Agenda and minutes

1.1     The Convener re-presented awards to the following:-

·                Kirk Ford, Modern Apprentice - winner of national award for Street Lighting department Lighting Professionals (ILP) Student of the Year Award following receipt of an Exterior Lighting Diploma;

·                Drivewise, represented by Graham Jones and Andy McLean who had won the Fleet Road Safety in the Community Award from Brake (Road Safety Charity), for the organisation that has worked hardest with its local community to improve road safety for all road users;

·                Earlston Cluster Schools, represented by Mrs Kim Wilson and Jamie Wallace, who had received an award at the National Quality Improvement Awards in Glasgow for achieving results at Scale, presented by John Swinney; and

·                Broomlands Primary School, represented by Lesley Munro who had received a Scottish Borders Design Award. 

1.2     The Convener also mentioned the following:-

·                Broomlands Primary School had also won the Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) award with Langlee Primary school being shortlisted.  Broomlands Primary School was further recognised when it also won the Glasgow Institute of Architects “Supreme” Award which recognised the best of the best amongst the night’s other successful schemes;

·                Both Broomlands Primary School and the Tweedbank Masterplan had been shortlisted in the “Architects Journal” AJ Awards 2018;

·                Jedburgh Intergenerational Community Campus had also won a prestigious Scottish Design Award, in the Future Building category;

·                Amanda Hamilton (Attainment officer as seconded HT) was a finalist in the Quality Improvement Champion at the national Quality Improvement Awards in Glasgow;

1.3     The Convener advised that the following had been appointed as External Audit Committee Members:-

·                Anson Clark – External Member of Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board Audit Committee;

·                Hayley Barnett – External Member of Scottish Borders             Council Audit and Scrutiny Committee; and

·                Michael Middlemiss - re-appointed as External Member Scottish Borders Council Audit and Scrutiny Committee

1.4     The Convener’s Christmas card competition had been won by Brooke Hogg from Burnfoot Primary School.

1.5     The Escape Youth Café in Hawick organised the Top Teri Awards celebrating youth achievement in Teviot and Liddesdale.  The first prize in the raffle was a limited edition Hawick Tartan Teddy Bear which had been won by Councillor Mark Rowley.

          DECISION

          AGREED that congratulations be passed to those concerned.

Consider Minute of Scottish Borders Council held on 25 October 2018 for approval and signing by the Convener.  (Copy attached.)

The Minute of the Meeting held on 25 October 2018 was considered. 

DECISION

AGREED that the Minute be approved and signed by the Convener.

Consider Minutes of the following Committees:-

(a)     Local Review Body                                            15 October 2018

(b)     Executive                                                           16 October 2018

(c)     Civic Government Licensing                              19 October 2018

(d)     Chambers Institution Trust                                 25 October 2018

(e)     Audit & Scrutiny                                                 1 November 2018

(f)      Planning and Building Standards                       5 November 2018

(g)     Executive                                                           6 November 2018

(Please see separate Supplement containing the public Committee Minutes.)

The Minutes of the following Committees had been circulated:-

Local Review Body                                                      15 October 2018

Executive                                                                     16 October 2018

Civic Government Licensing                                       19 October 2018

Chambers Institution Trust                                           25 October 2018

Audit & Scrutiny                                                           1 November 2018

Planning and Building Standards                                 5 November 2018

Executive                                                                     6 November 2018

DECISION

APPROVED the Minutes listed above.

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

This report was deferred until the next meeting on 20 December 2018.

DECISION

NOTED.

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

With reference to paragraph 2 of the Minute of 30 November 2017, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Regulatory Services seeking approval to continue with the Shared Internal Audit Services between Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils which would also create the opportunity for a wider exploration of joint working activities and benefits.  The report explained that within the context of reducing public sector funding, providing statutory services and challenges to deliver sustainable services, Officers in Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils had identified that potential benefits could be realised by moving towards a joint working arrangement for the Internal Audit function across both Councils.  Approval had been given to the interim appointment of a shared Chief Internal Auditor post between Midlothian and Scottish Borders Councils with effect from 1 December 2017 for a period of 12 months, following which a report would be presented on progress and future options.  The report set out the challenges and benefits that had arisen during the Shared Internal Audit Services pilot, concluding that the benefits had outweighed the challenges, and identifying further opportunities for consideration.  It was proposed to continue the Shared Internal Audit Services as a permanent arrangement.  Members welcomed the report and paid tribute to the Chief Internal Auditor for making this arrangement a success.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     the continuation of the Shared Internal Audit Services as a permanent arrangement to provide greater certainty and allow for longer term planning of work and teams, recognising that either Council could still decide to opt out/revert back at any time subject to an appropriate period of notice; and

(b)    that there would be a wider exploration of joint working associated with the above in both the short and longer term across the Councils.

