Agenda Document Pack - Midlothian Council - 12/05/2026
Midlothian Council · 12 May 2026
Back to Midlothian Council — 12 May 2026 and its agenda
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Notice of Meeting and Agenda Midlothian Council Venue: Normandy Court/ Hybrid, Normandy Court, 20 Normandy Dr, Dalkeith, EH22 1JG Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Time: 11:00 Executive Director : Place Contact: Clerk Name: Democratic Services Clerk Telephone: Clerk Email: democratic.services@midlothian.gov.uk Further Information: This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. Privacy notice: Please note that this meeting may be recorded. The recording may be publicly available following the meeting. If you would like to know how Midlothian Council collects, uses and shares your personal information, please visit our website: www.Midlothian.gov.uk Page 1 of 52
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1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies 2 Order of Business Including notice of new business submitted as urgent for consideration at the end of the meeting. 3 Declaration of Interest Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest. 4 Deputations No items for discussion 5 Minutes 5.1 Minute of the Midlothian Council meeting of 31 March 2026 - submitted for approval 5 - 20 Private Minute Addendum of the Midlothian Council meeting of 31 March 2026 - submitted for approval 5.2 Minute Volume Index 21 - 22 5.3 Public Action Log 23 - 26 Private Action Log 6 Questions to the Council Leader No items for discussion 7 Motions 7.1 Heath and Social Care Services 27 - 28 8 Public Reports 8.1 Learning Estate Strategy Update, report by Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships 29 - 46 8.2 Sportscotland: Summer of Sport Funding, report by Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships 47 - 52 Page 2 of 52
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Exclusion of Members of the Public (A) TO CONSIDER RESOLVING TO DEAL WITH THE UNDERNOTED BUSINESS IN PRIVATE IN TERMS OF PARAGRAPHS 8, 9 AND 10 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973 - THE RELEVANT REPORTS ARE THEREFORE NOT FOR PUBLICATION; AND (B) TO NOTE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY SUCH RESOLUTION, INFORMATION MAY STILL REQUIRE TO BE RELEASED UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REGULATIONS 2004. 9 Private Reports 9.1 Mauricewood Primary School Extension, report by Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships 9.2 Shawfair All Through Campus Contractor Appointment - Update Report, report by Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships 9.3 Beeslack Replacement High School - Project Update, report by Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships 10 Date of Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 23 June 2026. Page 3 of 52
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INTERNAL USE ONLY DRAFT BY/DATE: REVIEW BY/DATE: 1-993 Minute of Meeting Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 5.1 Midlothian Council Date Time Venue Tuesday 31 March 2026 11.00am Council Chambers, Normandy Court and Hybrid Present: Provost McCall (Chair) Deputy Provost Bowen (Deputy Chair) Councillor Parry (Council Leader) Councillor Cassidy (Deputy Council Leader) Councillor Alexander Councillor Curran Councillor Drummond Councillor Imrie Councillor McEwan Councillor McKenzie Councillor McManus Councillor Milligan Councillor Russell Councillor Scott Councillor Smaill Councillor Pottinger Councillor Virgo Councillor Winchester Religious Representatives In attendance: Dr Grace Vickers, Chief Executive Kevin Anderson, Executive Director Place Derek Oliver, Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) Fiona Clandillon, Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects Nick Clater, Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer David Gladwin, Chief Financial Officer and Section 95 Officer Saty Kaur, Chief Officer Corporate Solutions Michelle Strong, Chief Education Officer Alan Turpie, Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer Magnus Inglis, Service Manager, Business Support – Acting Up Annette Lang, Group Service Manager (Community Planning, Communities, Lifelong Learning and Employability) Nicola Thorburn, Acting Democratic Services Team Leader Hannah Forbes, Democratic Services Officer Maria Perez, Democratic Services Officer Page 5 of 52
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1. Welcome and Apologies The Chair welcomed everyone to this meeting of Midlothian Council and advised that the meeting will be broadcast live and saved to the Council’s archive. Items heard in private will not be made available to the public. The Chair highlighted that they were pleased to attend the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition prize giving earlier this month. Future Assets is an organisation that educates girls across Scotland about investment management and careers as only 12% of staff in the financial sector are women. The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition is a Scotland wide event and for this there was a shortlist of 5 schools for the senior prize. Out of the whole of Scotland, 2 of Midlothian’s schools made the shortlist – Lasswade High School and Penicuik High School, which is an incredible achievement. The Chair was delighted to advise Council that Penicuik High School were the runners up and Lasswade High School were the overall winners. The Chair and Council passed on their congratulations to Gemma, Mylah, Freya, Amy, Eleanor and Amy from Penicuik High School and Khadijah, Stephanie, Aisla and Maria from Lasswade High School. The Chair also congratulated the coaches from the financial sector who volunteer their time, Richard Barry, Walter Scott Investments who coached Lasswade High School, and Sarah Buchart from RBC Brewin Dolphin who coached Penicuik High School. The Chair also acknowledged the Business Studies teachers from both schools, Ms Antony from Penicuik High School and Miss Smith from Lasswade High School, who are both young women and new to Midlothian. The enthusiasm for getting the girls involved has been fantastic. Apologies were received from the Religious Representative, Anne-Theresa Lawrie. 2. Order of Business Councillor Curran advised they had a specific discussion point to raise as part of agenda item 8.6 Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCRD) – Strengthening Regional Partnerships and, following advice from the Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer, asked that this is heard in private. The Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer advised that, rather than have a split discussion on this item, it would be prudent to move the entire discussion on this paper into private in terms of paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The Chair agreed and confirmed that item 8.6 from the public agenda would now be taken as 9.4 on the private agenda. The report, in relation to the Appointment of the Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships, will now be heard as agenda item 9.5 Page 6 of 52
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3. Declarations of Interest Elected Members were invited to declare their financial or non-financial interest in items of the agenda. No declarations of interest were intimated at this stage of the proceedings. Elected Members were reminded that they could make further declarations of interest at relevant items of the agenda. 4. Deputations No items for discussion. 5. Minutes Report No. Report Title Presented by: 5.1 Minute of Midlothian Council Meeting of 24 February 2026 Executive Director Place The Minute of the meeting of Midlothian Council held on the 24 February 2026 was submitted for approval. Democratic Services highlighted a minor amendment required, advising that at the end of item 8.12 (page 30 of the meeting papers) it states, “Councillor Drummond highlighted that the consultation on the Admissions Policy would end in April 2026 and encouraged everyone to participate” however, the paper proposed that the consultation would start in April and this is what Councillor Drummond said in the meeting. Councillor Smaill requested that additional commentary was added to the minute (page 20) in relation to the Variation of Council Tax for Unoccupied Dwellings to note that people might not want to rent out their houses due to legislative changes that are averse to landlords, specifically the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 which came into force in October 2025. Councillor Parry moved to approve the Minute of the Meeting of Midlothian Council as amended of 24 February 2026, seconded by Councillor Cassidy. Councillor Parry moved to approve the Private Minute Addendum of the Meeting of Midlothian Council of 24 February 2026, seconded by Councillor Cassidy. Decision The Minute of the Midlothian Council Meeting of 24 February 2026 as amended, and the Private Addendum were approved as the correct record. Action Update the Minute of Midlothian Council Meeting of 24 February 2026 with the minor amendments agreed in the meeting – Democratic Services. Page 7 of 52
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Report No. Report Title Presented by: 5.2 Minute Volume Index Executive Director Place The Minute Volume Index was submitted for approval. The Minute Volume Index was moved by Councillor Parry and seconded by Councillor Cassidy. Decision Council approved the Minute Volume Index. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 5.3 Action Logs Executive Director Place Council agreed that items flagged as recommended for closure could be removed from the Action Logs. Following cross-party agreement to pause some of the Fees and Charges revisions for After School Clubs and Nurseries, Councillor Parry asked that a specific item was added to the Action Log in relation to an impact assessment of increased Fees and Charges for After School Clubs and Nurseries. Decision Council agreed that items flagged as recommended for closure could be removed from the Action Logs. Action Update the action log to include the impact assessment of changes to Fees and Charges for After School Clubs and Nurseries – Democratic Services. 6. Questions to the Leader of the Council No items for discussion. 7. Motions Report No. Report Title Presented by: 7.1 Month of the Military Child Councillor Winchester Councillor Winchester presented the motion as detailed below. That Midlothian Council agrees: Page 8 of 52
