Edinburgh top for council housing in Scotland

More council homes in Edinburgh meet national quality standards compared with any other urban area in Scotland, and empty properties are re-let quicker than most other authorities.

Those are two of the results from recent performance figures, which show the City of Edinburgh Council as being the same as or better than similar authorities in 80 per cent of success measures.

Also, performance has improved by at least 5 per cent since 2008/09 in 18 of the indicators where comparisons with other councils are possible.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, leader of Edinburgh Council, said: "These performance improvements are very encouraging. Edinburgh is a great place to live, a fine city in which to work and a fantastic locality to visit. These results, and the numerous Best City awards that Edinburgh regularly wins, reflect our determination to continue to deliver better front-line services.

She added: "These achievements are all the more remarkable given the financial challenges faced by local government. There is no room for complacency, however, and we will continue to focus on providing good quality services for all."

Other positive points of the council's performance include:
•Edinburgh has improved its ranking for road conditions among urban local authorities from 6th to 3rd
•Highest number of clients receiving 'self-directed support', which allows them to exercise greater choice and control over their personal care.
•The percentage of domestic and commercial planning applications processed under two months has improved.
•Major reduction in the average number of sick days taken by staff.