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

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Regulatory Services on the outcome of work done to review the heritable property assets held by the Council within the former Burghs of Coldstream, Eyemouth and Melrose to ensure that the correct listing was recorded within the Accounts and Registers of the Council and to recommend actions concerning the creation of Common Good Funds for Coldstream, Eyemouth and Melrose.  The report explained that the Council was required to maintain a Common Good Asset Register in accordance with Part 8 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.  An extract of the Asset Registers for the towns of Coldstream, Eyemouth and Melrose was appended to the report.  The Council had undertaken work to review the assets recorded in Coldstream, Eyemouth and Melrose which were currently held within the Council’s General Fund.  The undernoted had been identified as assets which now required to be recorded as Common Good assets:

·         Coldstream Museum, Coldstream

·         Home Park, Coldstream

·         Lees Mill, Coldstream (CS012/02)

·         Home Park Play Area, Coldstream

·         Lees Mill Play Area, Coldstream

·         Home Park Pavilion Site and Pitch, Coldstream

·         Brownsbank Park, Eyemouth

·         Eyemouth Fort, Eyemouth

·         High Street toilet, Eyemouth

·           Melrose Town Hall, Abbey Street, Melrose (currently used as Scout Hall)

The Council’s current Scheme of Administration required to be amended as it did not provide for Sub-Committees to administer Common Good Funds for the former Burghs of Coldstream, Eyemouth and Melrose, as at 1996 no assets were identified as being Common Good.  As these were amendments to the existing Asset Register, the Chief Financial Officer would require to put in place measures to amend the Register and the annual accounts accordingly.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     to establish a Common Good Fund for Coldstream;

(b)     to establish a Common Good Fund for Eyemouth;

(c)     to establish a Common Good Fund for Melrose;

(d)     that a Sub-Committee for Coldstream Common Good be included in the Council’s Scheme of Administration;

(e)     that a Sub-Committee for Eyemouth Common Good be included in the Council’s Scheme of Administration;

(f)      that a Sub-Committee for Melrose Common Good be included in the Council’s Scheme of Administration;

(g)     that Coldstream Museum, Home Park (including the  play area, pavilion site and pitch) and Lees Mill (and play area) be recorded as assets of the Coldstream Common Good Fund;

(h)     that Brownsbank Park, Eyemouth Fort and the High Street toilet be recorded as assets of the Eyemouth Common Good Fund;

(i)      that Melrose Town Hall be recorded as an asset of the Melrose Common Good Fund; and

(j)      that the Chief Financial Officer amend the Asset Register of the Council accordingly.

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

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Assets and Infrastructure seeking approval for a Community Asset Transfer Policy along with necessary changes to the Schemes of Administration and Delegation to enable compliance with the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.  The report explained that Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 gave community bodies a right to make requests to all Local Authorities, Scottish Ministers and a wide-ranging list of public bodies, for the transfer of any land or buildings they felt they could better utilise.  The Council’s current Community Asset Transfer Guidance was produced in 2011 in partnership with the Development Trusts Association (Scotland) and took account of the Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010.  This existing process had now been reviewed in the context of Part 5 of the Act and a new Asset Transfer Policy was proposed.  The Council’s proposed new Policy for the transfer of property assets to Community Transfer Bodies recognised that handing over the ownership or stewardship of an asset could have a valuable role in supporting and sustaining local communities.  The proposed Policy was detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.  Community Groups would be encouraged to discuss their proposals informally with Officers prior to any formal application.  The start of the statutory timeline for processing an application was triggered by the receipt of a valid community asset transfer application.  The Council had an obligation to determine an asset transfer request and issue a formal decision notice within no more than six months of an application’s validation date.  The legislation required that a 2-stage process was established.  It was proposed that an Asset Transfer Group, comprising officers of the Council, would make the initial decision about an asset transfer request.  Details of the Asset Transfer Group were contained in Appendix 2 to the report and would require amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.  Any appeal about a decision of the Asset Transfer Group would be heard by an Asset Transfer Appeals Committee, comprising Elected Members.  Details of the Committee were contained in Appendix 3 to the report and would require to be added to the Council’s Scheme of Administration.  A further appeal was then available for applicants to Scottish Ministers.  Members welcomed the report and the Service Director provided further clarification and answered Members’ questions about the operation of the policy.

