February 2025 news from Councillor Neil Ross
Greenbank/Meadows Quiet Route update
The Council said in December “The design process for this work is substantively complete. The Council has commenced initial procurement processes for appointing a contractor and will seek to advertise the updated Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) early in 2025.” I understand that some speed reduction measures have been included but I have not heard any more or seen any final plans. The changes are expected to cost between £80k and 100k.
Community Council Elections – nominations are now open
The nominations period for Community Council elections has now opened and closes at 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025. Nomination forms and further information are available here. If you have any questions, please contact the Council via community.councils at edinburgh.gov.uk.
Disruption on the Buses
One issue highlighted by the sudden snow storm at the end of November last year was the inability of Lothian Buses to communicate the cancellation of services via the bus stop tracker screens. I made enquiries on behalf of frustrated customers and the good news is software fixes have been made so that, subject to successful testing, the real-time communication of live and planned disruption to services should be available soon.
Council Budget
Once again the Council is facing difficult decisions on its budget because of the increased demand for its services, particularly statutory services such as social care and homelessness provision, and the lack of adequate funding from the Scottish Government. Demographic changes in Edinburgh’s population mean there are more older people in need of care, both at home and in care homes. Edinburgh also has the highest, and rising, number of homeless people and the highest priced housing of any council in Scotland. Added to these pressures is the extra £19m cost of employer’s national insurance with only 60% compensation from central government. Being the lowest funded Scottish council per capita will make this month’s budget setting a challenge. The budget reports from officers and political groups are available here. I am happy to answer questions on the Lib Dem Group’s budget proposals.
Are you replacing your windows?
The planning rules relating to window replacement have changed in certain circumstances for properties in Conservation Areas. Alterations to windows to the rear of a property that is not a principal elevation, or a side elevation that doesn’t face a road, no longer require planning permission. More information is available here.
2025 Bin Calendar
The 2025 bin calendar is available here. The new calendar format is a temporary solution designed to bridge the gap between the 2024 calendars and a forthcoming dynamic digital calendar. The new digital format will allow residents to access calendar and scheduling information tailored to their specific property.