Edinburgh unveils plan to ‘minimise poverty and promote sustainability’

Edinburgh council plans to promote sustainability and improve wellbeing as part of the four-year Change Strategy.

A report is being brought to a meeting with the Finance and Resources Committee on Thursday (10 October) detailing year two of the strategy.

According to the authority, the Change Strategy is helping the council to work towards a savings target of £86.7m, while also delivering major capital projects such as new schools, affordable housing and improvements to the city’s transport.

According to the council, the focus of the report will be on promoting sustainability and improving wellbeing and it will also unveil the key themes that are designed to guide saving and spending decisions between now and 2023.

If the report is approved, work will begin to identify and deliver specific savings in the year ahead to meet the changing demands of the city and its services.

Deputy leader, Cammy Day said: ‘We know from our engagement work that we must prioritise front-line services while supporting the most vulnerable in our communities and addressing the impacts of growth on our city.’

‘That is why, as we transform our services, we’ll be focusing our energy towards creating a fairer and more inclusive future for all. A way of working which minimises poverty, promotes sustainability and prioritises well-being.’

Cllr Ellie Bird added: ‘When we launched our long-term plans for change last year, we embarked on a forward-thinking strategy to meet the future demands of our city and our services.’

‘Now as we enter the second year, we’re drawing on all of the feedback we’ve received to date to identify our city’s key priorities.’

‘Edinburgh is a hugely successful, growing and prosperous city but, with 80,000 people living in poverty, we must do more. This is our chance to push for a more progressive city, ensuring all residents have the opportunity to share in our city’s success.’

In related news, Edinburgh residents would like to see ‘radical’ change in Scotland’s capital city, according to a major council consultation.

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