DECISION

AGREED to:-

(a)     approve the Asset Transfer Policy as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)     delegate authority to the Clerk to the Council to amend the Scheme of Delegation to include details of the Asset Transfer Officer Group, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, to relevant Service Directors; and

(c)     add the Asset Transfer Appeals Committee, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report, to the Council’s Scheme of Administration.

Consider report by Chief Executive.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Executive providing an update on the activities of the Brexit Response Team (BRT) in monitoring and developing responses to the UK’s exit from the European Union (‘Brexit’).  The report explained that a fluid and uncertain negotiating context had made detailed assessment and scenario planning highly challenging.  In response, the work of the BRT had developed around anticipated immediate and short-term impacts, principally in respect of how they affected the capacity of the Council to carry out its responsibilities, but extending planning to include subjects where the Council had a duty of care.  Accordingly, the focus of the BRT has been on:-

·                Procurement and Market Impacts

·                Funding

·                People (Workforce, Customers and Citizens)

·                Civil Contingencies

·                Establishing Links to Community Planning Partners 

·                Risk Assessment

Additionally, activity had been undertaken in relation to matters relating to the Economy of the Scottish Borders under the headings of Private Business and Economic Resilience and Agriculture and Rural Development.  The report looked at each of these areas, providing a synopsis of the issues, together with (where appropriate) a conclusion assessing the risks/opportunities and any actions the Council was taking or should consider taking by way of mitigation or to optimise opportunities.  Members discussed the report and Councillor Rowley asked that the Chief Executive consider how Members could be involved going forward and asked that an extra recommendation be added requesting that regular update reports be provided to the Executive Committee.  Councillor Bell also requested that an additional recommendation be added in the following terms:-

“to request that the Chief Executive write to the UK and Scottish Environment Secretaries (Michael Gove and Fergus Ewing) to state that “recognising specific challenges and opportunities in rural areas such as the Scottish Borders we ask that consideration be given to a fair and equitable distribution of Shared Prosperity funding to rural areas.  We ask for there to be ring fenced Shared Prosperity funding for rural areas and priorities.”

Both additional recommendations were unanimously approved.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     to note the contents of the report and the activities of the Brexit Response Team in planning for Brexit;

(b)     to instruct the Brexit Response Team to continue its work and to report to Council as required and, in any event, to report to Council as we approach the ‘Exit Date’ of 29 March 2019;

(c)     that the Chief Executive considers how Members could be involved going forward and that regular update reports be provided to the Executive Committee; and

(d)     to request that the Chief Executive write to the UK and Scottish Environment Secretaries (Michael Gove and Fergus Ewing) to state that “recognising specific challenges and opportunities in rural areas such as the Scottish Borders we ask that consideration be given to a fair and equitable distribution of Shared Prosperity funding to rural areas.  We ask for there to be ring fenced Shared Prosperity funding for rural areas and priorities.

