SCOTTISH Borders Council's draft budget plan, published today, (Tuesday February 14 2023) includes a commitment to deliver all capital projects previously announced and protect frontline services.

The draft revenue and capital budget proposals have been developed following collaborative work over a number of months by a cross-party group of councillors.

The 866 responses received through the annual budget survey and feedback from community conversations this summer also shaped the plans.

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Council Leader, Councillor Euan Jardine said: “I think we all anticipated that developing budget plans during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic would be the hardest we’d ever experience, but this year it has proved to be even more challenging.

“For that reason I am incredibly proud that councillors across the Chamber put aside political differences and successfully came together to develop this single plan. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their efforts and support.

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“The impact of the rapid rise in inflation and associated costs cannot be overstated, and these hit the Council budget from all angles: catering in schools, energy prices, construction of our capital projects, and by placing more families in need of our support.

“But, despite the financial challenges we will still deliver what was an already ambitious capital investment plan, including new secondary schools in Peebles, Galashiels and Hawick and primary schools in Earlston and Eyemouth. We will deliver care facilities in Tweedbank and Hawick as previously set out, and we will still be able to invest in the regeneration of our town centres and support our communities and the most vulnerable.

“We are also maintaining our roads maintenance funding and protecting frontline services, where savings would have been felt by all. Given the current financial climate that really is incredibly positive news.”

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Some highlights from the draft budget include:

Protecting frontline services, including education, social work and roads, the latter with investment of £21.9m over the next three years

Protecting teacher numbers and Early Learning and Childcare partners supported with additional funding to pay staff the Real Living Wage

A commitment to capital plan projects, including three new secondary schools (Peebles, Galashiels and Hawick), two new primary schools (Earlston and Eyemouth) and two care villages (Tweedbank and Hawick) – a total of just over £205m for these projects alone.

Ongoing investment in existing schools, further flood protection works and flood studies, and targeted town centre regeneration works.

Continued investment into the environment and to programmes aimed at helping the Council achieve its Net Zero target.

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Protection of funding for third sector and voluntary partners across the region.

Funding to sustain the 101/102 bus service in Tweeddale.

A commitment to a feasibility study into fixed CCTV provision in town centres

Financial assistance for Live Borders, including postponing previously planned savings.

A commitment to paying all staff the Real Living Wage, including Modern Apprentices.

The draft financial plan will be considered at a meeting of full council on Thursday February 23.