THE SNP-Labour coalition that will run Edinburgh Council for the next five years has published its full business plan for the first time.
The “Programme for the Capital” is built around 52 commitments set out by the SNP and Labour groups in their coalition agreement, which they reached following protracted negotiations after the May elections.
The business plan will go before the council on August 24. The SNP have the largest group with 19 seats and Labour have 12, meaning they can still be outvoted if the Conservatives (18 seats), Scottish Greens (eight) and LibDems (six) combine against the coalition, though this is thought to be highly unlikely.
The six main themes of the plan are that the coalition will deliver an economy for all with local jobs, growth and affordable housing, and “build for a future Edinburgh” with a planning system that works to protect and develop the city.
They also promise to “deliver a sustainable future – a better environment and transport system” and “deliver for our children and families”.
They also say they will deliver a healthier city for all ages with strong and vibrant communities and “deliver a council that works for all – more empowered, transparent and improved public services”.
Key commitments include a programme to build at least 10,000 social and affordable homes over the next five years, with a plan to build 20,000 by 2027, and delivering the City Region Deal.
The coalition will also explore the introduction of fair rent zones and create a Homeless Task Force to investigate the growing homelessness problem in the city.
Other commitments include prioritising the use of brownfield sites and working with public-sector and private landowners to develop land for affordable housing, and also protecting Edinburgh’s World Heritage status.
On transport, the coalition will keep the capital’s Lothian Buses in public ownership, and deliver the tram line extension to Newhaven as long as the business case is robust.
They also pledge to invest £100 million in roads and pavements over the next five years: “This will include road and pavement maintenance, installing more pedestrian crossings, increasing the number of dropped kerbs and dedicated safer foot and cycle paths as well as introducing more pedestrian zones.”
The programme includes a guarantee that 10 per cent of the transport budget will be spent on improving cycling in the city.
The council will also provide two new secondary schools and ten new primaries by 2021, build a new sports centre at Meadowbank by 2021, and limit council tax increases to three per cent a year to 2021.
Council leader Adam McVey, of the SNP, said: “Edinburgh is recognised as one of the world’s most successful and prosperous cities and we have many strengths to build upon.
“Yet we know that if we are to maintain these successes, and meet the many challenges we face, the city needs a council that shows strong leadership.
“By publishing this plan today, we are outlining what we’re aiming to achieve with the ambitious 52 commitments we’ve made to the city. We’re now working to deliver measurable progress on a range of areas across health, education, transport, environment and housing, to make Edinburgh the best capital city it can be for everyone.”
The council’s depute leader, Labour’s Cammy Day, added: “We are demonstrating a commitment to improve our services and our amenities in ways that meet the needs of our residents, while devolving decision-making to local communities as far as possible.
“We have identified key areas to focus on, including the construction of 20,000 affordable new homes, delivering a tram to Newhaven, improving waste services and investing £100m in our roads.
“We are committed to working together with local people, 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.”
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