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1. That April is the month of the military child. 2. That the special Children’s Military Flag designed by Sophie Pang will be flown at every High School site now and Mauricewood Primary School for the month of April. 3. That Friday 24th April is ‘Purple Up’ day. 4. To send best wishes to every child of veterans and armed forces throughout the U.K. but especially in Midlothian. 5. That the Dandelion is the flower of the military child. Councillor Winchester added that Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland asked Forces Children Scotland to gather the views of young people from forces families on their educational experiences and read a quote from that report. “At a time when global conflict dominates the news many children from armed forces families are quietly carrying worries that most of their classmates never have to think about. Schools must be places of stability and understanding so these children are recognised, supported and able to thrive” - Steven Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer, Forces Children Scotland. Councillor Winchester highlighted that the report said many children felt different, misunderstood or stereotyped by peers and staff. Councillor Winchester recalled how worried she was when her father was posted in dangerous areas and added that forces children now also must contend with the internet and social media. Midlothian Council, working with the Army Welfare Service and Children First, was successful in gaining an award of £133,550 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. This is a two-year programme called Midlothian Informed Personal Support Approaches (MIPSA) and offers various opportunities and tailored support to military children. Councillor Winchester added that there are military children in almost every school in Midlothian and read Council a poem, The Dandelion, Flower of the Military Child. Councillor Smaill highlighted the significance of the military community, particularly in Penicuik and added that for several years Midlothian Council has received the Gold Award for the support they provide. Councillor Smaill added that there is a new dimension where Scots are being deployed for exercise to Estonia, a place where its boundaries were only defined in 1991 and there is 183 miles of boundary between Russia and Estonia. Councillor Smaill asked Council to support, with prayer, the children of military families in Midlothian and hopes for a speedy and safe return for all the Armed Forces Officers and Soldiers exercising on our behalf. The Provost added that they have given their approval for the Military Child flag to be flown in various locations across Midlothian. Page 9 of 52
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The motion was moved by Councillor Winchester and seconded by Councillor Smaill. Decision Council approved the motion. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 7.2 Dalkeith Long Service Councillor Cassidy Councillor Cassidy presented the motion as detailed below: - This motion calls on the Council to congratulate Roy Johnston and his late wife Anne on 45 years of shopkeeping in Dalkeith. Roy and Anne operated two shops in the town - one in Komarom Court and one on the High Street - and for more than four decades served the people of Dalkeith with dedication and commitment. Independent local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and it is only right that the Council formally recognises and congratulates the Johnston family for their valued contribution to Dalkeith and to Midlothian as a whole. Council also recognises, thanks and congratulates Eileen Stoddart who recently retired from the Dalkeith Oxfam shop after 40 years of dedicated service. Councillor Russell recalled the shop With Love in Dalkeith, noting it was always the place to go for special gifts for their family. Councillor Russell added that Eileen Stoddart and the whole team in Oxfam Dalkeith do a great job, highlighting that it is not just second-hand clothes that they sell but also gifts from all over the world. The motion was moved by Councillor Cassidy and seconded by Councillor Russell. Decision Council approved the motion. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 7.3 International Women’s Day Councillor Alexander Councillor Alexander presented the motion as detailed below: - Council notes that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contribution of women in all walks of life, while also recognising that women have too often had to struggle to be heard, to be safe, and to secure justice for themselves, their families and their communities. Council recognises that women across the world have played a vital role in advancing peace, justice and human dignity; including the women in Ireland who helped build peace out of conflict, women internationally who continue to speak for dignity and humanity in the face of war and suffering, and the women of Scotland who, across generations, have stood up to adversity, inequality and exclusion. Council further recognises the courage and Page 10 of 52
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persistence of women who have challenged injustice and unfairness, often in the face of indifference or entrenched opposition, and whose efforts have strengthened communities, widened participation in public life, and advanced the cause of equality. Council believes that women’s leadership, both formal and informal, has too often been undervalued, despite the central role women have repeatedly played in sustaining families, communities, and democratic life through times of hardship, conflict, and social change. Council agrees that it is right that local government should mark International Women’s Day by recognising the contribution of women locally, nationally, and internationally, and by affirming the importance of women’s voices in building a fairer, more peaceful, and more inclusive society. Council therefore resolves: - 1. To mark International Women’s Day and celebrate the contribution of women to peace, justice, equality, and public life. 2. To record its appreciation for the role of women locally, nationally, and internationally in building stronger, fairer, and more compassionate communities. 3. To acknowledge the contribution of Scottish women, past and present, who have stood up to adversity and worked for equality, dignity, and social progress. 4. To reaffirm the importance of women’s voices, leadership, and experience in shaping a fairer, more peaceful, and more inclusive society. Councillor Alexander highlighted that this is a powerful reminder of the courage, compassion and strength that women bring to the world and communities daily. On the global stage, women have long stood for peace and fairness, often at great personal cost. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Reporter on Human Rights in the Palestine territories has shown great courage in advocating for justice, human rights and a peaceful resolution. Elsie Inglis, an Edinburgh suffragette and surgeon, was told by the War Office at the outbreak of the first world war to go home and sit still. Instead, she raised funds, established Scottish Women’s Hospitals for foreign service and led an all-female surgical team to the Western Front in Serbia, saving thousands of lives. Mary Somerville, a self-taught mathematician, was so celebrated that Somerville College in Oxford was named in her honour. Eunice Newton Foot, a scientist, who in 1856 was the first to demonstrate that higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would raise temperatures on earth, leading to our understanding of climate change. Councillor Alexander mentioned the uncelebrated wives and mothers of Midlothian’s mining community during the strikes at pits like Bilston Glen and Monktonhall Colliery. They organised soup kitchens, raised funds and kept their families fed, safe and hopeful. Page 11 of 52
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Councillor Alexander added that in the Council Chamber today it holds more women than it ever has but there is still so much further to go, here in Scotland and across the world, to support and encourage the women that make the differences to every aspect of life. Councillor Parry thanked Councillor Alexander for bringing this motion to Council today and went on to highlight some local women who were politically inspiring. Annie Swan for Gorebridge was one of the most prolific and a popular novelist of the late nineteenth century. Annie was not just a writer; she was a suffragist and a political candidate at a time where women in politics were viewed with much suspicion. She used her platform to advocate for women’s places in public life, proving that the pen is mightier than the sword. Christine Grahame, Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP), who is about to stand down after representing our communities for decades and reached the position of Deputy Presiding Officer. Councillor Parry highlighted how they had mentored young people, and young women on work experience. Councillor Parry added that there was a pupil from Beeslack High School that joined them for part of the day to understand how they could be more involved in Council and was heartened to know that there are already girls in Midlothian’s schools that see themselves as the next leaders. Councillor Parry also celebrated every single woman across our workforce that keeps Midlothian Council moving daily. Councillor Pottinger welcomed the motion and added they appreciate the work the Council has done in relation to International Women’s Day. The Provost highlighted the election of a female Mayor, Madam Anne Martron, in Jarnac, France, the twin town of Dalkeith and added that they will send a message of congratulations. Councillor Smaill added his congratulations to Madam Anne Martron. Councillor Russell added that the Chair of the Jarnac Twinning Association has also sent greetings to the new Mayor of Jarnac. The motion was moved by Councillor Alexander and seconded by Councillor Parry. Decision Council approved the motion. Page 12 of 52
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8. Public Reports Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.1 School Session Dates for the Academic Years 2027/28 and 2028/29 Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) The Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) introduced the report. The Chief Education Officer presented the report for decision which explains that the authority is required to set school session dates annually, in accordance with statutory attendance requirements. Proposed session dates for Midlothian schools for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years have been prepared. These dates have been aligned as closely as possible with those proposed by neighbouring local authorities. A consultation on the draft dates took place from 26 January 2026 to 9 February 2026. The proposed session dates are provided in Appendix B. Council is requested to: - i. agree the school session dates proposed for the academic year 2027/28. ii. agree the school session dates proposed for the academic year 2028/29. The Chair thanked the Chief Education Officer for their report and invited questions. Councillor Scott moved to approve the report and thanked the staff who were involved in setting these dates. Councillor Milligan asked that consideration is given to election dates when setting the school session dates to avoid any potential school closures. The Chief Education Officer agreed to consider this going forward. The report was moved by Councillor Scott and seconded by Councillor Parry. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.2 Intake Levels for Primary and Secondary Schools Session 2026/27 Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) The Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) introduced the report. The Chief Education Officer presented the report for decision which provides Council with an update on the enrolment of pupils and intake for the school session 2026/27. The report identifies schools where there is pressure on school capacity, and the Page 13 of 52
