Scottish Borders Council

Agenda and minutes

Venue: McFarlane Hall, Old Parish Church, Peebles

Contact: Louise McGeoch Tel: 01835 825005  Email:  lmcgeoch@scotborders.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Welcome

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Tweeddale Area Partnership and advised that he hoped everyone would complete evaluation forms at the end of the meeting.

 

2.

Open Forum

Opportunity to raise local matters.

Minutes:

No items were raised.

3.

Local Plans

An introduction to the Scottish Borders Community Plan and briefing on the Tweeddale Locality Plan template. (https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/yourcommunityplan)

 

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced Shona Smith, the Communities and Partnership Manager who explained the purpose of the Local Plan, which in future would feed into the Borders wide Community Plan.  She further explained that each meeting of the Partnership would focus on a theme within the Community Plan to populate the Local Plan for Tweeddale.

 

4.

Theme: Economy Skills and Learning - Part 1 pdf icon PDF 365 KB

A facilitated discussion on the subject resulting in the setting of initial outcomes for Tweeddale.  Further information on local data and statistics can be found at https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20015/your_council/472/area_partnerships/6

 

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced Brian McGrath, Head of Economic Development and Environment and Kevin McCall, the Senior Lead Officer, Education and Lifelong Learning.  Mr McGrath advised that this was an opportunity to look at the Tweeddale Economy and outlined the issues which had been raised with him at a recent Business Breakfast.  These included digital connectivity, transport links, access to premises, tourism, Brexit and access to people with the right skills.  Mr McCall outlined the areas where there were currently skill shortages, which included plumbers, joiners and technicians.  He commented on a recent CBI study which highlighted the increasing value placed on employability skills such as problem solving and team working and Peebles High School were now working with 84 business partners to help pupils develop these skills.

 

The Chairman invited those present to discuss and agree at their respective tables the 3 keys issues related to the theme of “Our Economy, Skills and Learning” and to write these down on the post-it notes provided.  20 minutes was given for this activity and the post-notes from each table were collected and displayed on the boards provided.  Mr McCall summarised the main points raised and the Chairman asked each group to identify their key issue and how it might be taken forward from a Tweeddale perspective.  30 minutes was given for this activity and the post-it notes were again collected from each table.  The Chairman advised that this was just part 1 of the process and asked that any further points be emailed and that there would be a further opportunity for public involvement at the Localities Bid Fund event being held in the Burgh Hall in early February.  A copy of the output from the evening forms the appendix to this Minute.

 

5.

Grants and Funding Overview/Update on Localities Bid Fund

An overview and update on what grants and funding streams are available to local communities.

Minutes:

Shona Smith, Communities and Partnership Manager advised that a total of £91k was available through the Localities Bid Fund for the Tweeddale Area.  £30k had been allocated for Phase 1 and bids totalling £122k had been received.  Those who did not meet the criteria were being directed to other funding options.  With effect from Friday, 12th a list and summary of all projects would be available on the Council’s website and each applicant would be encouraged to publicise their project.  Voting would either be available on-line, by paper in ballot boxes located throughout the area or by post.  For those who were unsuccessful alternative funding options would hopefully to be identified.  Ms Smith went on to outline the other funds available in the Tweeddale Area which included Village Hall funding, the Community Grant Scheme, Small Schemes, Quality of Life and Local Festival Grants.  In response to questions regarding voting and small communities being disadvantaged, Ms Smith advised that those who had carried out such schemes previously had not found this to be a particular issue.  However, once the first phase had been completed the voting pattern would be assessed and changes could be made for future phases if required.

6.

Any Other Business

Minutes:

In response to a question on the timescale for the preparation of the Tweeddale Locality Plan it was noted that the aim was to have it completed by the end of 2018.  This Locality Plan would inform the Community Plan, which as a dynamic document would continue to be updated.

7.

Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday, 7 March 2018 – West Linton Primary School

Wednesday, 30 May 2018 – Venue to be agreed

Minutes:

The next meeting would be held on Wednesday, 7 March 2018 in West Linton Primary School at 7 p.m.

 

 

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