New coalition in Edinburgh sets out promises for next five years

City chambers: Labour and the SNP have set out their plans for the next five years.David Hitchborne

The new coalition which has been formed to run the capital has outlined their promises for the next five years.

The Labour and SNP partnership have pledged to retain the city's trams project in its current form and continue building the new Portobello High School.

They also want to bring empty houses into use, consult on extending the 20mph zones, look at setting up a petitions committee for members of the public to suggest ideas and oppose any biomass project.

More than 50 promises have been drawn up and signed by both Cllr Andrew Burns from Labour and Cllr Steve Cardownie from the SNP.

Cllr Burns said: "Edinburgh is internationally recognised as a fantastic city. It is successful, prosperous and a great place to live and work. Yet our city has major challenges and we need to acknowledge that we have some work to do to rebuild trust between the residents of Edinburgh and their elected representatives.

"Tackling these requires strong leadership, which we will provide, as well as the political stability created by having a 38-strong coalition between the Council’s two largest parties."

Cllr Cardownie added: "This new contract with the capital marks a fresh start with a Council willing to listen to local people and work together with local communities, 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."

The six priorities are to ensure every child has the best start in life, reduce poverty, inequality and deprivation, provide for the city, strengthen communities, ensure residents are well cared for and improve the quality of life.

Chief executive Sue Bruce said: "The agreement lays out the goals that officers will be charged with delivering on behalf of the whole council. It is a challenging set of objectives, as it rightly should be for a capital city.

"I’m very much looking forward to working with councillors, the senior management team, partner organisations and all of our committed staff on achieving them."

A New Contract With the Capital

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