Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Remember true heroes of election


Had a short piece in yesterday's Evening News about the upcoming election ... totally a-political, I promise!

Link here - and I'll re-produce the text below:





Election heroes

As most readers will be only too aware, there are now less than 2-weeks left until what looks like will be the closest UK General Election for a generation.
 

Many residents may actually have already cast their vote, as one of the over 73,000 Edinburgh electors who now have a Postal-Vote? The total number of registered voters, for the whole of Edinburgh, is now over some 347,000 electors.

With a record General Election turnout forecast, it doesn’t take a mathematical genius to work out that the smooth-running of such an ‘election event’ is a massive undertaking and involves a huge effort by many hundreds of dedicated public servants.

And it’s those ‘election heroes’ --- I’m most certainly not talking about the politicians, or the political Parties here! --- but the many hundreds of public sector workers who make the election happen, that I feel rarely get the praise they deserve.

They make sure that the 145 polling places, right across the Capital City, are fully staffed from 7am through to 10pm on election-day, Thursday 7th May. Needless to say, many of them are there prior to 7am and beyond 10pm. And for the whole day, they guide electors through the process, and ensure all queries are answered politely and professionally.

That task, of itself, would be challenging enough --- a possible +80% turnout, at 145 polling places, of some 347,000 electors, for 15 solid hours …

… but after the polls close, yet more hundreds of mainly public sector staff will be at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) to count all of the votes cast!

That process will go on, well into the early hours of the morning of Friday 8th May. Hundreds of thousands – literally! – of pieces of (very important!) paper need to be sorted, counted, verified and checked.

And many readers may well be aware that during that process, dozens of political Party Members (from across the political spectrum) will be carefully scrutinising what goes on – physically, looking right over the shoulders of the counting-staff. It’s a process which, as I’m sure you can imagine, does get tense.

Yet, in the numerous election counts I’ve attend throughout my 22-years in Edinburgh, I have never once – not once – heard a single complaint from a member of the counting staff about the detailed, and intense, scrutiny they come under? Indeed, I’m endlessly amazed at how calm, collected and polite they all are at 3am in the morning when someone asks them a vague and outlandish question about the process they’re undertaking!

And this year, as has infrequently happened in the past, the whole process could have to be repeated if one of the 5 Edinburgh constituency contests is close, and a re-count is required?

At the end of it all the results have to be agreed with the numerous political Parties taking part; they have to be announced publicly to the waiting media; and – crucially – the whole process has to be seen as fair, thorough and professional … and the result thus accepted by all concerned.

Frankly, I’m amazed that year after election-year … and we do have a lot of election years these days! … that outcome is successfully achieved; and a clear result, which is accepted as fair by all concerned, is arrived at in the morning after the polling places close.

So – please – when you cast your vote, do give thanks to the hundreds of public servants who make the whole process run so smoothly. Do reflect on the scale of what they undertake – both on polling day, and throughout the overnight count.

For, without a doubt, it’s those staff who are the real election heroes.

Cllr Andrew Burns
Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council

Monday, April 27, 2015

Allotment Update!

I've been a bit remiss, amidst all the General Election mania, about posting up some snaps of progress at the Allotment this season :-(

Well - regular readers will be relieved to know that the potatoes are actually planted; and you can see I've even gone for dreels this year :-)


Hopefully a few more snaps will follow after the 7th May!

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Lord Provost completes London Marathon

Lord Provost completes London Marathon



Lord Provost after completing the marathonLord Provost Donald Wilson finished the London Marathon in five hours and raised over £6,000 for local causes.
A relaxed Lord Provost after completing the marathon
This was his very first marathon having only taken up running last year. He completed the 26 miles in five hours two minutes and 50 seconds and raised money for the following causes:
  • The One City Trust Rapid Action Fund is the Lord Provost’s local charity and aims to fight inequality. It supports a variety of community-based charities and organisations by providing emergency funds and resources, and has helped a host of causes from breakfast clubs to foodbanks, and social clubs for elderly residents.
  • The Jamie Skinner Foundation will help provide defibrillators in Edinburgh communities and training in their use.