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need for intake limits to safeguard places for catchment children and to manage placing requests. Council is requested to: - approve the requirement to apply intake limits, as detailed in the report, at a number of schools to safeguard places for pupils to be able to attend their catchment school. delegate authority to the Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships to determine the number of reserved places at each school and amend them, in consultation with the Education Convener, should the number of pupils requiring a place at a school significantly increase or decrease. Council is otherwise requested to note: - The estimated intake figures for primary and secondary schools in Section 3, tables 1 – 3. The Chair thanked the Chief Education Officer for their report and invited questions. Councillor Scott moved to approve the report and its recommendations and highlighted that schools are under pressure and are being monitored closely. Councillor Scott added that they look forward to seeing the Learning Estate Strategy to get more detail on how intake levels will be managed in the future. The report was moved by Councillor Scott and seconded by Councillor Parry. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.3 Midlothian Compact 2026 to 2031 Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) The Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships (Acting) presented the report for decision which outlines the joint partnership approach between Midlothian Council and the third sector, underpinned by the GAUGE approach - Give out information, Agree a partnership approach, Undertake a collaborative decision- making process, Generate shared actions, Evaluate, Reflect and Learn. It also reflects the shared commitment to the TRACK values - Togetherness, Respect, Accountability, Creativity, and Kindness, which guide the ethos and behaviours of this collaborative work. The Community Planning Partnership Board acknowledged the importance of the Compact as an enabler for effective partnership working. Midlothian Council is invited to formally approve, endorse, and actively celebrate the strengthened partnership with the third sector, as articulated in the updated Midlothian Compact 2026–2031. This renewed commitment reflects a shared vision Page 14 of 52
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for collaborative working and community-focused service delivery highlighting the eight shared benefits of the Midlothian Compact. Councillor Parry agreed with the recommendations in relation to celebrating this work. As the paper notes, Midlothian is well known for its partnership working across the Third Sector, charities, and other organisations. Councillor Parry thanked all our volunteers who do a lot of work with the Third Sector and highlighted that the nominations are open for the Midlothian Volunteer Awards until 20 April 2026. As the Volunteer Champion, the Chair agreed with the message given by Councillor Parry. Councillor Scott added that the volunteer sector and volunteers are the heart of the community and having this renewed commitment is a way of endorsing Council’s collaboration with them to ensure they thrive. Councillor Smaill acknowledged the excellent work that Midlothian’s Third Sector does and noted that it is one of the largest in Scotland, which should be celebrated. Councillor Smaill noted the recent controversy regarding the conditions on which the Scottish Government grant funding to third party organisations and inhibiting them from criticising Scottish Government policy. Councillor Smaill asked for reassurance that Midlothian Council do not take a similar tact, and the Third Sector are free to engage with us constructively if criticism is required. The Group Service Manager (Community Planning, Communities, Lifelong Learning and Employability) drew Council’s attending to the shared values which are included in the Compact which are focused on trust, respect and being open to challenges and improvements to be made. Through joint working, these values are used to inform our approach, both from Midlothian Council and the Third Sector. The report was moved by Councillor Parry and seconded by Councillor Scott. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.4 Health and Social Care Fees and Charges 2026/27 Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer The Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer presented the report for decision which summaries the fees and charges in place for Social Care and recommends increases as follows: - 1. 20% increase in the following charges o Care Charges Page 15 of 52
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o Telecare Charges 2. 10% increase in the following charges o Day Service Charges o Day Centre Meals 3. 100% increase in transport charges (£2.68 per journey to a maximum of £15.50 per week). 4. Increase charges for self-funding residents in Highbank and Newbyres to £1,731.95 per week for residential care and £1,878.89 per week for nursing care. 5. Introduce charges for the administration of Corporate Appointeeship of up to £20 per week based on an assessment. 6. Increase the social care charging taper from 70% to 75%, applied to assessable income above the protected allowance. 7. It is proposed that, subject to Council approval, the charges approved for 2026/27 establish the new baseline for future years. These charges would then be reviewed annually and increased in line with inflation. Council is recommended to approve: 1. The recommended fees and charges for Social Care services for the financial year 2026/27, as detailed within this report. 2. That the charges approved for 2026/27 establish the baseline for future years, with charges thereafter reviewed annually and increased in line with inflation. This approach will help ensure that charges remain aligned with the cost of the service provision and avoid the need for periodic step changes where charges have not kept pace with underlying costs. The Chair thanked the Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer for their report and invited questions. Councillor McManus advised that this proposal aims to move to a more sustainable footing by aligning charges more closely to the cost of delivering services. These changes bring Midlothian into line with the national guidelines set out by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and charges set by neighbouring authorities. These services remain subsidised and means tested in the spirit of ensuring everyone is appropriately taken care of. The introduction of the annual inflationary uplift is intended to avoid the need for larger, less predictable increases in the future. Councillor McManus thanked the teams involved in pulling this information together. Councillor Pottinger asked about the Telecare charges as, if someone has a fall and does not have Telecare, the cost may be more. Councillor Pottinger asked if there has been any indication of people not using Telecare due to the costs. Page 16 of 52
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The Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer advised that there have been no reports to suggest that anyone is stopping Telecare because of the charges. The Head of Adult Services and Chief Social Work Officer added that everyone is assessed and means tested and Senior Officers have an element of discretion to disregard charges should there be other risks to be considered. Councillor Milligan added that it is disappointing to see charges rising irrespective if this is the first increase since 2020 and that they are means tested. The reality is that until the Scottish Government, or this Council, finds more money for Health and Social Care we will see more increases. The report was moved by Councillor McManus and seconded by Councillor Parry. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects The Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects presented the report for decision which summarises the key points set out in the final Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31, which is the Council’s sole strategic document for housing in Midlothian and as such, sets out the key housing issues to be addressed across all tenures in Midlothian. Council is recommended to approve the Midlothian Local Housing Strategy (LHS), 2026/27 to 2030/31. The Chair thanked the Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects for their report and invited questions. Councillor McKenzie highlighted that housing is the cornerstone of a stable and productive society, it allows children to perform better at school and helps people feel safe and secure. The work done by the Executive Director Place to maintain Midlothian’s position of housebuilding across all tenures has ensured that Midlothian continues to grow. Midlothian has also managed to avoid closing their housing lists. This paper not only highlights the excellent work done in the past but allows everyone to see the strategic direction and future plans that will ensure Midlothian continues to be a great place to live. Councillor Curran thanked the Housing and Education Services for delivering 10 sessions across secondary schools in relation to preventing and addressing homelessness and asked for some feedback on how they were going, what are the main topics and how many pupils these have been delivered to. Councillor Curran highlighted the information presented in relation to domestic abuse and violence and that the data appears to be out of sync with the national Page 17 of 52
