Scottish Borders Council

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 0SA

Contact: Judith Turnbull Tel:- 01835 826556  Email:-  Judith.turnbull@scotborders.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

CHAIRMAN

Councillor Hamilton chaired the meeting for consideration of Education business.

 

 

1.

Welcome and Introductions

Minutes:

The Chairman asked for a round of introductions and welcomed those present to the meeting, in particular Alex Morgan - Pupil Representative, the Year of Young People Ambassadors and Galashiels Academy Pupil Council. 

 

 

MEMBER

Councillor Aitchison and Rowley joined the meeting during consideration of the following item.

 

 

2.

Year of Young People 2018 pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Consider report by Service Director Children and Young People.  (Copy attached).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director, Children and Young People which outlined the approach taken in the Scottish Borders to the Year of Young People 2018.  This included a full consultation in a range of contexts from young people who had roles such as Year of Young People Ambassadors, to on-line surveys and consultations in schools and youth groups.  The consultation had helped the Council and partners in the Children and Young People’s Leadership Group to identify a full plan of action, as well as signpost a longer term approach to participation and engagement with young people in the Scottish Borders.  Ms Manson introduced the Year of Young People Ambassadors who were in attendance to give a presentation on the local activities and opportunities they were involved in within their communities. 

 

2.2       The Year of Young People Ambassadors began by explaining the aims for the Year of Young People (YoYP) included: providing a platform for young peoples’ voices to be heard and have their views acted upon; showcasing the talents of young people through events and the media; developing a better understanding, co-operation and respect between generations; and, providing young people with opportunities to express themselves through culture, sport and activities.   The YoYP would enable young people to have a greater say in decisions that affected their lives, improve public perception, create opportunities for intergenerational work, and participate in positive activities and experience.  The Ambassadors then highlighted the YoYP themes which were: Participation – to influence public services and decisions;  Education –  to achieve stronger roles in shaping education; Health and Wellbeing – to lead healthier, active lives and improve mental health; Equality and Discrimination –  to challenge negative perceptions and discrimination in all its forms; Enterprise and Regeneration – to celebrate enterprise and the Scottish economy; and, Culture –  to celebrate talent and contribute to Scottish culture and arts.  They explained their role as Ambassadors was to support, raise awareness, promote and get people involved in YoYP events and showcase the talents of young people by collecting and sharing positive stories using blogs and social media.  There had already been a number of events/activities and, they gave as an example of intergeneration work, the Selkirk YoYP2108 Picnic in the Park.  This event had been successful and it was hoped would continue in the future.

 

2.3       In response to a question about what the Council could do for young people, the Ambassadors highlighted the need for town wi-fi; encouraging extra-curricular activities; and more relevant work experience at different times, with Alex Morgan explaining that this latter could be improved with better dialogue between the schools and businesses.  With regard to communicating activities, this was in the main via social media; however, activities were also publicised in school newsletters.  It was noted that the Ambassadors were not aware of the Localities Bid Fund and the Executive member for Neighbourhoods and Locality Services suggested that they contact him for a discussion about the Fund.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

OTHER BUSINESS

MEMBERS

Councillors Miers and McAteer left the meeting during consideration of the above item; Councillor Turnbull joined the meeting.

 

3.

Scottish Borders Council Libraries Management Rules pdf icon PDF 292 KB

Consider report by Service Director Regulatory Services. (Copy attached).

Minutes:

With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 13 March 2018, there had been circulated copies of a report updating on the proposed Management Rules for Public Libraries in the Scottish Borders.  The report concerned the making of new Management Rules for Public Libraries under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.  This was in preparation for the expiry of the 10-year lifespan of the current Management Rules at midnight on 14 May 2018.  The Executive Committee had authorised a public consultation on the proposed Rules, which commenced on 22 March 2018 and ended on 22 April 2018.  Any substantive comments received during the consultation were to be reported back to the Executive Committee. The response to the consultation indicated significant support for the proposed Rules, with the majority of respondents supporting the proposals detailed.  There had, however, also been substantive comments on the Rules.  After review, minor amendments had been made to the proposed Rules, which were detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.  The Chief Legal Officer was in attendance and highlighted that the main changes to the Rules reflected new technology, the change in culture that no longer required libraries to be places of silence, and that Live Borders now managed libraries on behalf of the Council.  In response to questions, she explained that training on Management Rules would be undertaken by Live Borders staff.  The rules were also intended to be flexible depending on the service provided.  With regard to the availability of free wi-fi in libraries, she would enquire and advise Members accordingly.  

 

DECISION

AGREED:

(a)        To authorise the Service Director Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer, to make the Rules;

 

(b)       To appoint the Live Borders Libraries Staff as officers of Scottish Borders Council as regards the enforcement of the Management Rules; and

 

(c)        That the Chief Legal Officer would check on the availability of free wi-fi in libraries and send a list out to all Members.

 

4.

Minute pdf icon PDF 208 KB

Consider Minute of Meeting held on 17 April 2018.  (Copy attached).

Minutes:

There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the meeting of Executive Committee held on 17 April 2018.

 

DECISION

APPROVED for signature by the Chairman.

 

5.

PRIVATE BUSINESS

Before proceeding with the private business, the following motion should be approved:-

“That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the aforementioned Act.”

Minutes:

AGREED under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the business detailed in the Appendix to this minute on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs of  part 1 of schedule 7A to the Act.

 

 

SUMMARY OF PRIVATE BUSINESS

6.

Minute

Consider Private Minute of 17 April 2018. (Copy attached).

Minutes:

The private section of the Minute of 17 April 2018 was approved.

 

 

CONTACT US

Scottish Borders Council

Council Headquarters Newtown St. Boswells Melrose TD6 0SA

Tel: 0300 100 1800

Email:

For more Contact Details