He said: "I did it! What a fantastic day and I’m so thankful for all of the support. I think I’m Edinburgh’s first Provost to complete a marathon and I am proud that I’ve managed to raise so much money for local charities. It was certainly a challenge but one I worked hard to achieve.

"It was never about completing the marathon in a set time -  I just wanted to reach the finishing line! But in the end, with the adrenaline flowing, I managed it in my best time yet. It has been absolutely worth it but I am now looking forward to putting my feet up!”

You can still sponsor Donald via this link ;-)


Saturday, April 25, 2015

Pedal on Parliament #POP2015

Made it along to my second, Pedal on Parliament event today and was very impressed (once again!) with the turnout.

--- some four to five thousand cyclists, I'd say?

& also the generally smooth organisation of the whole day :-)

I know that doesn't happen by accident, and the organising-team deserve huge congratulations for their efforts!

Picture on the left is of my arrival at the Harrison Park (Shandon) feeder-ride


And, on the right here, you can see my bike back at home still displaying the 'Harrison Park Feeder Ride' flag(s) ...

Behind it all, is an 8-point manifesto, which you can read via here --- and I'll also repeat the main points below:

1)    Proper funding for cycling.
2)    Design cycling into Scotland’s roads.
3)    Safer speeds where people live, work and play
4)    Integrate cycling into local transport strategies
5)    Sensible road traffic law and enforcement
6)    Reduce the risk of HGVs to cyclists and pedestrians
7)    A strategic programme of road user training
8)    Solid research on cycling to support policy-making

All eminently sensible; but I do acknowledge that whilst the City of Edinburgh Council is making good progress in all eight areas, there is much, much more to do.


Friday, April 24, 2015

April Leader's Report


April 2015

Residents get some satisfaction

 


Andrew Burns
The results of our annual residents' survey continue to offer encouragement and reassurance that, broadly speaking, residents believe we are managing their city well.

According to the 2014 Edinburgh People survey, the largest of its kind in the UK, over three-quarters of residents are satisfied with the way we are managing neighbourhoods. Nine in ten, meanwhile, are satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live, with two-thirds expressing satisfaction with the Council's management of the city overall.

That said, given a backdrop of falling budgets and greater demand for our services, it is hardly surprising that some are performing less well - particularly those areas, such as refuse collection and recycling, currently undergoing significant changes to delivery.

But through this survey, and our extensive budget consultation, we are listening to what residents are telling us - and acting on their feedback.


Councillor Andrew Burns
Leader of the City of Edinburgh
Council

Mikaeel Kular case review

 

Last January, we had to face the outcome that everyone dreaded, namely that Mikaeel Kular had not been found safe and well. It was a tragic situation and, although over a year has now passed, our thoughts are with his family and friends still struggling to come to terms with the circumstances surrounding his death.

We shouldn't forget the incredible show of community spirit in North Edinburgh following Mikaeel's disappearance, with hundreds of volunteers giving up their time to join the search. It was extremely moving and inspiring to see the community pull together like that and I know that spirit remains strong today.

While the independent case review, a summary of which was published this week, is clear that Mikaeel's death could not have been foreseen, it is vital that all agencies involved read and digest everything in the report.



City Deal for Edinburgh

 

I am delighted to be working with our five neighbouring local authorities to pursue a deal for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region.

In creating this fund, and unlocking billions of pounds of potential infrastructure investment, we want to build on our strengths whilst tackling persistent pockets of inequality and other constraints that threaten to hold the region back.

We have written collectively to the UK and Scottish Governments seeking their agreement to develop a more detailed proposition, which we hope to finalise by the end of the year.



Election countdown

 

With less than a fortnight to go until the General Election, preparations are well underway to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible across Edinburgh's five Westminster constituencies.