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statistics. The Executive Director Place added that there has been an increase in domestic abuse but agreed to review homelessness statistics presented in the Local Housing Strategy in relation to domestic violence or other violence and confirm if they are aligned to national statistics. Councillor Curran queried the housing turnover data for Danderhall and asked whether these figures include existing Council tenants moving into new build Council homes as this may skew the data. Councillor Curran raised the Passivhaus standards and added that they would like to see a comparison of Passivhaus versus the standard Council housing in terms of energy efficiency and savings, as when the Passivhaus properties next to Midlothian House were being built one of the developers mentioned a potential 70% or 80% saving. The Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects advised that work is underway to understand the performance of these homes and a report will be provided when this is complete. Councillor Pottinger added that the tenants of the new Passivhaus properties in Easthouses are appreciative of the lower energy costs and pleased with the insulation. Councillor Smaill noted that the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which came into force in October 2025, states that if a private landlord decides to spend a lot of capital on installing solar panels and heat pumps, thereby reducing the tenants energy consumption, they are not permitted to increase rent because of that and therefore there are some flaws that must be considered at Scottish Government level. In terms of recycling, and following the deployment of the green bin, Councillor Smaill requested that a review of the provision of bin stores for blocks of flats be undertaken, and that the locations of these are confirmed. The report was moved by Councillor McKenzie and seconded by Councillor Parry. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. Action Provide feedback on how the engagement sessions in relation to preventing and addressing homelessness are going, what are the main topics and how many pupils have these been delivered to – Chief Education Officer Review homelessness statistics presented in the Local Housing Strategy in relation to domestic violence or other violence and confirm if they are aligned to national statistics – Executive Director Place. Review housing turnover in Danderhall and confirm if the figure includes existing Council tenants moving into new build Council homes as this may skew the data – Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects. Following the deployment of the green bin, review the provision of bin stores for blocks of flats and confirm the locations – Executive Director Place. Page 18 of 52
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Provide a report detailing the findings of a comparison between a Passivhaus and a standard Council house build in terms of energy efficiency and savings - Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.6 Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCRD) – Strengthening Regional Partnerships Executive Director Place In agreement with the Chair, this item was moved to the private agenda. Decision N/A Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.7 Covert Surveillance Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer The Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer presented the report for information which advises the Council of covert surveillance actions in terms of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (“RIPSA”) by the Council during 2024 and 2025. Council is invited to note the terms of this report. The Chair thanked the Legal and Governance Manager and Monitoring Officer Place for their report and invited questions. No questions were raised. Decision Council noted the report and its recommendations. Report No. Report Title Presented by: 8.8 UK Town of Culture 2028 Competition - Expression of Interest (EOI) Application Executive Director Place The Executive Director Place presented the report for decision which seeks approval to submit an Expression of Interest by the council to the UK Government’s Town of Culture 2028 programme, proposing Dalkeith as Midlothian’s candidate town. Council is recommended to: - Page 19 of 52
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i. Approve submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) recommending Dalkeith as UK Town of Culture 2028, and ii. Express support to the separate community - based application for Penicuik area. The Chair thanked the Executive Director Place for their report and invited questions. Councillor Parry highlighted that Council should be proud that Midlothian has two bids and support both Dalkeith and Penicuik equally. Councillor McManus wished both towns well and added that Penicuik’s bid was community-based and involved a significant amount of time and commitment from volunteers. Councillor McEwan noted that they were disappointed and intrigued that Council was approving the submission of an EOI for Dalkeith initially but thanked Councillor Parry for expressing that Midlothian Council will be supportive to both the Dalkeith and Penicuik bids equally. Councillor Russell added that when they first saw this paper, they were dubious, however following a briefing from Council Officers they were very interested. Councillor Russell highlighted that this is not just an art programme, it is a regeneration and an economic development tool using culture as a driver. The report was moved by Councillor Parry and seconded by Councillor Cassidy. Decision Council approved the report and its recommendations. 9. Private Reports Exclusion of Members of the Public (A) TO CONSIDER RESOLVING TO DEAL WITH THE UNDERNOTED BUSINESS IN PRIVATE IN TERMS OF PARAGRAPHS 1, 6, 8 AND 9 OF PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973 - THE RELEVANT REPORTS ARE THEREFORE NOT FOR PUBLICATION; AND (B) TO NOTE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY SUCH RESOLUTION, INFORMATION MAY STILL REQUIRE TO BE RELEASED UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 2002 OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REGULATIONS 2004. 10. Date of next meeting The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 12 May 2026. The public section of the meeting concluded at 12:02pm. Page 20 of 52
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Midlothian Council Minute Volume Presented to the Meeting of Midlothian Council on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 5.2 Page 21 of 52
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1 Minutes of Meetings submitted for Approval No items for discussion 2 Minutes of Meetings submitted for Consideration 3 Minute of the Meeting of the Local Review Body on 2 February 2026 Minute of the Meeting of the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee on 3 February 2026 Minute of the Meeting of the Business Transformation Steering Group on 2 March 2026 Minute of the Meeting of the Planning Committee on 9 March 2026 Minutes of Meetings submitted for Information Minute of Meeting of the Midlothian Joint Integration Board on 19 February 2026 Page 22 of 52
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Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 5.3 Midlothian Council - Action Log No Date of meeting Item No and Title Action Action Owner Expected completion date Comments 1 25/02/2025 Capital Plan Prioritisation Provide the respective timescales for the extension and refurbishment of Mauricewood Primary School. Executive Director Children, Young People and Partnerships May 2026 Recommended for Closure Information circulated in relation to the respective timescales for the extension and refurbishment of Mauricewood PS: Accessibility Works Completion: August 2026 Expansion Completion: August 2027 Refurbishment: Summer 2026 Programme of works being costed and finalised, including roof work and window replacement in Juniper/Sycamore blocks. Full details will be included within Council report in May. Page 23 of 52
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No Date of meeting Item No and Title Action Action Owner Expected completion date Comments 2 24/02/2026 31/03/2026 8.7 Fees and Charges 2026/27 Following the approval of this paper at Council, continue cross-party discussions Assess the impact of changes to fees and charges for After School Clubs and Nurseries. Elected Members / Council Officers Executive Director Children, Young People & Partnerships Complete June 2026 Discussed at BTSG on 2 March – actions contained within the BTSG Action Log. Work ongoing and an update will be provided to BTSG in due course. 3 31/03/2026 5.1 Minute of Midlothian Council Meeting of 24 February 2026 Update the Minute of Midlothian Council Meeting of 24 February 2026 with the minor amendments agreed in the meeting. Democratic Services May 2026 Recommended for Closure Minute updated as discussed. 4 31/03/2026 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Provide feedback on how the engagement sessions in relation to preventing and addressing homelessness are going, what are the main topics and how many pupils have these been delivered to. Chief Education Officer TBC 5 31/03/2026 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Review homelessness statistics presented in the Local Housing Strategy in relation to domestic violence or other violence and confirm if they are aligned to national statistics. Executive Director Place June 2026 6 31/03/2026 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Review housing turnover in Danderhall and confirm if the figure includes existing Council tenants moving into new build Council homes as this may skew the data. Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects June 2026 Page 24 of 52
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No Date of meeting Item No and Title Action Action Owner Expected completion date Comments 7 31/03/2026 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Following the deployment of the green bin, review the provision of bin stores for blocks of flats and confirm the locations. Executive Director Place June 2026 8 31/03/2026 8.5 Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Provide a report detailing the findings of a comparison between a Passivhaus and a standard Council house build in terms of energy efficiency and savings. Head of Development - Capital and Entrepreneurial Projects August 2026 Page 25 of 52
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Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 7.1 IMO i!dlo thla1 C.oiwrne ll L.abcrtur <GaJrQl!Ip Midlothian Council 12 May2026 Notice of Motion Health and Social Care Services Council will be aware that there is great public anger and concern at the proposed seNice cuts to health and social care seNices being made by the Midlothian Integrated Joint Board. The failure by both the Scottish Government and the Midlothian Council SNP administration to adequately fund care for those most desperately in need is shameful. As a direct consequence of this failure, the IJB had to agree to: Close of the Loanesk Ward in Midlothian Community Hospital. Cut travel time to care workers which will simply mean less time with those needing care. Cut the level of care to some clients already receiving care at home. Cut care packages for adults with Learning Disabilities and reduce night-time support. Care packages that were previously delivered by two care workers will now be delivered by one. In addition, Midlothian already has around 170 people who have been assessed as being in critical need awaiting a care package. That list will now grow due to the lack of adequate funding. If these cuts go ahead this will leave the most vulnerable people in our community without the care they need. Therefore, Council agrees to increase the offer to the IJB for the financial year 2026/2027 by an additional £4 million pounds revenue to avoid the need for many of these cuts and to help deliver care to those assessed as in critical need. Moved: Seconded: Councillor Milligan Councillor Imrie Page 27 of 52
