New Edinburgh council coalition makes 50 pledges to city

The Labour and SNP groups that now form the City of Edinburgh Council administration said the central priority in the new ‘contract with the capital’ was to build a more co-operative and prosperous Edinburgh that benefits every individual and community.

They also pledged to spend 5 per cent of the city’s transport budget on provision for cyclists, to re-examine the case for a tourist tax and to take “firm action” to resolve the issues around the council’;s scandal-hit property services departments.

A review of the pledges will go to the Council each year detailing what progress has been made on meeting those aims.

Cllr Andrew Burns, leader of the Labour group, said: “Edinburgh is internationally recognised as a fantastic city. It is successful, prosperous and a great place to live and work. Yet our city has major challenges and we need to acknowledge that we have some work to do to rebuild trust between the residents of Edinburgh and their elected representatives. Tackling these requires strong leadership, which we will provide, as well as the political stability created by having a 38-strong coalition between the Council’s two largest parties.”

Cllr Steve Cardownie, leader of the SNP group, added: “This new contract with the capital marks a fresh start with a Council willing to listen to local people and work together with local communities, businesses and the voluntary sector. Together, we will move Edinburgh forward for the benefit of the city and its people, with decision-making that shows we are listening to public opinion.”

Council Chief Executive Sue Bruce said: “The agreement lays out the goals that officers will be charged with delivering on behalf of the whole Council. It is a challenging set of objectives, as it rightly should be for a capital city. I’m very much looking forward to working with councillors, the senior management team, partner organisations and all of our committed staff on achieving them.”

• The full list of pledges