Consider report by Service Director Customer and Communities.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 9 of the Minute of 28 June 2018, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Customer and Communities setting out revised proposals for consideration with regards to the extension of the second round of the Localities Bid Fund pilot.  The report explained that the pilot model for the first round of participatory budgeting had set out the framework for the initial allocation of funding, with a carry forward of any underspend to 2018 being agreed.  This initial allocation of funding to promote community participatory budgeting through a Localities Bid Fund was part of a wider response to the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.  From the evaluation of the first round, which included feedback from Members, Area Partnerships, Community Councils, Project Leads and 181 responses from a public survey revised criteria for the second round was approved.  The second round of the Localities Bid Fund pilot was launched on 1 July and closed for submissions on 1 October 2018.  28 applications were received, and the Borders Assessment Panel met on 18 October 2018 to assess the applications.  At this meeting, it was agreed that there were not enough sustainable bids to enable a public vote to take place across the 5 local areas, and that revised draft criteria be drafted for consideration by the Borders Assessment Panel and brought back to Council for approval.  Draft proposals for alternative criteria had been discussed with Members over the previous few weeks and the outcome of these discussions were reflected in the proposed criteria detailed in Appendix A to the report.  The total allocation to this initial pilot was £500k.  £208k was put forward for the 1^st round with £204k awarded to community projects by the public.  It was agreed that the balance of £296k could be carried forward to 2018 to fund the 2^nd round and the breakdown of the fund was detailed in Appendix B to the report. Members discussed the revised scheme and emphasised the need for a good communication strategy and the need to provide pre-application assistance to groups.

DECISION

(a)     NOTED:-

          (i)      the financial breakdown of the pilot Localities Bid Fund as detailed in Appendix B to the report; and

          (ii)     the proposed timetable detailed in Appendix C to the report.

(b)     AGREED:-

          (i)      to a relaunch of the Localities Bid Fund 2, and criteria as detailed in Appendix A to the report; and

          (ii)     to the virement of the remaining Localities Bid Fund pilot budget to 2019/2020.

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

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Interim Service Director Children and Young People proposing that the Council noted the refreshed Integrated Children and Young People’s Plan for the Scottish Borders 2018-2021, complying with the Children and Young People’s (Scotland) Act 2014.  The report explained that the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership (CPP) was committed to safeguarding, supporting and promoting the well-being of all children and young people across the Scottish Borders, and this was carried out through the work of the Children and Young People’s Leadership Group (CYPLG).   The CYPLG partners of Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders, Police Scotland, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration and the Third Sector took an integrated approach to service planning (a requirement of the Children and Young People’s (Scotland) Act 2014), and focused on shared priorities to deliver meaningful and sustainable improvements to the lives of all our children and young people.  The CYPLG had reflected on a much changed national and local policy context as well as the issues facing Scottish Borders children and young people in their homes, in schools, and in their communities and had recognised the need to refresh the existing Integrated Children and Young People’s Plan 2017-2020 plan to address this changing context.  The CYPLG reviewed and revised its current approach and agreed to refocus on four key priorities, as detailed in the report, and a renewed commitment to involve children, young people and their families in the decisions about the services that affected them.  The Service Director advised that the Plan had now been approved by the Community Planning Strategic Board.  Members welcomed the report.

DECISION

NOTED the Integrated Children and Young People’s Plan for the Scottish Borders 2018-2021 as contained in Appendix 1 to the report.

Consider report by Chief Social Work Officer.  (Copy attached)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Social Work and Public Protection Officer presenting the eleventh annual report on the work undertaken on behalf of the Council in the statutory role of Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO).  The CSWO report, contained in the Appendix to the covering report, provided the Council with an account of decisions taken by the Chief Social Work Officer in the statutory areas of Fostering and Adoption, Child Protection, Secure Orders, Adult Protection, Adults with Incapacity, Mental Health and Criminal Justice.  It also gave an overview of regulation and inspection, workforce issues and social policy themes over the year April 2017 to March 2018, and highlighted some of the key challenges for Social Work for the coming year.  Members noted the excellent work carried out and the challenges faced by the Service.  The difficulties in attracting staff were highlighted and the efforts that were being made to resolve this issue.  In response to a question on the increase in domestic violence it was noted that some of this increase could be attributed to increased confidence in reporting.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the report of the Chief Social Work and Public Protection Officer as contained in the Appendix to the report.

