THE Edinburgh Trams extension remains within its £207 million budget despite construction being paused earlier this year.

City of Edinburgh Council said it is still scheduled to carry its first passengers to Newhaven in the spring of 2023.

A refreshed final business case report has been produced by the local authority to re-examine the project in light of Covid-19.

It found the financial impact of cancelling the extension would be greater than allowing it to continue. Councillors will consider the final business case and vote on whether to continue with the project on Thursday.

The city council’s transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “The delivery of this project is essential for the capital’s green recovery.”