. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flawed policy will bring damaging social consequences and is dangerous for three reasons:</span></div>
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKD0YPUb9az1U4SRl6aU9vgwWm7OrZoirFoIfg8la3718aNpGM8Z1Y8uHbCGfHlQlyoCSO-m52YX9ZzbZjqPIxQF9zVXNRM9OkB_spZCXPkn1zm1owGyUjGORupoyAZ8LnTipkvrB265C/s1600/house-money-scales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKD0YPUb9az1U4SRl6aU9vgwWm7OrZoirFoIfg8la3718aNpGM8Z1Y8uHbCGfHlQlyoCSO-m52YX9ZzbZjqPIxQF9zVXNRM9OkB_spZCXPkn1zm1owGyUjGORupoyAZ8LnTipkvrB265C/s1600/house-money-scales.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. It is a local attempt to thwart the Government's aims of making Housing Benefit fair to tenants whether they are in the social or private rented sector;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. It encourages the small numbers affected by Housing Benefit changes to ignore their rent bills meaning rent increases in future for all tenants as the debt builds up;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. It sends the signal that the Council isn't serious about collecting the money it is owed and could see further increases in rent and Council Tax arrears which can only result in long term reductions in services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arguments against adopting the policy are laid out in detail by Edinburgh's professional housing officers in paragraphs 2.31 to 2.36 of <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edinburgh.gov.uk%2Fdownload%2Fmeetings%2Fid%2F38806%2Fitem_no_7_1_d_-managing_arrears_arising_from_housing_benefit_under-occupancy_restrictions-motion_by_councillor_burgess&ei=r1ZtUcyCDIbR0QXQzoG4BA&usg=AFQjCNEwKotgQKPoQITB2R2RHAniS-0LiA&sig2=oxZM78w-9_aVuuKjqNJCvA">this report</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh Conservatives proposed the following amendment but were outvoted:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes that Housing Benefit payments
have doubled in the 10 years to 2010<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes the need to reduce the increase
in total Welfare payments, especially whilst the UK continues to have a large
borrowing requirement<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes that the Housing Benefit
measures are not designed to make people move but, for people who are under
occupying, to encourage realistic choices about how they will meet the rent on
a property which is larger than they need, such as moving into work or increasing working hours<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes the introduction of measures to
reduce the subsidy currently paid to occupants of social housing who under
occupy their accommodation<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that in this respect these measures put recipients of Housing Benefit in
social rented housing on the same footing as those in private rented housing,
where such a standard is already imposed<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes that in February 2013, of the
25,385 outstanding applications for housing on EdIndex, almost 5,000 applicants
classed themselves as overcrowded <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes that in recent years around 500
one bedroom Council properties have become available for let each year<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes the estimate of 3,800 Council
tenants who will be affected by the new rules<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes that the UK Government, the
Scottish Government and Edinburgh Council have provided considerable sums to
support people who find themselves in severe difficulty in relation to the
reduction in Housing Benefit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes
the financial, administrative and other risks outlined in the Managing Arrears Arising
from Housing Benefit Under-occupancy report (paragraphs 2.32 to 2.36) concerning
the consequences of mixed messages regarding tenants responsibilities, greater
risk of tenants getting into longer term debt and its consequences, fairness,
legal challenge and reduction in HRA which would reduce resources and the
potential for higher rents for all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notes
current council measures (paragraphs 2.19 to 2.30) which detail support for tenants
who have fallen into arrears for any reason and the limited circumstances in
which action is taken for eviction <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Resolves
not to adopt a ‘no evictions’ policy in respect of arrears deemed to accrue in
connection with the Housing Benefit reforms.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-26535739128335221582013-04-08T20:12:00.000+01:002013-04-25T10:50:52.460+01:00Edinburgh Conservatives mark the passing of a woman who changed the world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comments from Edinburgh Conservative councillors on the passing of Margaret Thatcher below along with some links:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDowotsQzbzoCj57bgqmWdm7eyqCLadohZOcGBY7fkXrpGJXAIU-W3TphOJV5aO2eJ0IaaglXySkrjDLFwBQ3SHnKcNg95o6Z7SVXU9dS8FOOs2qqX2mSUCd7zCPp2MJ5cWKT_LsMvNh/s1600/thatcher2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDowotsQzbzoCj57bgqmWdm7eyqCLadohZOcGBY7fkXrpGJXAIU-W3TphOJV5aO2eJ0IaaglXySkrjDLFwBQ3SHnKcNg95o6Z7SVXU9dS8FOOs2qqX2mSUCd7zCPp2MJ5cWKT_LsMvNh/s1600/thatcher2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cllr Nick Cook, Edinburgh's youngest councillor:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I was all of three years
old when Margaret Thatcher left Office. However my first political memories
involve the Iron Lady herself. The son of a small businessman, I remember many
an evening spent by my father's side, 'working' alongside him at his garage as
