An "anti-democratic" process which could have seen two councillors and the chief executive of Edinburgh Council get the final say on how £13 million should be spent has been blocked following a move by the SNP group.
The City of Edinburgh Council's housing, homelessness and fair work committee met on Thursday, June 23, to discuss the UK Government's new 'Shared Prosperity Fund', which is replacing funding streams for local authorities which previously came from the EU. Executive director of Place, Paul Lawrence, told members an investment plan detailing which local charities and organisations would benefit from the £12,398,092 being made available over the next three years needs to be submitted to the Government by August 1.
Due to the council's summer recess however, the next housing committee, where members would be asked to approve the investment plan, is not scheduled until three days after the deadline on August 4. Mr Lawrence said there could be "some wiggle room" and a report to councillors stated officers have enquired about getting an extension.
