Agenda and minutes

1.1     The Convener welcomed Mr Jamie Bryson, Headteacher at Selkirk High School together with 3 pupils - Evie Stewart, Clemency Cross and Kady Amos - who had worked with the Harris Trust on their SAS “Who Cares Wins”.  Councillor Leagh Douglas introduced the pupils and advised that the Harris Trust provided opportunities for the neurodiverse and had supplied a recording studio within the school to provide creative opportunities.  The 3 pupils spoke about the impact the Trust Project had had on the school.  The Convener thanked them for coming along to speak to Council.

1.2     The Convener advised that HRH King Charles and HRH Queen Camilla would be visiting the Great Tapestry in Galashiels and then going on to visit Selkirk on 6^th July 2023.

1.3     The Convener congratulated Suzy Douglas and Nuala McKinlay on their Director appointments.

1.4     The Convener wished Cory Paterson all the best in his role as Braw Lad for the events in Galashiels the following week.

1.5     The Convener congratulated the TD1 Youth Hub on winning the Community Based Youth Work Project category at the recent National Youth Work Awards.

          DECISION

          AGREED that congratulations be passed to those as appropriate.

Consider Minute of Scottish Borders Council held on 25 May 2023 for approval and signing by the Convener.  (Copy attached.)

The Minute of the Meeting held on 25 May 2023 was considered. 

DECISION

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

Consider Minutes of the following Committees:-

(a)     Berwickshire Area Partnership                             30 March 2023

(b)     Local Review Body                                               17 April 2023

(c)     Teviot and Liddesdale Area Partnership              18 April 2023

(d)     Peebles Common Good Fund                              19 April 2023

(e)     Planning and Building Standards                         24 April 2023

(f)      Chambers Institution Trust                                   10 May 2023

(g)     Local Review Body                                               15 May 2023

(h)     Gibson Trust                                                         15 May 2023

(i)      Executive                                                              16 May 2023

(j)      Jedburgh Common Good Fund                            29 May 2023

(k)     External Services Providers                                 30 May 2023

(l)      Scrutiny and Petitions                                           1 June 2023

(m)    Innerleithen Common Good Fund                        1 June 2023

(n)     Executive                                                              13 June 2023

(o)     Galashiels Common Good Fund                          15 June 2023

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

The Minutes of the following Committees had been circulated:-

Berwickshire Area Partnership                                             30 March 2023

Local Review Body                                                               17 April 2023

Teviot and Liddesdale Area Partnership                               18 April 2023

Peebles Common Good Fund                                              19 April 2023

Planning and Building Standards                                         24 April 2023

Chambers Institution Trust                                                   10 May 2023

Local Review Body                                                               15 May 2023

Gibson Trust                                                                         15 May 2023

Executive                                                                              16 May 2023

Jedburgh Common Good Fund                                            29 May 2023

External Services Providers                                                 30 May 2023

Scrutiny and Petitions                                                          1 June 2023

Innerleithen Common Good Fund                                        1 June 2023

Executive                                                                              13 June 2023

Galashiels Common Good Fund                                          15 June 2023

DECISION

APPROVED the Minutes listed above.

Consider recommendation from Scrutiny & Petitions Committee.  (Report and appendix attached.)

There had been circulated copies of an extract from the Minute of the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee held on 1 June 2023 which was seeking approval of their Review Work Programme.  Councillor Thornton-Nicol, Chair of the Committee asked Members to support the recommendation and reminded Members that further items could be added if they or their communities had further suggestions.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Scrutiny Review Work Programme.

Consider update report by Director Infrastructure and Environment.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 13 May 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director Education and Lifelong Learning seeking approval for the relocation of Galashiels Academy to a site comprising the existing Academy site and part of Scott Park following the completion of a public consultation process as set out in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (as amended).  The report explained that the statutory consultation in respect of a proposal to relocate Galashiels Academy had taken place between 13 March and 12 May 2023.  A proposal paper had been published and advertised detailing the Educational Benefits of the proposal and the reasons for choosing the proposed site.  Meetings were held with pupils and staff during May and a public meeting was held on 20 April 2023, where there was an opportunity to discuss the proposals, ask questions and make comments.   The Council received 127 responses to the consultation with 66% agreeing with the proposal, 29% against and 5% who were undecided.  A Consultation Report, which detailed the consultation process as well as the comments and representations made throughout the consultation process was prepared.  The Consultation Report also contained responses to the comments and representations made during the consultation process and a copy was appended to the report.  The Report was published on 6 June 2023, with the Council inviting further comments and suggestions regarding the proposal. The last date for comments was 27 June 2023 and the responses were detailed later in the report. Members welcomed the report and supported the proposed relocation.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the proposal to relocate Galashiels Academy to a site comprising the existing school site and part of the town’s Scott Park.