he educated me, from the perspective of the average voter, about the history
of Thatcherism, and how Maggie transformed Britain for the better, both at home
and abroad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Mrs Thatcher was a Leader firmly on the
side of people like my dad who, however modest their aspirations, worked
hard to provide a future for their family better than that which they had
themselves. As modest as that itself may sound, it is my enduring
memory of Margaret Thatcher."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cllr Cameron Rose, Edinburgh's Conservative Group leader:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We easily forget that Margaret
Thatcher became prime minister at the height of the Cold War. In 1979
the world was on a knife edge and Britain was torn with internal strife. She
brought an instinctive sense of justice and purpose to a country which was losing its
way. In the teeth of bitter and rancorous opposition she held course and
her government was instrumental in turning Britain into a modern and successful
country. Her crystal clear understanding of the weaknesses of socialism
struck a chord across much of the world. Ironically, many still rail
against her name in Scotland though we also benefited from the reforms she
initiated and the safer world she left behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Although I was not
politically active until long after her premiership, I have always been
inspired by her principles, her pragmatism, her leadership and, above all her
courage.”</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cllr Iain Whyte, former group leader: favourite quote of the day from Sir Malcolm Rifkind:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"She didn't mind being challenged, indeed she listened with great care if she thought the person challenging her knew what they were talking about, and she could change her mind and opinions, but only on the basis of solid evidence and solid argument."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other quotes about her <a href="http://cameronrose.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/and-quotes-about-her.html">here</a>.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other quotes from her <a href="http://cameronrose.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-remarkable-life-in-quotes.html">here</a>.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span>
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Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-16863468426337163122013-04-04T17:04:00.001+01:002013-04-25T10:50:32.958+01:00Strong demand for larger homes in Edinburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPOc2VjH8A2f7f-MjFqENXwOKyNaKbWFkwN1hC8MLKnORFdRvhRPxsGW4JNqkc34e2j59NJARSw80uiOU7kdwM005szBJ1n-rmXT2F6pqBz8LKKmaLo5xX5CSbg8IZjj-mlK9t7X9VIoJ/s1600/underoccupancy0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPOc2VjH8A2f7f-MjFqENXwOKyNaKbWFkwN1hC8MLKnORFdRvhRPxsGW4JNqkc34e2j59NJARSw80uiOU7kdwM005szBJ1n-rmXT2F6pqBz8LKKmaLo5xX5CSbg8IZjj-mlK9t7X9VIoJ/s200/underoccupancy0413.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figures obtained from the Council by Edinburgh Conservatives show that around 5,000 of the 25,000 applicants for social housing in the city classed themselves as overcrowded.</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The 5,000 applicants for more space compares with 6,500 Council and housing association tenants in receipt of housing benefit who are classed as under occupying their home. In other words, the number of people under occupying social housing and in receipt of housing benefit is greater than the number of people currently looking for larger accommodation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Until now, around 500 one bedroom Edinburgh Council properties come up for rent every year. So there has been limited opportunity for under occupiers to downsize. However, the new welfare reform rules on under occupancy, which came into operation on 1st April, will create some more movement, enabling more people to have their application for a larger house met.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/councillors/56/cameron_rose">Cllr Cameron Rose</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Notes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The number of Council and housing association tenants affected is contained in paragraph 2.10 of <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/37395/item_no_7_1-welfare_reform-update">this report</a> to Edinburgh Council's Policy and Strategy Committee on 4.12.12.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. In February 2013, there were 25,385 outstanding applications on <a href="http://keytochoice.scotsman.com/">EdIndex</a> which where people wishing housing association or Council housing can apply. Of these just under 5,000 of the applicants indicated on their application form that they are overcrowded or require at least one more bedroom. These applicants are a mix of Council, housing association or private tenants, owner occupiers, or 'homeless' households.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The number of current tenants to whom the under occupancy rules apply has been slightly revised downwards from 6,500 at the time of the December Report to 6,300 (a downwards revision of 5%) at the end of January 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Recent UK government guidance can be seen <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CGQQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parliament.uk%2Fbriefing-papers%2Fsn06272.pdf&ei=rqNdUYvaDKWX0QXjuIHgDA&usg=AFQjCNHn5l7bvmaGbYIE0otYIvdo2Jm0sQ&sig2=yOuZ_A1RbFpFywS-rDbUaQ&bvm=bv.44770516,d.d2k"> here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-28983492419000700532013-03-04T10:50:00.000+00:002013-04-25T10:52:27.576+01:00By Diverse Means<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2gJntcWiCuvS2IbDnzjgz3Jfj8NJrRRBlnz8_unkUvkeupKACQYii2P8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2gJntcWiCuvS2IbDnzjgz3Jfj8NJrRRBlnz8_unkUvkeupKACQYii2P8" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the Commission on School Reform <a href="http://reformscotland.com/public/publications/bydiversemeans1.pdf">publishes its report</a>