As 67,000 postal votes hit residents' doormats earlier this week, around 900 presiding officers and their assistants were receiving the training required to run the city's 145 polling places, open for voting between 7am and 10pm on 7 May.

As per the Referendum last September, the eyes of the UK (if not necessarily the world this time!) will be on Scotland, and Edinburgh, and we want to ensure that, once again, we give them the best possible view. Media interest is already hotting up and I have no doubt that our new count venue, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, will allow us to do just that.



Awards success

 

Congratulations to the staff of Willow - a ground breaking partnership that provides support to women in the criminal justice system - on being awarded the prestigious COSLA Gold Award for tackling inequalities and improving health.

A background of offending can permanently stigmatise people and Willow is doing vital work to help reduce reoffending and help service users build better futures.

Meanwhile, the Council's Commercial Excellence programme collected an award for innovation, improvement and best practice at the recent CIPFA awards. The fact that the judging panel included the Auditor General demonstrates just how far the procurement team has come over the last two years.



Marathon Man

 

And finally an appeal on behalf of our Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, who is running the London Marathon this Sunday, 26 April. This will be his first ever marathon, having only taken up running last year.

Donald is running in order to raise funds for two local and very worthwhile charities, both of which are very close to his heart: The One City Trust and Jamie Skinner Foundation. Please support him and these worthy causes by giving what you can.

Having run my last (ever!) marathon a year ago, I can assure you he deserves every penny!

Stay in the picture

 

Keep yourself in the picture with our news section online. Watch live full Council and some committee meetings on our webcast. Join the debate on Twitter #edinwebcast

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The City of Edinburgh Council


April Council Meeting

General Election fever may be gripping most of the country - but Council business continues as normal!

The regular April Council Meeting is coming up - next Thursday (30th) ... 

... all the reports are now up on Committee Papers On-Line (CPOL) and you can access the main agenda directly here; and each of the individual reports separately via this link.

Of course - as ever, if you're so minded, you can watch all the proceedings live here ...

... or the meeting will be archived a few hours after it finishes for viewing at your leisure!



Thursday, April 23, 2015

2-weeks to go until Polling Day!

Only 2-weeks to go ... everything you need to know about where, when and how to vote can be found here; and here's a link to a handy fact-sheet with all the relevant information in one place!

 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Edinburgh Great Run


Delighted to report that I successfully completed my second Edinburgh Great Run earlier today ...

... this time last year, when I was in the midst of Marathon-training, I managed 1-hour 37-minutes, so was delighted to run it today in 1-hour 39-minutes ;-)

Not that fast, I know, but proof that there's (a bit of) life in the old-dog yet :-))


... and here's my 2015 finisher medal!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

3-weeks to go until Polling Day!


Only 3-weeks until Polling Day, and even less time to ensure you're actually registered to vote --- see that last post for all the details, and check before Monday 20th April if you're not sure?

All the local Edinburgh information you need can be found on either:


Don't miss out - YOUR VOTE REALLY MATTERS!

Monday, April 13, 2015

Register to vote by 20th April


There's only until next Monday to register to vote, in what could be the closest election of our lifetime!

You can register here:




#GE2015

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Voters urged to check registration details as General Election approaches

Voters urged to check registration details as General Election approaches


Voters in Edinburgh are being urged to check their registration details are correct four weeks ahead of the General Election.

With the campaigns in full swing and poll cards already hitting doormats, citizens are reminded that they must be registered in order to have their say on May 7th.

Tenants and recent movers are the focus of a drive to encourage registration.

Members of the public, including students and people who have moved home since the last time they registered, should check they are on the electoral role ahead of the registration deadline on April 20th.

Nominations close on Thursday for General Election Candidates, when the final list of those standing for Edinburgh’s five constituencies will be announced.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies, said: “Interest in the forthcoming General Election is really starting to build up. It is essential that voters’ registration details are up-to-date so they can cast their votes and I would urge anyone who is unsure to check in plenty of time.”