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 13 May 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director of Environment and Infrastructure providing an update on the progress with the new Galashiels Academy Community Campus following the statutory and procurement stages and recommending proceeding to construction.  Previous reports to Council on 17 December 2020 and 13 May 2021 provided an update on the project and on the informal engagement undertaken on the range of options for the location of the new school and external sports facilities.  The 13 May 2021 report to Council recommended that the project should proceed to the formal statutory stages.  Planning consent was granted in September 2022.  This allowed the project to proceed to detailed design and procurement.  This stage was now complete and the project was ready to proceed to construction.  The total approved budget for the Galashiels Academy project was £60.155M. Of this, costs of £5.1M had been incurred to 31 March 2023, including the Enabling Works undertaken to get the project prepared and ready for the main construction.  The Director highlighted the impact of construction inflation and following the tender returns, the project team and main contractor Morrison Construction had been working to minimise the over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Consider report by Director Education and Lifelong Learning.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 13 May 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report With reference to paragraph 12 of the Minute of 17 June 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director Education and Lifelong Learning recommending that the Council’s proposed Gaelic Language Plan, as contained in Appendix A to the report, be forwarded to the Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their agreement in accordance with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.  The report explained that all Councils in Scotland had been asked by the Bòrdna Gàidhlig to prepare a statutory Gaelic Plan in accordance with the Gaelic language (Scotland) Act 2005.  Gaelic Language Plans were seen as a key part in delivering the National Gaelic Plan to secure the status of Gaelic in Scotland.  Following the public consultation, the plan had to be submitted to the Bòrdna Gàidhlig for approval.  The outcome of the consultation was contained in Appendix B to the report.  Amended recommendations had been circulated before the meeting and following discussion these were approved.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)        to approve the Gaelic Plan, as contained in Appendix A to the report, for submission to the Bòrdna Gàidhligfor their approval, subject to the implementation of the Plan being within existing Council budget and resources;

(b)        that once approval of the Plan had been given by Bòrdna Gàidhlig, to translate the Plan into Gaelic and both copies (English and Gaelic) would be published on the Council’s website; and

(c)     that the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning would bring forward a further report to Council should further resources be required for the implementation of the Plan.

Consider report by Director Resilient Communities.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 23 September 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director Resilient Communities on the progress made in delivering the Anti-Poverty Strategy Action Plan, which was adopted by Council on 23 September 2021.  The report also gave an update of the work of the Anti-Poverty Members Reference Group, the Financial Inclusion Group and the quarterly Food Conversations.  An update report in relation to additional poverty support provided by the £1.2M Cost of Living Fund was also being brought before Members later in the meeting.  The report highlighted the actions and progress made against the 11 outcomes of the Anti-Poverty Action Plan which were detailed in the Anti-Poverty Strategy Progress Report contained in Appendix 1 to the report.  Councillor Tatler, in his role as Executive Member, expressed his thanks for the report and agreed that a refresh was needed to take account of changes since 2021.  He also advised that a Credit Union was to be created in the Borders which helped to combat illegal money lending.  Members discussed the report and highlighted the problem of hidden poverty in the Borders.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)        the Anti-Poverty Strategy 2021 Progress Report;

(b)        to note the work of the Anti-Poverty Members Reference Group, the Financial Inclusion Practitioners Group and the Food Conversations Group; and

(c)        that the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan (created in 2021) be refreshed.

Consider report by Director Resilient Communities.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Director Resilient Communities presenting the Scottish Borders Local Child Poverty Report for 2022/23 and Action Plan for 2023/24, contained in Appendix 1 to the report, for noting before submission to Scottish Government.  The report explained that the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 required Local Authorities and Health Boards to jointly prepare a Local Child Poverty Action Plan Report and an Annual Progress Report.  The report contained details of the levels of child poverty in the Scottish Borders, the progress made against the Action Plan for 2022/23 and set out planned actions for 2023/24.  Members expressed concern regarding the increase in Child Poverty and noted that a significant amount of work would be required if targets were to be met, along with the need to raise awareness of the support available.

DECISION

AGREED to note the Scottish Borders Local Child Poverty Report for 2022/23 and Action Plan for 2023/24 before submission to Scottish Government.