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Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 8.1 Learning Estate Strategy Update Report by Derek Oliver, Executive Director, Children, Young People & Partnerships Report for Decision 1 Recommendations Council is recommended to: Note the further progress made towards the delivery of the Midlothian Council Learning Estate Strategy 2017-2047, approved at full Council 26th September 2017; Approve the revised dataset of school roll projections; Agree officers undertake further work on the financial implications of the prioritised projects in order that these can be considered as part of the Council’s Capital Strategy and General Service Capital Plan; 2 Purpose of Report/Executive Summary To provide an update and progress report on the Midlothian Learning Estate Strategy 2017-2047 with the prioritisation of projects outlined within the report. Date: 28th April 2026 Report Contact: Derek Oliver, Executive Director, Children, Young People & Partnerships Derek.Oliver@midlothian.gov.uk Page 29 of 52
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3 Background 3.1 A strategic approach to the Learning Estate is required to ensure the Council meets its statutory duty to secure the provision of adequate and efficient school education for their area. The Education Authority must ensure that there is a sustainable learning estate plan, which maximises educational benefits for all children and young people. Developing a programme to maintain and sustain existing learning estate facilities as well as delivering new builds as required, removes associated risks, such as poor condition school buildings and backlogs in building maintenance and lifecycle. This approach also better informs the Capital Plan, investment and budget setting process. 3.2 Midlothian Council is committed to delivering on its vision and ambition for its communities and understands the important role of sustainable, vibrant learning communities in realising its objectives and goals. The Council also wishes to deliver on its commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people across all communities. A ‘One Council’ strategic approach, supported by our key stakeholders and partners is being taken to ensure our learning estate supports the Council to achieve its vision for all children, young people and its communities. 3.3 The 2017-2047 Midlothian Learning Estate strategy was agreed at a meeting of full Council on 26th September 2017 (Appendix 1). Council agreed a short-term strategy (2017-2023) as well as acknowledging the essential requirement and benefits of preparing a long-term strategy for the Learning Estate. Council noted the indicative strategy for the medium and longer terms, which were to be the subject of review and regular reporting to Council. 3.4 A further update to the Learning Estate Strategy was presented at full Council 13th December 2022 at which Council was asked to note progress made to date and sought agreement to prioritise projects based on data and need. 3.5 This Learning Estate Strategy update retains the clear focus and intent set out within the initial strategy, mainly to deliver high-quality 21st century learning environments, which meet the needs of individual children and the wider community. 3.6 The Learning Estate is a significant and valuable resource for the communities within Midlothian. The ongoing revenue costs for the learning estate and the capital costs of providing facilities fit for the future are significant. It is therefore vital, in light of these material costs, that the Learning Estate is managed and planned in an efficient, effective and strategic manner and that all priorities meet the wider strategic objectives of the Council as well as the needs of our communities. 3.5 Progress on Priority Projects Since the 2017 Learning Estate Strategy was agreed, the Council has invested significantly to provide enhanced learning environments for children and young people. The Council continues to respond proactively to the significant challenges presented by one of the highest population increases in the country and the external economic challenges faced post pandemic. Page 30 of 52
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By implementing, planning and approving the delivery of required infrastructure to date the Council has ensured there is sufficient capacity in place to meet the needs of our growing pupil cohort and to assist in the delivery of the approved Local Development Plan (LDP). Completed Projects 2024-2025 Easthouses PS The new Easthouses Primary School including ASN and hearing impaired provisions opened its doors in August 2024, within budget and on programme. Woodburn PS A new 9 class extension was completed at Woodburn PS on budget and on programme Hawthornden Primary School A specialist, bespoke provision for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) was completed at Hawthornden PS underpinning the Council’s commitment to provide high quality learning spaces for children requiring additional support for learning. Suitability Surveys The Council commissioned an external agency to carry out suitability assessments for all schools, these updated gradings now form part of the annual, statutory Core Facts return to Scottish Government in May 2025. These surveys will be refreshed on a 5-year rolling basis. The data contained within the surveys contributes to investment decisions through the Councils Asset Management Plan. Projects Under Construction Mayfield Learning Community Campus Phase 1 due for completion in April 2027 which will deliver the school campus to incorporate Mayfield at St Luke’s Primary schools. There will be state of the art ASN, community and Leisure facilities as part of the new build. Phase 2, the demolition of the existing school and landscaping due for completion in October 2027. Penicuik High School refurbishment and extension project This project comprises of a full refurbishment of the 1930’s listed school building and a new adjoining extension to provide a more efficient compact, user-friendly high school. There will be community and ASN facilities provided also. The project is due to be completed in mid-2028. Bilston Primary School extension A developer funded project to deliver an additional 4 classes is underway and due for completion in August 2026. This capacity is required to provide accommodation from the catchment housing approved in the local development plan. Page 31 of 52
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Approved Projects in Development Beeslack Community High School Replacement This project will deliver a new High School and also a specialist facility for pupils with severe and complex needs. Due to market volatility and increased costs in the construction sector, there have been cost challenges in the project achieving a settled financial position. The planning application is due to be submitted and the agreement to secure the school land is also nearing conclusion. Project is due for completion in 2029. Shawfair All Through Campus This fully developer funded project will deliver Early Years, Primary, Secondary schools, together with a 3 class ASN Provision and 3-18 School for the Deaf on the site. There will also be sports, play and community facilities. This project is anticipated to start in Summer 2026, with expected completion in August 2028. A contractor has been appointed to deliver the build. Public planning consultations have been taking place in the local community. Projects in Development Mauricewood Primary School Extension This is a modular construction comprising of 6 classrooms and a new Gym Hall. Proposed project is anticipated to be completed by early 2027. Mount Esk Nursery/Hawthornden PS This project proposal is in development to repurpose the current Mount Esk nursery into additional ASN provision for the neighbouring Lasswade HS. A new Early Years facility to be built at Hawthornden PS under the management of the Head Teacher. Gorebridge HS Site Appraisal A detailed appraisal of sites within the town for a potential High School has been undertaken. An update was presented to Council in March 2026, with a further report to Council to follow. Suitability Survey Works The recently completed suitability surveys identified schools that required adaptations to ensure they comply with relevant legislation. These works will be funded as part of the Property Asset Management budget approved at Council on 16th December 2025, subject to prioritisation. Supreme Court ruling on Toilets. Development and scoping works are underway to ascertain interventions to ensure the Council complies with the 2025 Supreme court ruling on toilets across the learning estate. Page 32 of 52
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4 Additional Support Needs Investment Midlothian’s ASN strategy has 4 key priorities: - Strengthening child and family-centred assessment, planning and review processes; - Building capacity across our workforce through a professional learning framework and analysis of roles ensuring we have the roles and skills that make a difference; - Needs-led decision-making pathways that aim to get the right resource to the right place at the right time; and - Expanding the learning estate in line with growth in population and ASN to ensure that: - children’s needs are met within their local communities as far as possible - physical spaces are able to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people in relation to their health and wellbeing as well as teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development. In Scotland, the average population of children and young people with an additional support need has risen to 44%. Midlothian’s children and young people population mirrors this significant increase at a local level at 46%. The needs of these learners have changed over time. Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties remains the greatest need and there have been significant increases in numbers of learners with dyslexia, family related issues and ASD. In common with other Local Authorities in Scotland, the changing picture of Additional Support Needs, both in terms of prevalence and the types of needs, requires us to consider how best to support learners to be safe, included and to be supported to reach their learning potential. Increasing numbers of learners requiring additional learning support means that in Midlothian, we are: organising and expanding our learning estate to meet the increasing need in our current schools and settings; preparing for unpredicted increases in families and children with ASN who are moving into the new housing estates throughout the school session; and strategically building capacity in our staff in schools and settings to support these needs. The Vision for Inclusion set out in the original strategy remains sound and now informs all planned extensions, refurbishments and new builds. The prioritisation of learning estate projects takes account of the need to provide for children and young people who require additional support within mainstream and more specialist settings. Page 33 of 52