More than 84% of the city’s residents voted in the Scottish Independence Referendum in September, which saw a record-breaking turnout across the country.

But changes to the electoral registration system could mean some electors need to re-register. Anyone who has moved since August can update their address or other details (external link) by visiting the GOV.UK website.

You can check you are registered by phoning the Lothian Valuation Joint Board (external link) on 0131 344 2500.

Find out more about where, when and how to vote.

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to one and all :-)

I'm going to attempt to re-aquaint myself with the family over the weekend ...

... no online presence (of any form!) now, until next Tuesday at least.

I am available on the mobile if its a real emergency - but, in the nicest possible manner, I hope not to hear from too many folk ;-)

Edinburgh City Region targets billion pound boost

Delighted that the City Council, and our 5 neighbouring Local Authorities, have reached the stage of formally submitting a 'City Region Deal' to both Scottish and UK Governments ...

... relevant News Release can be seen here - and I'll re-produce the text below:
 

Edinburgh City Region targets billion pound boost


 
A partnership of local authorities is aiming to win a £1bn city deal, under ambitious plans announced today.

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region – comprising Edinburgh, Borders, Fife, Mid, East and West Lothian councils – will work together to develop a deal with the Scottish and UK Governments designed to grow the local, national and UK economies.

At the heart of the proposition lies a £1bn infrastructure fund, with priority areas for investment likely to include transport, housing, economic regeneration, energy and digital connectivity.

It is estimated that an additional £3.2bn of private sector investment could be leveraged, generating tens of thousands of new jobs and providing a sustainable 5% uplift to the local economy.

The deal will be targeted at maximising the opportunities afforded by the world class research base, and would look to exploit the wide range of technologies being pioneered across the city region.

Any investment would be supported by a complementary package of skills and innovation measures, such as business-led training academies in key growth sectors.

Speaking on behalf of the six local authorities, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Andrew Burns, said: “I am delighted to be working with our five neighbouring local authorities to pursue a deal for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region.

“In creating this fund, we want to build on our strengths whilst tackling persistent pockets of inequality and other constraints that threaten to hold the region back.

“Our next step will be to seek UK and Scottish Government agreement on the development of a detailed proposition; one that we believe can unlock billions of pounds of potential infrastructure investment, thereby ensuring the continued growth and reduction in inequality across one of Europe's most successful city region economies.”

Assuming a positive response from ministers, detailed work on prioritising potential investment would continue in partnership with representatives from both governments.
 
---

 

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Edinburgh's residents amongst the proudest of their city

No - of course this isn't an April Fools ...

... just follow the various links below ;-)

 

Edinburgh's residents amongst the proudest of their city


The City of Edinburgh Council Leader has welcomed news that Edinburgh's residents are amongst the proudest of their city in the country.

Research by YouGov revealed that 90% of citizens are proud to live in the capital, citing historic landmarks, local culture, green spaces and transport links amongst the things they love most about the city.
 
Council Leader, Andrew Burns, said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh’s residents are so proud of their city – we feel the same way. The capital is packed with stunning historical landmarks and beautiful open spaces, as well as a thriving cultural scene, which I know its citizens appreciate and this survey demonstrates that.
 
“Edinburgh boasts an excellent integrated transport system too, and these results back up positive levels of satisfaction in public transport shown in our last Edinburgh People Survey, as well as similarly positive figures from Transport for Edinburgh.
 
“This poll is the latest of many accolades recognising Edinburgh’s appeal, which makes it one of the best places to visit, work, live and study in the world.”
 
Edinburgh came second out of ten 'leading cities' in the UK, with first place Brighton scoring 91%.
 
Findings mirror recent results of the Edinburgh People Survey, which showed that 89% of respondents were satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live.
 
Read the full results of the poll on YouGov's website.