Consider report by Director Resilient Communities.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 25 August 2022, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director Resilient Communities providing an update in relation to the £1.2m financial support package that was released from Council reserves to provide support to communities during 2022/23.  The report explained that Council agreed on 25 August 2022 to approve the creation of a short-term multi-agency Cost of Living Crisis Strategic Group and an Operational Officers Group in order to provide an enhanced response to the exceptional autumn and winter pressures communities were facing.  These groups had reported into the Anti-Poverty Members Reference Group and the Community Planning Partnership and had also considered local requirements and response across each of our five localities.  Details of how the funding had been allocated and the remaining balances were contained in the report. The report also provided an update on the allocation of balances in relation to the Financial Hardship Fund.  Members commented on the success of projects such as “Low and Slow” and asked for information on the evaluation of projects.  Concern around perceived stigma around certain projects was also highlighted.  The Director answered Members’ questions and undertook to provide more information for Members at a future Members Briefing.  The importance of always thinking “family” was critical to the Councils approach.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)        to note the Cost of Living spend to date as detailed in the report, and the balances being carried forward to 2023/24:

(b)        to note the Financial Hardship Fund spend to date as detailed in the report, and the balances being carried forward to 2023/24: and

(c)        that the Director of Resilient Communities, in consultation with the Anti-Poverty Members Reference Group, consider any further action that was required and provide a further report to Council if there were to be any further financial implications.

Consider report by Chief Officer Health and Social Care.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Officer Health and Social Care providing an update on the Directions issued to the Scottish Borders Council from the Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board at their May 2023 meeting.  The report explained that the Directions issued by the Integration Joint Board in May 2023 related to the implementation of the new Teviot and Liddesdale Day service in Hawick, the establishment of a Community Integration Group (Locality Working Group) pathfinder in the Eildon locality, the implementation of the homecare night support pathfinder in the Duns area, and the scoping of revenue costs for the Tweedbank and Hawick Care Village programme.

DECISION

NOTED the Directions issued by the Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board to the Scottish Borders Council.

Consider report by Chief Officer Health and Social Care.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of 27 April 2023, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Officer Health and Social Care providing an update on progress regarding the provision of Teviot Day Services.  The report explained that following the options appraisal the internal option came out overall ranked 1.  Due to the number of service users this would be provided 5 days a week, but there was room for further growth if required.  The IJB Strategic Planning Group and IJB agreed to commission the internal service provision (SBC Adult Social Care), based on the recommendation of the Task and Finish Group.  This was supported by the IJB Strategic Planning Group.  Members welcomed the progress being made.  The Day Service required to re-register with the Care Commission and recruit staff before it could re-open but Members would be kept updated on progress in this regard.

DECISION

NOTED:-

(a)     the decision made by the Integration Joint Board (IJB) on 17 May 2023 regarding the provision of Teviot Day Services; and

(b)     the next steps relating to further considering the levels of need for people in Newcastleton and subsequently across the other four localities.

Consider report by Director People Performance and Change.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Director People, Performance and Change seeking approval of the Scottish Borders Council Equality Mainstreaming Update Report 2021–2023 in order that it could be published to meet legal requirements.  The report explained that the Council had statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 to meet the Public Sector Equality Duty and to mainstream equality throughout its functions.  As part of this duty the Council was required to publish a report on the progress it had made every two years and update report for the period 2021-2023 required to be published.  The draft Update Report was contained in Appendix 1 to the report and provided a range of good practice examples that demonstrated how equality was mainstreamed into working practices and the achievements made against each Equality Outcome.  Mr Davidson, Employee Relations Manager, answered Members’ questions and agreed to look at evaluating the impact of training.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Equality Mainstreaming Update Report 2021 – 2023, as set out in the Appendix to the report, for publication.

Consider joint report by Director Infrastructure and Environment and Director Resilient Communities.  (Copy attached.)

14.1  There had been circulated copies of a joint report by the Director Environment and Infrastructure and Director Resilient Communities providing an overview of current transport policy in Scotland and indicating how the Council was developing short, medium and longer term actions to help deliver national and regional transport strategy aspirations at a local level.  The second version of the National Transport Strategy (NTS) had been published in February 2020 and set out the national ambition for the next twenty years, while coordinating objectives and outcomes with planning, economic development and Net Zero strategies to provide a core set of principles for all new development.  The Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) which was developed by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) was approved by Local Authority Members in 2022 and by Transport Scotland in March 2023.  The document set out how transport priorities could be delivered across the South East of Scotland and linked directly to the NTS and local priorities.  The Scottish Borders was in the unique position of being partners in two Growth Deals and having a South of Scotland Enterprise Agency to support the Council’s ambitions.  The key national and regional transport policy documents were supplemented by the Regional Economic Strategy for the South (RES) and The Edinburgh and South East of Scotland City Region Deal (City Deal) along with the associated Regional Prosperity Framework (RPF) provided a strong commitment to improving transport in rural areas.  Scottish Borders Council had produced local transport strategy documents in the past and in 2015 a Main Issues Report recommended that a Local Access & Transport Strategy (LATS) for the Scottish Borders be refreshed once all of the national and regional strategies were in place.  It was hoped that the initiation of a new LATS would commence later in the year.  Even in the absence of an up-to- date LATS, there were still a number of strategically important projects being taken forward that delivered national and regional ambition, helped to improve transport connectivity in the area and looked to support the Council’s Net-Zero commitments. 