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5 Learning Estate Investment 5.1 Learning Estate Investment Programme – Funding Targets The national Learning Estates Investment Programme contains set targets based on the principles of the Learning Estate Strategy; Connecting People, Places and Learning. These four targets are a condition of the funding offer from the investment programme: a) The Condition and Suitability of the building must remain in category A or B for the duration of the lifecycle period. b) An energy target of 67kWh/sqm per annum for core operating hours with certain areas excluded. c) The facility must be capable of supporting a 1GBps digital service throughout all learning spaces. d) Create a minimum number of new jobs, dependent of project capital value, as per the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) published benchmark. 5.2 Business Planning and Revenue Budget It is important to consider revenue consequences of investment in the school estate. Given the reduction in revenue budget in the medium term, it is essential that the school estate is fit for purpose and any estate enhancement provides value for money. A holistic long-term approach to improving the estate must be taken using the available analysed information from sources such as school roll forecast trends and Condition and Suitability grades to inform priorities and when planning business investment. Using a place-based approach will ensure that services can be delivered in an optimum way, making best use of available assets, whilst potentially identifying underperforming and surplus assets. Targeted investment can assist to replace and/or improve dated infrastructure and therefore lead to revenue savings and reduced impact on budgets. 5.3 Engagement Engagement is a vital and integral part of changes to the learning estate. Involvement of all stakeholders in planning, mapping and discussing the importance of provision available and what future requirements are is crucial. Early engagement shapes plan and gives ownership to those who plans impact upon. Engagement allows relationships to develop with and within communities. Engagement should be continued throughout all processes and beyond the changes being implemented. Consultation happens when stakeholders are offered plans and proposals to make comment upon. Consultation takes a more formal approach and is a vital part of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. Page 34 of 52
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5.4 Promoting Excellent Learning Environments Midlothian Council is committed to seeking opportunities to learn from best practice from across the country. The Council has developed a standardised brief for school projects to ensure equity in the quality for all Learning Estate expansion projects. This informs new builds, extensions, refurbishments and in gaining equity across the existing estate. We have also undertaken a post project review with staff and pupils to ensure we learn from previous projects and provide lessons learned for future capital projects. 6 Core Facts Robust data and background information must underpin the Learning Estate Strategy and the Scottish Government Core Facts Guidance (November 2017), sets out the objectives for the 21st century school; to deliver better public services that focus on: 1. The child at the centre – meeting the needs of individual children; 2. The school at the heart of the community – meeting the needs of communities. Core facts measure Condition, Sufficiency and Suitability and enable Midlothian Council to meet the immediate objective of capturing a broad strategic picture of the Learning Estate. They are a critical factor in determining investment priorities and are reported annually to Scottish Government. These core facts allow the Council to measure the Learning Estate performance against all other local authorities in Scotland against a National Framework of Performance Criteria. School condition and suitability surveys are required to be carried out on a rolling 5-year cycle; this will highlight the lifecycle costs of each building and ensure the Council produces robust asset management plans. 6.1 Condition Building condition will continue to be established by assessing the performance of individual elements from A – D scoring, where: A Good: Performing well and operating efficiently; B Satisfactory: Performing adequately but showing minor deterioration; C Poor: Showing major defects and/or not operating adequately; D Bad: Economic life expired and/or risk of failure. In addition to bringing clarity and consistency to the condition survey process, the refreshed Condition Core Fact Guidance also stipulates that a full condition survey of the school estate should be carried out at least every five years and, that between the full condition surveys, the condition data should be reviewed at least Page 35 of 52
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on an annual basis, using a risk based assessment. Dates are also to be recorded to demonstrate when full surveys and annual intermediate surveys have been undertaken, with these to be provided to Scottish Government when requested as part of the Annual Core Fact Return. The refreshed Condition Core Fact Guidance also puts an onus upon local authorities to demonstrate that key statutory, and non-statutory, property compliance matters are addressed to demonstrate compliance as part of a greater emphasis on safer buildings. As part of future Core Fact Returns, local authorities are to provide inspection dates for the undernoted items with physical, electronic, copies to be provided upon request: - Asbestos - Electrical - Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Gas Appliances - Health and Safety File - Water Hygiene and Safety 6.2 Suitability Suitability is a measure of whether a school is fit for the purpose of delivering the curriculum. That is whether the design and layout enhance its function and use, whether there is space and scope to accommodate all the pre-school, day-school and after-school demands and services and whether it is ‘inclusive’ and accessible. The assessment cover five key areas for primary schools with an additional key area included in the secondary assessment. These are: General Learning and Teaching Practical Learning and Teaching (Secondary only) Internal Social and Internal Facilities External Social and External Facilities Outdoor learning spaces in line with My World Outdoors which encourages Early Learning Centres to engage with children and young people in outdoor play. These key areas are then broken down by relevant subjects/areas that impact the title area. Subjects/areas are then scored on the following criteria: Functionality Accessibility Environmental conditions Safety and Security Fixed furniture and fittings Each individual aspect covered is graded as follows: Page 36 of 52
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Grade Definition A Performing well and operating efficiently B Performing well but with minor problems C Showing major problems and/or not performing optimally D Does not support delivery of service, seriously impedes delivery of activities. 6.3 Accessibility The Scottish Government requires all Councils to have an Education Accessibility Strategy in place. The Accessibility Strategy is required so that the planning and implementation processes of the local authority meet the requirements of Sections 1 to 3 of the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils’ Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002. The Act also requires that there are mechanisms in place for long-term strategic planning to improve access in schools for all pupils with disabilities. Any school with accessibility issues will be identified through the suitability surveys. 6.4 Sufficiency Sufficiency is concerned with capacity of the School Estate and has three elements: physical capacity, the school roll and projected trend and projected occupancy. With planned, strategic investment of the estate, the life of these assets will be extended; we will ensure they are fit to provide a high-quality education for all; and our communities will continue to benefit from the local facilities. 6.5 Learning Estate Management Plan (LEMP) A Learning Estate Management Plan is a strategic document which will align and connect with the Council’s Asset Management Strategy. The LEMP will demonstrate the improvement and enhancements that the learning estate has received since the inception of the Learning Estate Strategy in 2017. It will also review future demand requirements to shape priorities to ensure investment in the learning estate supports the strategic national and local context, including locality planning, collaboration, strategic asset management and the wider economic context. The plan will detail and review future needs in relation to the impacts of housing allocations through the Local Development Plan(s), demographics, roll projections, occupancy and curricular innovation. The intention is to bring the Plan to Council in late 2026. Page 37 of 52
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6.6 Asset Management Plans The Asset Management Plan ensures investment is focused on sustaining and where possible improving the performance of these critical assets, prioritising compliance and condition. The Council has a budget in place to maintain its assets using the Condition and Suitability Surveys that have been produced, using this data to inform investment decisions 7 School Roll Projections Pupil roll projections provide an assessment of the number of children expected to attend schools across Midlothian over the short, medium and long term. These projections draw on a range of demographic data including birth rates, NHS 0-5 population data, housing development activity, migration patterns, and census data. Pupil roll projections are a core component of strategic planning for the learning estate and are essential to delivering the ambitions set out in the Midlothian’s Learning Estate Strategy. They provide an understanding of how school age populations are expected to change over time. By providing a clear picture of future demand, roll projections support the creation of a learning estate that is sustainable, flexible and responsive to the needs of children, young people and communities. They enable the authority to plan proactively for the right capacity in the right places, ensuring that learning environments are inclusive and designed to support health, wellbeing and high- quality learning experiences. Accurate projections inform key decisions within the Learning Estate Strategy, including: identifying where new schools or extensions may be required assessing where existing facilities should be reconfigured to support learning planning for long term investment and lifecycle maintenance ensuring that the estate aligns with local development plans and supports wider community growth addressing challenges such as rising rolls or falling rolls Using the principles of Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy, projections help ensure that decisions are place based, data driven, sustainable, and futureproofed, supporting an estate that can adapt to curricular change, digital transformation and evolving community needs. Pupil roll projections also support operational planning, informing annual pupil placement processes, transitions planning, school transport, resource allocation and early years delivery. They enable Midlothian to maintain an equitable and efficient estate that meets statutory requirements while delivering best value. Midlothian Council undertook an exercise to quality assure the pupil roll projections and review the methodology, including engaging with an external Page 38 of 52
