Facilities future hangs in balance

Recycling collections are among a raft of council services under review for possible part-privatisation.

Building maintenance, security, janitorial services and event management – which all come under the facilities umbrella – are also under question.

But councillors will delay a decision until November 24, owing to concerns about the detail of the business case presented to them.

Council leader Jenny Dawe said: “Further clarification is required.”

John Stevenson, president of the Edinburgh branch of the trade union Unison, said: “We have been saying the process is dreadfully flawed, so any postponement of any part is to be welcomed.”