Edinburgh Council Implements New Policies Following Recent Strategic Decisions

The City of Edinburgh Council issued a Formal Notice of Election on 15 July 2026 for by-elections in the Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards. This step follows the standard process after vacancies arose in those areas.

Background to the By-Elections

The notice issued on 15 July 2026 sets the timetable for residents in Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar to select new councillors. Council records show that such notices are released once vacancies are confirmed, allowing the electoral process to begin without delay.

School Policy and Street Management Developments

Alongside the election notice, the council confirmed the introduction of bell to bell mobile phone restrictions using lockable pouches in secondary schools from August 2026. Princes Street remains closed into August after the major fire at the former Debenhams store on 9 July 2026. These measures address immediate operational needs in education and city centre access following the July incidents.

Visitor Levy and Policing Unit Origins

The Visitor Levy is scheduled to launch on Friday 24 July 2026. Council budget documents indicate an expected annual return close to £50 million by 2028/29. A new City Centre Policing Unit funded by the Visitor Levy has already launched. These steps build on earlier council budget discussions that identified visitor revenue as a source for local services.

Each announcement traces to documented council actions taken in the days and weeks leading up to mid-July 2026. The election notice, school restrictions, street closure and levy-funded unit all stem from separate but concurrent council responsibilities.

Residents can check the council website for updates on the by-election timetable and the Visitor Levy start date. Further details on the City Centre Policing Unit and school arrangements will appear in official council releases as implementation proceeds.