Report by Chief Financial Officer.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 10 of the Minute of 29 June 2016, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Financial Officer seeking approval for an updated version of the Council’s Financial Regulations.  Financial Regulations were a key element in the governance arrangements for the Council.  They focussed primarily on the financial control, management and administration of the Council’s financial affairs and the Regulations had been last comprehensively reviewed in June 2016.  Updates to the Financial Regulations reflected amendments to Financial Planning, the Council’s virement rules, Procurement of Goods, Services & Works and Travelling, Subsistence and Other Expenses.  Generally the Regulations had been brought up to date to reflect changes in management responsibilities and procedures.  There were no substantial changes in terms of the principles behind the Regulations or the control arrangements currently in place. It was considered that following the implementation of Business World ERP (integrated Finance, HR & Procurement system) these amended Financial Regulations were fit for purpose in the new operating environment. Members supported the changes.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the revised Financial Regulations, as contained in Appendix 1 to the report, for immediate implementation.

Consider report by Chief Financial Officer.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Financial Officer seeking approval of the proposed consultation response to the review of the structure of Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme.  This response was in the capacity of ScottishBorders Council as an employer within the Local Government Pension Scheme.  Separate responses were due to be considered by the Pension Fund and Pension Fund Board on the 30 November 2018.  Following a request from Scottish Government the Scheme Advisory Board launched a consultation process on the future structure of the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme in June 2018.  The consultation sought to establish the views of employee and employers representatives on the future structure of the LGPS in Scotland and whether outcomes could be improved through a revised structure.  Responses to the consultation were due to be submitted no later than 7 December 2018.  The review sought opinions on 4 options:

·                Retain the current structure with 11 funds

·                Promote cooperation in investing and administration between the 11 funds

·                Pool investments between the 11 funds

·                Merge the 11 funds into one or more funds

A draft response from the Council was contained in Appendix 1 to the report following agreement that separate responses would be submitted by the Pension Fund Board and the Pension Fund committee.  Both these bodies had separate discrete functions from the Council acting in its capacity as a scheme employer and separate responses reflecting these different roles and responsibilities were considered appropriate.  The Council response concluded that there was no reliable empirical case for change.  The Council should therefore endorse the view that the uncertainty and dis-benefits associated with structural change significantly outweighed any potential benefits.  If change was required the Council was recommended to support a voluntary collaboration model proposed under option 2, avoiding the need for pooling or expensive, time consuming and un-proven structural reform.  Members agreed that there was no case for change and supported the proposed response.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the proposed response, as contained in the Appendix to the report.

Consider report by Chief Financial Officer.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Financial Officer presenting the mid-year report of treasury management activities for 2018/19, in line with the requirements of the CIPFA Code of Practice, including Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators.  The report was required as part of the Council’s treasury management control regime.  It provided a mid-year report on the Council’s treasury activity during the six month period to 30 September 2018 and demonstrated that Treasury activity in the first six months of 2018/19 had been undertaken in full compliance with the approved Treasury Strategy and Policy for the year.  Appendix 1 to the report contained an analysis of the performance against the targets set in relation to Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, and proposed revised estimates of these indicators in light of the 2017/18 out-turn and experience in 2018/19 to date for Council approval.  This report had also been considered by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee.  The Chief Financial Officer advised that recommendation (b) required to be amended.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     to note that treasury management activity in the six months to 30 September 2018 was carried out in compliance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy and Policy; and

(b)     the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2018/19, as contained in Appendix 1 to the report, and approved the revised indicators.

MEMBER

Councillor Mountford left the meeting during consideration of the following item before the vote was taken.

Consider joint report by Interim Service Director Children and Young People and Service Director Assets & Infrastructure.  (Copy attached.)