14.2  The Bus Network Review was the first full scale review of bus services for circa 30 years and was using data from operators and local businesses to help identify and design services that better met the needs of communities and try to grow patronage in a sustained period of funding pressures to subsidise services.  Changes were likely to include the removal of duplication and delivering services that would make a difference to local communities.  It was proposed to have a number of Elected Member briefings during the summer and bring forward proposals to Council in August/September 2023.  The development of Active Travel (Cycling, Walking and Wheeling) throughout Scotland was a key plank of national and regional transport policy and The Scottish Government had currently committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget on active travel by 2024?25 (up from £39 million in 2017/18).  However, in order to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The Convener varied the order of business as shown on the agenda and the Minute reflects the order in which the items were considered at the meeting. The Convener varied the order of business as shown on the agenda and the Minute reflects the order in which the items were considered at the meeting.

Consider Motion by Councillor Thornton-Nicol in the following terms:

“In the 1995 Pensions Act, the Government increased State Pension age for women from 60 to 65, with a further increase to 66 in the 2011 Pensions Act.  The change was not properly communicated to 3.8m women born in the 1950s until 2012, giving some only one year’s notice of a six year increase in their anticipated retirement age.  7100 of the affected women are in our own authority area.

Council believes this injustice has not only had a profound effect on the individuals involved, but on the wider community in Scottish Borders.

These women are impacted financially, which impacts on every aspect of their lives.  It affects their mental well-being and physical health.

Women who had a planned retirement should have been able to make their own decisions.  Some would have volunteered, some would have looked after older people as unpaid carers, some would have provided childcare for their families.  All of these things that they cannot do have a knock on impact on local government and service provision. 

Our local economy is negatively affected by the reduced spending power and disposable income the uncommunicated State Pension Age changes has brought about among women born in the 1950s.

Council therefore agrees with:

1.   The conclusion of the All Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality that women born in the 1950s have suffered a gross injustice, affecting their emotional, physical and mental circumstances in addition to causing financial hardship

2.   A swift resolution to this ongoing injustice before more and more women die waiting for compensation.

3,   The WASPI campaign for an immediate one-off compensation payment of between £11,666 and £20,000 to those affected, with the most going to women who were given the shortest notice of the longest increase in their state pension age. 

and asks that the Leader of the Council writes to local Members of Parliament, and to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to outline the effects of the injustice to 1950s women on the community in Scottish Borders and to seek their support for an immediate compensation package.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Ramage declared an interest in the following item of business in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct and left the Chamber during the discussion.

MOTION BY COUNCILLOR THORNTON-NICOL

Councillor Thornton-Nicol, seconded by Councillor Parker, moved approval of the Motion detailed on the agenda in the following terms:-

“In the 1995 Pensions Act, the Government increased State Pension age for women from 60 to 65, with a further increase to 66 in the 2011 Pensions Act.  The change was not properly communicated to 3.8m women born in the 1950s until 2012, giving some only one year’s notice of a six year increase in their anticipated retirement age.  7100 of the affected women are in our own authority area.

Council believes this injustice has not only had a profound effect on the individuals involved, but on the wider community in Scottish Borders. These women are impacted financially, which impacts on every aspect of their lives.  It affects their mental well-being and physical health.  Women who had a planned retirement should have been able to make their own decisions.  Some would have volunteered, some would have looked after older people as unpaid carers, some would have provided childcare for their families.  All of these things that they cannot do have a knock on impact on local government and service provision.  Our local economy is negatively affected by the reduced spending power and disposable income the uncommunicated State Pension Age changes has brought about among women born in the 1950s.

Council therefore agrees with:

1..      The conclusion of the All Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality that women born in the 1950s have suffered a gross injustice, affecting their emotional, physical and mental circumstances in addition to causing financial hardship

2.       A swift resolution to this ongoing injustice before more and more women die waiting for compensation.

3.,      The WASPI campaign for an immediate one-off compensation payment of between £11,666 and £20,000 to those affected, with the most going to women who were given the shortest notice of the longest increase in their state pension age. 

and asks that the Leader of the Council writes to local Members of Parliament, and to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to outline the effects of the injustice to 1950s women on the community in Scottish Borders and to seek their support for an immediate compensation package.

