Councils are operated on a democratic basis. The residents of a specific area or ward elect citizens of the city as councillors. They represent the ward and meet monthly to make decisions about the way that the city is run and about the services a council provides, within the guidelines set out by Central Government.
The City of Edinburgh has 58 councillors who are elected every four years to represent the people of Edinburgh. Currently (in 2005) there are 29 Labour, 13 Conservative and 15 Liberal Democrat councillors and one Scottish National Party councillor. The next elections are due to be held in 2007.
Councillors represent the views of the people who live in their wards. You can contact your councillor to express your views and ensure that they are considered in the Council’s decision-making processes. Most councillors hold regular surgeries so that you can go along and discuss things in person. You can find out how to contact your councillor on the Find your local councillor page.
You can also make your voice heard during public question time at meetings of your Local Development Committee.
Providing key services to the city
With over 20,000 employees, we are the second largest employer in the city. Our total funding for 2005-06 is £ 824.3 million, 55% of which comes from Central Government funding, 25% from Council Tax paid by residents in the city and 20% from non-domestic rates. Income from council house rent is used to maintain and improve council houses and provide the housing service.
From refuse collection to art galleries, local planning to schools, we are responsible for providing key public services to the people of Edinburgh. These are provided by eight departments, led by the Chief Executive. Departments report to and take instruction from appropriate committees.
The modernised Council
The Council has moved from a traditional committee structure to a modernised system of democratic decision-making that is based on the following: