The Policy and Sustainability Committee were scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including the city's Gaelic Language Plan, the Third Sector Resilience Fund, and the Council Business Plan. Councillors were also expected to consider a motion on webcasting of meetings, and a report on the implications of the council leaving social media platform X.

Here's a closer look at the topics on the agenda:

Forth Green Freeport

Councillor Jane Meagher, the Committee Convener, submitted a motion regarding the Forth Green Freeport, noting concerns that the organisation would not have the ability to withdraw tax relief from companies failing to meet fair work and net zero commitments.

The motion stated that Councillor Meagher, as a board member, had urged the board to request that the UK and Scottish governments make progress on legislative changes to allow sanctions for businesses not adhering to their commitments.

The motion requested that the Chief Executive write to the Forth Green Freeport Board asking that they push the UK and Scottish governments for the required legislative changes, and also agreed that the council would end NDR relief in the event of any breach of commitments within the Forth Green Freeport, as agreed by Finance and Resources Committee in September 2024.

Heat Networks in Edinburgh

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report on heat networks in Edinburgh.

Prior to the meeting, deputations were received from:

• Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum (CHEF)
• Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network
• Porty Community Edinburgh

Third Sector Support

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on engagement with third sector organisations, and to consider a draft Community Wealth Building Plan.

The report included a proposal to adopt funding principles for all grant and contract awards, and a revised approach to grant and contract applications, awards and monitoring.

Council Business Plan 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to review progress against the Council Business Plan 2023-27. The refreshed Council Business Plan and Delivery Plan for 2023-27 was presented for approval. The refresh was undertaken to reflect some new areas of focus for the Council and changes in the wider landscape. The original delivery plan set out actions undertaken up to March 2025 – the new delivery plan covered actions for 2025/26 and 2026/27. This work was undertaken as part of the budget setting process for 2025/26.

Webcasting of Meetings and Recording Private Business

Councillor Kate Campbell submitted a motion on the webcasting of meetings and recording of private business. The report set out options for recording private items of business at council and committee meetings, and asked the committee to consider whether to commence recording private business, and if so, how this should be done.

Flag Protocol and City Dressing Process

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on the council's flag protocol and city dressing process. The report sought to streamline existing processes in relation to city dressing, and proposed new management arrangements, charging criteria and a decision-making process.

The report also sought to update the committee on the management arrangements for the contracts relating to festive lighting, cultural advertising and festival advertising, with the Public Spaces team taking over the management of these contracts.

Implications of the Council Leaving X

Councillor Chas Booth submitted a motion on the implications of the council leaving X (formerly Twitter). The report included:

• A review of the council's social media engagement and an assessment of how each platform aligns with council values.
• Options and timescales for ending the council's use of X and transitioning to other social media sites instead, including the use of other social media channels to allow citizens to report issues to the council.
• An analysis of the volume of @edinhelp complaints and whether these residents would use another method to make contact.
• A breakdown of money spent on paid sponsorship used to promote City of Edinburgh Council on X.

Independent Review Action Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive a progress update on actions resulting from the Independent Investigation report considered by the council in June 2025, and to agree the membership for the Short Life Working Group.

Elected Member Attendance at COSLA Conference 2025

The committee was asked to nominate elected members to attend the COSLA Annual Conference and Exhibition on 13-14 November 2025. The theme of the conference was scheduled to be 'The Future of Localism'.

Disclosure Scotland and Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme – Elected Members

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on Disclosure Scotland and the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for elected members.

Prevention, Early Intervention and Mitigation in Edinburgh

The committee was scheduled to consider a report proposing system reforms and service delivery changes needed to embed prevention, early intervention and mitigation across the city.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Engagement and Equality Outcome Recommendations 2026-2030

The committee was scheduled to note the findings from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion engagement exercise over the past 10 months, and to approve the recommended Equality Outcomes for 2026-2030.

Suspension of the Council House Letting Policy

The Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee referred a report on the suspension of the Council House Letting Policy for the committee's consideration.

Decisions Taken Under Urgency by Corporate Directors

The committee was scheduled to note decisions taken under urgency by Corporate Directors. These included:

• A response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission consultation on their revised Code of Practice.
• A response to the Accounts Commission consultation, 'Our work, your views'.
• Membership appointments to the Visitor Levy Advisory Forum.