Today I had an excellent meeting with Alex neil, the Housing Minister who was receptive to a number of new ideas we had. He was also delighted to hear of our Homelessness Strategy and the impact it has been having on slashing the numbers of people who are homeless in the City.
Monday also saw the announcement of the results of the latest Christmas crime crackdown. Another terrific drop and more success for partnership working.
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CEC/Corporate_Services/Corporate_Communications/Press_Releases/NewsRelease.jsp?ID=4533
The crime rate dropped by 29 percent in the city centre during December 2009 when compared with averages for the same period over the last 3 years. I think by anyone’s standards that is a remarkable achievement.
The City also has kept its title of Most Improved Urban Local Authority in Scotland.
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CEC/Corporate_Services/Corporate_Communications/Press_Releases/NewsRelease.jsp?ID=4527
This is the second year we have enjoyed this success and is a real morale boost for the Lib Dem led administration. I also note that 3 out of the 4 most marked improvements are in my portfolio. I have said it before I am very lucky in the quality of the Officers I work with.
The By election, if that is what the Americans call it, caused by the death of Ted Kennedy happened yesterday. The shock result was a win for the Republicans in a seat which had been Democrat since 1952 when JFK saw off Henry Cabot Lodge. This robs Obama of his 60% filibuster proof majority. It is astonishing that with the Presidency, a majority in both Houses this technique can still hold up the passage of legislation. I suspect that there was a large element of complacency and the poor will be the ones who suffer most.
The BBC have run a bit on the biggest crystal cave in the world. See link below.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8466493.stm
This look amazing like something out of Journey to the Centre of the World.
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