SNP and Lib Dems unite to run city...

The Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party groups of councillors have agreed to form a coalition administration for the city of Edinburgh.

The coalition is founded on the democratic principles of trust, equity, openness and fairness, and is committed to delivering the highest quality of services to all the people and communities of the city.

Major policy commitments include fundamental changes to the governance of the Council, replacing the existing Executive with a streamlined committee system and an altered emphasis in several areas of existing service provision.

The coalition is committed to assuring and supporting a prosperous and sustainable future for Edinburgh and its citizens

so that its:

• economy is managed sustainably and successfully
• image is promoted globally as a welcoming capital city, open and democratic
• communities are fully involved in decisions which affect them and local democracy is enlarged
• disadvantaged groups and vulnerable individuals are supported

and it is:

• characterised by a listening and empowering Council, which is getting the basics right
• business friendly

and that:

• it has an atmosphere of safe, green and clean living spaces

and where:

• individual citizens have the maximum opportunity to realise their full potential
• accessible, flexible and cost effective services are provided for all
• the Council’s existing City Vision and new Corporate Plan objectives are implemented
• the importance of its heritage and environment is recognised.

More detailed plans and implementation proposals will be developed by the coalition as it begins to operate in practice.