Council committee reports and related policy
The findings and recommendations of the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review were considered and endorsed by councillors on 30 August 2022. You can watch the discussion and read the report in full.
Previous committee reports
The Response to Motion – Black Lives Matter report to policy and sustainability on 23 July 2020, gives the context for the review, highlighting the Council’s commitment to leadership of Scotland’s capital city anchored in
- equality
- inclusion
- fairness
- tolerance
- diversity.
It also reaffirmed there is no place in Edinburgh for
- racism
- prejudice
- discrimination
- intolerance
- hate.
The report describes how the Black Lives Matter movement brought further welcome attention to the structural exclusions that may be faced by people in all areas of life, including planning and decision-making in relation to vital services they receive from local government. It also sets out the principles for how the review group should be convened and the group’s remit.
The report Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy review to the policy and sustainability on 24 June 2021 summarises the progress of the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy review group as it reached its midway point. It also set out the milestones for the remaining six months of the review, including plans for seeking views from people of Edinburgh to inform recommendations about redressing the legacy.
Related Council policy
The Council’s equalities and diversity framework 2021-25 aims to make a tangible difference to the lives of citizens who share protected characteristics. It will bring practical improvements to the life chances of people at risk of discrimination and disadvantage.
The first of five themes in the framework is ‘inclusive communities’. This is about creating safe, welcoming and more inclusive communities and enhancing the equality and diversity of our city.
One of our priorities is that visitors to our museums, friends groups and our staff see
- greater fairness
- representation
- justice
in their communities.
As well as dedicating staff to work on the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy review, our museums and galleries service is committed to an anti-racism pledge.