Policy Priorities for a greener and fairer Sighthill/Gorgie and Edinburgh
Here are just some of the ideas that I want to take forward for my ward and the city, if selected and elected
01
🏠 Empower Renters
With Rent Controls on the way, I want to make sure renters in my ward and across the city to know that they have a right challenge illegal rent rises and are supported to do so. As designed, the controls will not work unless renters are empowered to challenge illegal rents. Rent Controls can operate across any size of area, but I will push for them to be Edinburgh-wide.
02
🍛 Deliver a Public Diner
I have championed the idea of a Public Diner in Edinburgh, which can tacke food waste and poverty at the same time. I have presented a funding proposal on this, but this was rejected by other parties. Delivering a diner, such as the one which has just opened in Dundee, will be a priority of mine in the next Council session, if selected and elected.
03
🥕 Local community growing and nature restoration projects
Previously, I have raised the idea of a micro-grant scheme for tenement front gardens, which are often not maintained due to absentee landlords. Each one is small, but together, they constitute a huge space offering good growing and nature restoration potential. I would like to get a pilot scheme for Gorgie and Dalry funded, with a view to expanding this across the city.
04
🌳 Backing the Friends of Dalry Cemetery
The Friends of Dalry Cemetery have done a great job in restoring and maintaining the cemetery, essentially doing the Council's job for it, but with almost no support from it. I would like to bring back my plans for a Friends of Cemetery grant scheme, so Friends groups in Dalry and the rest of the ward and city, can be supported for the great job they do.
05
🛝 Better play facilities
Since I was first elected, I have campaigned for better local play facilities for children and young people. Though it is good to see some new and restore, such as Dalry Community Park and Murieston Park, others, such as the Stewart Terrace park, remain very neglected and in need of new equipment and landscaping. I will keep campaigning to ensure young people have the playspaces they deserve.