on improving Scottish Education. </span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The title - By Diverse Means – is a welcome acknowledgement
of a key component required to improve our education – diversity of practice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst more time is needed to assess the detail of the
report here are a few initial responses along with consideration of
implications for two key current educational issues in <st1:city w:st="on">Edinburgh</st1:city>: the proposed closure of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Castlebrae</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place> and the pressure
on primary one places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
report as a whole is a welcome contribution to the debate</span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The call
for a diversity of education is welcome and, if implemented, will
contribute to problem solving and raising standards. <i>Recommendation 14</i></span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
recognition that schools should have greater autonomy and be subject to
less centralised bureaucracy will be widely welcomed by parents and
schools. <i>Recommendations 20-22<o:p></o:p></i></span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comments
encouraging the focus of talented teachers to commit to disadvantaged
areas are welcome. Effective
schemes to achieve this have a role to play in such schools where turning
around performance has been elusive in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Edinburgh</st1:place></st1:city>. <i>Recommendation
8</i></span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
call for an <i>independent</i> review
of Education Scotland is welcome. <i>Recommendation 23</i></span></li>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a
reduction in regulation and bureaucracy.
Instead there are recommendations for the setting up of extra
bodies – perhaps worthy in themselves – but which may have the cumulative
effect of reducing autonomy and front line resources. </span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the
excessive number of layers of governance and management is barely
addressed.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are, however, gaps.
We would have like to have seen recommendations calling for </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inevitably, the introduction of diversity in education might
have given more options for the improvement in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Castlebrae</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
currently faced with closure, at an earlier stage. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is not clear that the report helps with one of the major
educational problems facing Edinburgh Council, namely responding to the
pressure on primary one places at oversubscribed schools in the city. Certainly flexibility in regulations would
give more room to manoeuvre.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-1833935471475367822013-02-26T17:54:00.000+00:002013-04-25T10:50:12.258+01:00Concessionary fares for trams - Who pays<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.edinburghguide.com/files/images/tramworks_leithwalk.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.edinburghguide.com/files/images/tramworks_leithwalk.preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More costs coming for the Edinburgh taxpayer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh taxpayers seem to be a step closer this week to footing the bill for concessionary fares - for everyone who is over 60 who uses the tram. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The business case for running the trams assumed that the cost of concessionary fares would be picked up by the Scottish Government - as is done for bus travel. The Government has never actually committed itself to such a payment - but the Labour/SNP administration has manoeuvred itself into the position where, at a meeting last Friday at which there were government representatives, it was stated, and not challenged, that Edinburgh would pick up the bill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
In order to clarify the situation Edinburgh Conservatives put the following emergency motion to the Policy and Strategy Committee of Council today. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given confusion over who will
pay for concessionary fares for trams, and comments from the Convener of
SESTran Bus Operator’s group at a SESTran meeting on 22nd February 2013
that they will be locally funded, comments which were uncontradicted by the
Transport Scotland representative at that meeting, Committee instructs
that a report be prepared in one cycle detailing the discussions with all
interested parties and progress on negotiating who will pay for concessionary
fares.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The motion was rejected by the convener. The administration is not doing too well with this negotiating challenge!</span>Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305489657502650297.post-21784884042078262912013-02-12T13:13:00.002+00:002013-02-12T13:13:53.450+00:00Site Under Construction*Our brand new site is currently under construction*<br />
<br />
Please do check back soon for news and more.Edinburgh Conservativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330911363288875740noreply@blogger.com0