Issue - meetings

Consider report by Service Director Assets and Infrastructure.  (Copy attached.)

9.1    With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 26 June 2019, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Assets and Infrastructure which provided details of the consultation process that took place in relation to Public Space Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) provision in the Scottish Borders.  The report provided information around the financial implications for renewing or replacing the current Public Space Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) provision in the Scottish Borders and detailed the 4 options which had been considered.  Members discussed the proposals in detail and were divided in their opinion regarding the responsibility for providing this service and whether it should be the Council, Police Scotland or a joint approach.  It was noted that although Police Scotland were supportive of CCTV provision they were not able to provide any financial input.  Members commented on a number of aspects including the benefits of making people feel safer and whether CCTV reduced crime or displaced it to areas where there was no coverage.  It was also noted that officers were happy to provide advice to any community which wished to provide CCTV in their area.

9.2    Councillor Bell, seconded by Councillor Laing, and following advice from Mr Robertson on the wording regarding the financial implications, moved as an amendment that the recommendations be amended to read as follows:-

         “That Council

         (a)     Notes that the consultation process is now complete;

         (b)     Notes the financial implications of renewing or replacing the current Public Space CCTV provision in the Scottish Borders;

         (c)     Continues with its current policy of maintaining the current Public Space CCTV provision;

         (d)     Agrees to consider funding as part of the financial planning process to implement a phased replacement of the current systems in eight towns with an appropriate split of fixed and wireless technology; and

         (e)     Notes the requirement to budget for the Capital cost of this in future years.”

         Councillor Haslam, seconded by Councillor Edgar, moved the recommendations in the report.

         Councillor Penman moved that the vote be taken by roll call and this was unanimously approved.

          Roll Call Vote

         The Motion was carried by 15 votes to 14.

         DECISION

         DECIDED to:-

         (a)      note that the consultation process was now complete;

          (b)     note the financial implications of renewing or replacing the current Public Space CCTV provision in the Scottish Borders;

          (c)     continue with the current policy of maintaining the current Public Space CCTV provision until it was beyond economic repair; and

          (d)     take no further future action.