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consultant. As a result of this process new data sources were identified and enhancements were made to the methodology. By strengthening the methodology, the authority enhanced the accuracy of its roll projections to ensure they remain a reliable foundation for strategic planning. This will support more effective investment in the learning estate, improve long term decision making, and ensure that school provision continues to meet the needs of Midlothian’s growing communities. Pupil roll projections are updated regularly as new data becomes available, for example NHS data and the annual school census. The projections use data from the Midlothian Housing Land Audit, and any alteration to the build phasing of housing developments can have a significant impact on pupil numbers. Analysis has identified differences between the scheduled housing completion rate set out in the HLA and the actual delivery rate of new houses. In several locations, development has progressed either more slowly or more rapidly than anticipated or delivery has not taken place. As a result, school age population growth linked to new housing did not align with the assumptions underpinning earlier projections. This created inconsistencies between expected and actual pupil numbers for areas with significant disparities between scheduled build and actual housing completions. The School Roll Projections are included in Appendix 2. 8 Report Implications (Resource, Digital and Risk) 8.1 Resource There are no capital or revenue budgetary implications arising directly from this report. When projects are brought forward for inclusion in the General Services Capital Plan, the capital expenditure, external funding and net borrowing requirement will be assessed and presented to Council, along with the direct consequences of capital investment (loan charges) on the revenue budget. The Capital Plan continues to support investment across the Learning Estate further through the block allocations and remains under review to confirm affordability and deliverability. Through the current and future Local Development Plan, appropriate levels of developer contributions will be sought to support required additional infrastructure and facilities from new housing developments. 8.2 Digital The IT requirements of the proposed strategy and cost implications will be developed as part of the specifications for each school project. 8.3 Risk If the Council does not have a funding strategy for the delivery of the learning estate there is a risk that the Council will not have a place for Page 39 of 52
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every pupil at their catchment school. There is a risk that without an agreed strategy Council will be in a weaker position to bid for and secure Scottish Government funding. There is a risk that without having a Learning Estate Strategy in place the Council will not secure the appropriate level of Section 75 contributions required to deliver additional capacity arising from housing developments. There is a risk that the funding required to deliver the strategy will require a level of prudential borrowing that will only be affordable if other capital projects are deprioritised and/or further savings are secured in the revenue budget to provide the capacity in the revenue budget to meet the costs of additional prudential borrowing. There is a financial risk in that if the levels of appropriate funding are not provided to deliver the Learning Estate Strategy, then the Council may not meet its statutory obligations in terms of the availability of adequate and sufficient education provision. There is a legal risk to these proposals – the terms of the school (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and other legislation can limit the Council’s ability to proceed with certain proposals regarding permanent changes to the Learning Estate. These risks can be mitigated by ensuring adherence to the legislation and its processes and by carrying out robust and extensive pre-consultation engagement with the communities in the directly and indirectly affected communities regarding the provision of education. 8.4 Ensuring Equalities (if required a separate IIA must be completed) Individual Integrated Impact Assessments will be undertaken in respect of all future recommendations in terms of the Learning Estate Strategy. 8.5 Additional Report Implications Appendix A – Report Implications Page 40 of 52
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APPENDIX A – Report Implications A.1 Key Priorities within the Single Midlothian Plan • Individuals and communities have improved health and learning Outcomes • No child or household living in poverty • Considerable progress is made towards net zero carbon emissions by 2030 A.2 Key Drivers for Change Key drivers addressed in this report: Holistic Working Hub and Spoke Modern Sustainable Transformational Preventative Asset-based Continuous Improvement One size fits one None of the above A.3 Key Delivery Streams Key delivery streams addressed in this report: One Council Working with you, for you Preventative and Sustainable Efficient and Modern Innovative and Ambitious None of the above A.4 Delivering Best Value The updated Learning Estate Strategy will almost certainly have significant financial implications and will therefore heavily influence the Council’s Capital Investment Plan and long-term Revenue Financial Planning. It will also inform the next Local Development Plan and related supplementary guidance, with enabling developer contributions being of considerable importance. Continuing investment to ensure learning estate facilities are fit for purpose will reduce maintenance and life-cycle costs A.5 Involving Communities and Other Stakeholders This report presents the review of the Learning Estate Strategy 2017-2047 and identifies a number of proposals which would be subject to informal and statutory consultation. Page 41 of 52
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A.6 Impact on Performance and Outcomes The aim of this paper supports the priority to reduce the inequalities in learning outcomes by improving the quality of learning and teaching, leading to raised levels of achievement and attainment, by providing every child with the opportunity to attend school in their local Community. A.7 Adopting a Preventative Approach The aim of this report supports the priority to reduce inequalities in learning outcomes by improving the quality of learning and teaching, leading to raised levels of achievement and attainment, by providing every child with the opportunity to attend school in their local Community A.8 Supporting Sustainable Development The proposed Learning Estate Strategy supports sustainable development by outlining the short to long term requirements for the learning estate. This report considers the need to deliver fit for purpose schools across Midlothian which are sustainable while anticipating and acknowledging the needs and views of stakeholders. Appendix 1 Midlothian Learning Estate Strategy 2017-2047 Midlothian Council Learning Estate Strategy 2017 - 2047 (PDF) | Midlothian Council Learning Estate … Page 42 of 52
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Appendix 2 MLC School Roll Projections Pupil Roll Projections March 2026 The following projections are based on the Housing Land Audit (Approved, 2025) Projected Pupil RollSchool Planning Capacity* Census (2025) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Non-Denominational Primary Bilston PS 242 242 260 295 296 319 333 328 305 Bonnyrigg PS 459 403 439 455 458 442 422 405 388 Burnbrae PS 534 423 404 376 350 353 362 375 392 Cornbank St James PS 342 291 276 261 265 269 280 286 296 Cuiken PS 459 230 250 260 271 283 290 285 280 Danderhall PS 600 417 506 613 684 789 872 920 966 Easthouses PS 459 79 113 157 185 195 216 215 221 Gore Glen PS 434 342 370 370 376 393 407 426 439 Gorebridge PS 459 273 277 307 318 304 316 318 316 Hawthornden PS 344 280 268 273 267 277 303 313 329 King’s Park PS 535 481 500 488 487 492 504 498 507 Lasswade PS 395 330 335 340 333 324 326 318 309 Lawfield PS 459 265 288 294 298 303 310 319 316 Loanhead PS 217 156 154 151 153 145 138 145 147 Mauricewood PS 392 341 397 438 468 492 506 515 516 Mayfield PS 392 241 250 244 267 303 331 356 384 Moorfoot PS 90 85 80 73 71 73 69 65 61 Newtongrange PS 392 349 343 328 316 313 306 301 298 Paradykes PS 392 351 359 351 357 361 353 351 367 Rosewell PS 235 208 241 264 284 298 312 316 315 Roslin PS 327 330 392 400 391 389 378 363 336 Stobhill PS 242 195 188 208 210 197 182 173 166 Strathesk PS 392 187 199 218 223 235 244 254 265 Tynewater PS 242 154 155 135 131 128 126 122 120 Woodburn PS 736 654 665 657 644 651 645 639 641 Non-Denominational Secondary Beeslack CHS 860 780 784 830 866 897 950 974 1001 Dalkeith HS 1050 1057 1119 1242 1342 1419 1478 1567 1607 Lasswade HS 1600 1637 1643 1615 1590 1556 1482 1450 1441 Newbattle HS 1400 1313 1354 1410 1458 1495 1495 1513 1530 Penicuik HS 945 627 710 775 832 885 901 929 927 Denominational (RC) Sacred Heart PS 175 125 136 141 154 159 157 152 155 St Andrew’s PS 175 147 145 144 145 136 134 129 118 St David’s PS 217 179 177 185 186 191 198 199 203 St Luke’s PS 242 174 155 137 124 116 102 97 87 St Mary’s PS 242 181 182 172 161 151 145 139 131 St Matthew’s PS 75 53 52 56 52 55 51 50 53 St David’s HS 890 788 783 763 778 781 776 769 763 *Capacity – Capacity is based on the Scottish Government’s 2025 School Estate Survey and represents the school’s planning capacity. Planning capacity is the maximum number of pupils the school’s buildings can accommodate – it is theoretical and should be considered a guideline. In reality, school capacity is dependent on numerous factors (e.g. staffing, ASN provision) and typically lower in practice. Page 43 of 52