15.1  With reference to paragraph 8 of the Minute of 26 April 2018, there had been circulated copies of a joint report by the Interim Service Director Children & Young People and Service Director Assets & Infrastructure providing an update of the continuing progress that had been made regarding the development of Individualised Strategic Plans for the school communities in Galashiels, Hawick, Peebles and Selkirk and recommended the next steps to be undertaken.  In April 2018, Members approved the creation of Individualised Strategic Plans for Galashiels Academy, Hawick High School, Peebles High School and Selkirk High School.  The report detailed the education models that were currently being considered; provided copies of the analysis that had been carried out regarding sites in Galashiels and Hawick; recommended the next steps to be undertaken in respect of each Plan, including the further engagement that was required with the wider communities; summarised the work carried out in each of the secondary schools that was planned for future maintenance; provided indicative costs and timetabling for the delivery of either a new secondary school or campus model in each of the 4 communities; and recommended a priority and sequence of investment across the 4 communities.  Members had previously agreed that Hawick and Galashiels were both priorities for investment.  Accordingly, architects had been appointed to prepare an Options Analysis for each town - considering the available sites that could accommodate either a new secondary school and/or a campus and to provide schematics of how the accommodation could fit for each model.  The Options Appraisal Reports for Galashiels and Hawick were attached as Appendices 2 and 3to the report.  While both Galashiels and Hawick High Schools were both classed as Grade C in relation to Condition under the Core Facts data, Galashiels would require significantly more financial investment on an element by element fabric basis in order to remain a fully functioning asset with no impact on the delivery of the curriculum.  It was therefore recommended that Galashiels was the first priority for investment given the current condition and suitability of the existing school in relation of the rest of the estate. Members discussed the proposals in detail and were divided regarding the priority order and timescales for the replacements of the four high schools.  Councillor McAteer proposed an amendment which required a final report to be brought to Council in March 2018.  The Chief Executive advised that until a meeting with the Scottish Government regarding future funding had been held it was not possible to meet that timescale.

         The Convener adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes to allow the wording of the amendment to be agreed.

15.2  VOTE

         Councillor McAteer, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved that the vote be taken by roll call and this was unanimously agreed.

Councillor Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Edgar, moved the recommendations contained in the report.

         Councillor McAteer, seconded by Councillor Marshall, moved as an amendment that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 be replaced as follows:-

         “that elected members note the report and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Consider Motion by Councillor H. Anderson in the following terms:-

“As Universal Credit continues to roll out across Scottish Borders, we call on the Council to proactively work with the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) to assess and address the impact of rurality on the ability of people to both successfully claim Universal Credit and then comply with the strict criteria to continue to receive UC. 

We specifically ask Council officers to work with the DWP to assess the impact of costly and limited public transport infrastructure on both the ability of the individual to make the initial claim and then subsequently digitally evidence work searches in sparsely populated rural areas and what steps, if any, can be  taken to mitigate any impact.”

Councillor H. Anderson, seconded by Councillor Laing, moved the Motion as detailed on the agenda in the following terms subject to amendment to add the word “continue to” in two places:-

“As Universal Credit continues to roll out across Scottish Borders, we call on the Council to continue to proactively work with the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) to assess and address the impact of rurality on the ability of people to both successfully claim Universal Credit and then comply with the strict criteria to continue to receive UC. 

We specifically ask Council officers to continue to work with the DWP to assess the impact of costly and limited public transport infrastructure on both the ability of the individual to make the initial claim and then subsequently digitally evidence work searches in sparsely populated rural areas and what steps, if any, can be  taken to mitigate any impact.”

Councillor Anderson and Councillor Laing spoke in support of the amended Motion which was unanimously approved.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Motion as detailed above.

Consider appointment of substitutes for Councillor Haslam to attend meetings of the City Deal Joint Committee.

It was reported that a substitute for Councillor Haslam on the City Deal Joint Committee needed to be appointed.  Councillor Haslam, seconded by Councillor Turnbull, moved that Councillor Rowley be appointed and this was unanimously approved.

DECISION

AGREED the appointment of Councillor Rowley.

The questions submitted by Councillors Bell, Ramage, H. Anderson, McAteer, S. Hamilton and A. Anderson were answered. 

DECISION

NOTED the replies as detailed in Appendix I to this Minute.

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.”

DECISION

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  Appendix II to this Minute on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 6, 8 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A to the Act.

      SUMMARY OF PRIVATE BUSINESS

Consider private Section of Minute of Scottish Borders Council held on 25 October 2018.  (Copy attached.)

The private section of the Council Minute of 25 October 2018 was approved. 

Consider private Sections of the Minutes of the following Committees:-

(a)     Civic Government Licensing                              26 October 2018

(b)     Planning and Building Standards                       5 November 2018

(Please see separate Supplement containing private Committee Minutes.)

The private sections of the Committee Minutes as detailed in paragraph3 of this Minute were approved.

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

Members approved a report by the Service Director Assets and Infrastructure relating to adjustments to the delivery programme.