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Pupil Roll Projections March 2026 The following projections are based on the Midlothian Local Development Plan 2 (Draft, 2026) Projected Pupil RollSchool Planning Capacity* Census (2025) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 Non-Denominational Primary Bilston PS 242 242 260 295 296 319 333 342 332 326 311 319 308 308 308 308 308 Bonnyrigg PS 459 403 439 455 458 442 422 405 388 365 345 335 334 334 334 334 334 Burnbrae PS 534 423 404 376 350 353 362 375 392 389 394 409 392 355 321 292 268 Cornbank St James PS 342 291 276 261 265 269 289 311 335 359 382 390 381 372 356 342 329 Cuiken PS 459 230 250 260 271 283 290 285 280 260 260 251 249 249 248 247 246 Danderhall PS 600 417 506 613 684 789 888 964 1024 1015 1010 1006 983 952 833 731 645 Easthouses PS 459 79 113 157 188 203 226 224 228 212 209 201 210 214 213 211 210 Gore Glen PS 434 342 370 370 376 393 424 451 463 449 459 457 457 452 449 449 449 Gorebridge PS 459 273 277 307 318 304 316 318 316 302 281 280 279 278 277 277 277 Hawthornden PS 344 281 268 273 267 287 325 354 386 389 405 409 388 372 358 346 337 King’s Park PS 535 481 500 488 487 492 504 502 511 527 535 537 542 549 543 539 533 Lasswade PS 395 330 335 340 333 324 326 318 309 289 288 291 286 286 286 286 286 Lawfield PS 459 265 288 294 298 312 327 333 329 321 323 324 316 313 311 310 308 Loanhead PS 217 156 154 151 153 145 138 145 147 139 134 130 134 134 134 134 134 Mauricewood PS 392 341 397 438 474 516 532 543 550 511 484 465 440 428 419 413 412 Mayfield PS 392 241 250 244 267 303 331 356 384 394 412 416 395 365 339 316 297 Moorfoot PS 90 85 80 73 71 73 69 66 63 64 68 66 62 61 61 60 60 Newtongrange PS 392 349 343 328 322 318 311 305 301 298 298 298 294 294 294 294 294 Paradykes PS 392 351 359 351 357 361 353 351 367 363 369 366 362 362 362 362 362 Rosewell PS 235 208 241 264 284 298 312 316 315 300 290 286 283 283 277 272 268 Roslin PS 327 330 392 400 391 389 378 363 336 301 290 289 288 288 288 288 288 Stobhill PS 242 195 188 208 210 207 207 205 200 189 170 160 155 149 146 145 145 Strathesk PS 392 187 199 218 223 235 244 254 265 259 248 250 251 251 251 251 251 Tynewater PS 242 154 155 135 131 135 132 127 125 124 125 121 124 124 124 124 124 Woodburn PS 736 654 665 657 650 658 651 644 645 627 611 605 600 597 595 593 591 Page 44 of 52
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Non-Denominational Secondary Beeslack CHS 860 780 784 830 866 897 950 981 1018 1077 1103 1103 1103 1088 1053 1012 996 Dalkeith HS 1050 1057 1119 1242 1345 1428 1496 1604 1656 1733 1813 1897 1963 1988 1949 1869 1786 Lasswade HS 1600 1637 1643 1615 1590 1561 1495 1475 1479 1560 1596 1592 1622 1595 1553 1481 1439 Newbattle HS 1400 1313 1354 1410 1462 1513 1539 1571 1592 1678 1725 1782 1826 1828 1798 1747 1711 Penicuik HS 945 627 710 775 835 898 923 964 977 1042 1100 1133 1189 1197 1183 1144 1110 Denominational (RC) Sacred Heart PS 175 125 136 141 154 160 159 156 159 154 151 150 147 145 142 140 138 St Andrew’s PS 175 147 145 144 145 137 138 133 122 117 114 113 112 111 111 111 111 St David’s PS 217 179 177 185 186 193 200 204 209 207 206 205 203 201 192 184 177 St Luke’s PS 242 174 155 137 124 116 104 98 88 87 89 90 88 86 84 82 80 St Mary’s PS 242 181 182 172 161 152 147 143 137 133 133 133 130 126 123 120 117 St Matthew’s PS 75 53 52 56 52 55 51 50 53 51 50 50 50 49 49 49 48 St David’s HS 890 788 783 783 779 786 786 785 783 784 774 753 736 711 682 655 637 *Capacity – Capacity is based on the Scottish Government’s 2025 School Estate Survey and represents the school’s planning capacity. Planning capacity is the maximum number of pupils the school’s buildings can accommodate – it is theoretical and should be considered a guideline. In reality, school capacity is dependent on numerous factors (e.g. staffing, ASN provision) and typically lower in practice. No anticipated constrained sites of MLDP2 (Draft) have been taken into account with projections. Position will be monitored and updates provided annually to Council. Page 45 of 52
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Midlothian Council Tuesday 12 May 2026 Item No 8.2 Sportscotland: Summer of Sport Funding Report by Derek Oliver, Executive Director, Children, Young People & Partnerships Report for Information 1 Recommendations Council is recommended to note sportscotland Summer of Sport 2026 investment of £229,000, which is to provide free or low-cost, inclusive opportunities for children and young people aged from 3yrs to 26 yrs to get active, stay active and improve their lives, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to participation and addressing poverty-related inequality. 2 Purpose of Report The purpose of this paper is to inform Council of the allocation of £229,000 from sportscotland and the key principles of the investment. Date: 28th April 2026 Report Contact: Derek Oliver, Executive Director, Children, Young People & Partnerships Derek.Oliver@midlothian.gov.uk Page 47 of 52
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3 Background 3.1 The policy intent of the Summer of Sport 2026 investment is to provide free or low-cost, inclusive opportunities for children and young people aged from 3yrs to 26 yrs to get active, stay active and improve their lives, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to participation and addressing poverty-related inequality. The investment is designed to support activity during summer 2026, including the period around the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and to create a lasting impact through to March 2027 by strengthening pathways into sustained participation in school, club and community sport. Integrated into sportscotland 2026/27 investment agreements, the funding aims to maximise alignment with existing programmes and partnerships, enhance rather than duplicate provision, build workforce capacity, and raise the profile of sport nationally and locally. Ultimately, the programme seeks to strengthen the sporting system through increased access, improving inclusion, stronger partnerships, and sustained participation. 3.2 The key principles of the funding centre on partnership, co-creation, inclusion and sustainability. Delivery is to be co-designed, ensuring coordinated use of resources and integration with education, third sector organisations and clubs. A person-centred, rights-based and intersectional approach should shape provision, with children and young people—particularly those at higher risk of poverty—actively influencing planning and design. The fund should build on existing services and trusted delivery models, fill identified gaps and provide where possible clear progression routes from short-term or holiday activity into regular participation. While maintaining a universal offer, partners must target priority groups, consider rural access and transport barriers, and demonstrate how provision will lead to sustained participation, workforce development and measurable system improvements. A Summer of Sport campaign toolkit and associated marketing materials is to be made available to partners to support consistent branding and profile-raising activity. As a condition of funding, partners will be required to complete aligned monitoring and reporting. 3.3 sportscotland will distribute £12 million to local authority partners for the Summer of Sport using the following formula: - 50% Population 0-16 (population) - 45% Population of children in low income families 0-16 (deprivation) - 5% Child population out with settlements of size 1000 (rurality) 3.4 Midlothian Council has, in principle, been allocated £229,000 based on the distribution formula. The funding will be integrated into sportscotland’s 2026/27 investment agreements with local partners in June 2026. Page 48 of 52
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3.5 It is anticipated that the programme will be ready to run through the Commonwealth Games and continuing afterwards until March 2027, to ensure greater opportunities for children and young people to transition into community and club settings. What would success look like 3.6 The Summer of Sport could potentially lead to an enhancement of the sporting system, with: a. more children and young people accessing local sport b. more inclusive provision c. stronger and more effective partnerships d. a more diverse and skilled workforce e. accelerated local plans f. engagement of a wide range of partners g. enhanced culture of co-creation of local services for sport h. more children and young people in poverty accessing local sport 3.7 To understand the impact of the Summer of Sport funding, the Council will utilise existing data collation methods to provide sportscotland with information on a focussed set of data relevant to the funding. Information such as, but not limited to: Number and range of delivery partners Number and range of sessions delivered Number of children/young people and families engaged (including % from target groups) Number of new coaches and volunteers engaged. 3.8 The aim of the funding closely aligns with the Midlothian Council World Cup Motion of 16th December 2025, where Officers are tasked to establish a lasting legacy to ensure activities and programmes are designed to create increased sports participation, improved community well-being, and sustained educational interest that extends far beyond the 2026 tournament, benefiting the people of Midlothian and contributing to a healthier, more active Scotland. Page 49 of 52
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4 Report Implications (Resource, Digital and Risk) 4.1 Resource The Summer of Sport 2026 funding will provide the required resource to assess, deliver and evaluate the positive impact of the sportscotland investment. 4.2 Digital Not applicable. 4.3 Risk There is a reputational risk in not delivering on the Summer of Sport 2026 investment. 4.4 Ensuring Equalities (if required a separate IIA must be completed) Funding has provided the financial mechanism to deliver more widely on the provision of free or low-cost, inclusive opportunities for children and young people aged from 3yrs to 26 yrs to get active, stay active and improve their lives, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to participation and addressing poverty-related inequality. 4.5 Additional Report Implications Not applicable. Appendix A – Report Implications Page 50 of 52
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APPENDIX A – Report Implications A.1 Key Priorities within the Single Midlothian Plan This report supports the Single Midlothian Plan priority ‘Midlothian will be healthier’. A.2 Key Drivers for Change Key drivers addressed in this report: Holistic Working Hub and Spoke Modern Sustainable Transformational Preventative Asset-based Continuous Improvement One size fits one None of the above A.3 Key Delivery Streams Key delivery streams addressed in this report: One Council Working with you, for you Preventative and Sustainable Efficient and Modern Innovative and Ambitious None of the above A.4 Delivering Best Value The programme will be designed to ensure the delivery of a project that represents best value for money. A.5 Involving Communities and Other Stakeholders The summer of sport will have children’s rights and wellbeing at its heart. Any local provision is to be shaped around the needs of children and young people. A person- centred approach will be adopted to ensure those in target groups help shape delivery plans and support reaches those who would most benefit. Page 51 of 52
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A.6 Impact on Performance and Outcomes These programme responds to key outcomes in the Single Midlothian Plan and impact will be monitored and demonstrated as per Section 3.7. A.7 Adopting a Preventative Approach The programme provides opportunities for children and young people age 3 to 26 years, to help them get active, stay active and improve their lives. Funding will be available for activities planned though to March 2027. A.8 Supporting Sustainable Development Opportunities should be free, targeted or at a reduced cost to maximise engagement and is intended to address barriers to participation. The aim is to ensure a legacy impact with ongoing sustainable participation in sport. Page 52 of 52