Councillor Thornton-Nicol and Councillor Parker spoke in support of the Motion which was unanimously approved.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Motion as detailed above.

ADJOURNMENT

The Convener adjourned the meeting for lunch at 1.20 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 1.50 p.m.

MEMBERS

Councillors Marshall and Sinclair did not rejoin the meeting after the break.

Consider report by Acting Chief Officer Corporate Governance.  (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 15 of the Minute of 30 March 2023. there had been circulated copies of a report by the Director of Corporate Governance providing an update on the Scottish Minster’s response to Councillor Steel’s Motion of 30 March 2023 and to recommend that Council consider seeking further information in the form of a report on the options and costs associated with additional signage and with a communication campaign.  The report explained that Scottish Borders Council had written to Scottish Ministers in April seeking an amendment to the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, a copy of which was appended to the report.  Ministers had responded to that letter declining to implement the change sought.  The reply from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, as contained in Appendix 2 to the report, included examples of approaches being adopted in other areas to tackle dog fouling problems.  One such example was improved signage and another was targeted communications on the problem.  The report recommended exploring these approaches by calling for a report outlining options and detailing the costs associated with additional signage and a targeted communication plan.  Members expressed their disappointment and discussed the options.  The major health implications caused by fouling on sports pitches and the need to get the message out to all dog owners were highlighted.

DECISION

AGREED to:-

(a)     note the letter from Minister for Victims and Community Safety contained in Appendix 2 of the report; and

(b)     to receive a further report by October 2023 on dog fouling containing detail on the possible options and associated costs for new signage and a targeted communications plan.

Consider Motion by Councillor S. Hamilton in the following terms:

“This Council expresses its strong opposition to the closure of Bank of Scotland branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh, and Newcastleton, recognising the negative impact it will have on local residents and businesses.

We request that the Leader writes to the Bank of Scotland on the following points.

1. Emphasise the importance of maintaining access to in-person banking services, particularly for those individuals who do not currently have access to internet or phone banking facilities.

2.Our deep disappointment by the lack of understanding demonstrated by the Bank of Scotland towards our small towns and rural communities that rely on these branches for their banking needs in the Scottish Borders.

3. We call upon the Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders, including this Council, to explore alternative solutions that preserve essential banking services within the affected communities.

4. This Council requests the Bank of Scotland to provide satisfactory responses to all questions and concerns raised by the Council and affected residents, ensuring transparency and addressing each point of inquiry thoroughly.

5. Underline this Councils commitment to collaborating with relevant community groups, local stakeholders, parliamentarians, and other authorities to seek solutions that mitigate the adverse effects of branch closures and secure continued access to vital banking services in the Scottish Borders.

Conclusion: Scottish Borders Council in conjunction with Parliamentary representatives continue to strongly opposes the closure of Bank of Scotland branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh, and Newcastleton, and affirms its commitment to supporting the affected communities. We urge the Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision, engage in constructive discussions, and provide satisfactory responses to address the concerns raised by the Council and local residents. Together, we will strive to find alternatives that prioritise the banking needs of our communities and preserve vital local services.”

Councillor S. Hamilton, seconded by Councillor Anderson, moved approval the Motion as detailed on the agenda in the following terms:-

“This Council expresses its strong opposition to the closure of Bank of Scotland branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh, and Newcastleton, recognising the negative impact it will have on local residents and businesses.

We request that the Leader writes to the Bank of Scotland on the following points.

1.       Emphasise the importance of maintaining access to in-person banking services, particularly for those individuals who do not currently have access to internet or phone banking facilities.

2        Our deep disappointment by the lack of understanding demonstrated by the Bank of Scotland towards our small towns and rural communities that rely on these branches for their banking needs in the Scottish Borders.

3.       We call upon the Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders, including this Council, to explore alternative solutions that preserve essential banking services within the affected communities.

4.       This Council requests the Bank of Scotland to provide satisfactory responses to all questions and concerns raised by the Council and affected residents, ensuring transparency and addressing each point of inquiry thoroughly.

5.       Underline this Councils commitment to collaborating with relevant community groups, local stakeholders, parliamentarians, and other authorities to seek solutions that mitigate the adverse effects of branch closures and secure continued access to vital banking services in the Scottish Borders.

Conclusion: Scottish Borders Council in conjunction with Parliamentary representatives continue to strongly opposes the closure of Bank of Scotland branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh, and Newcastleton, and affirms its commitment to supporting the affected communities. We urge the Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision, engage in constructive discussions, and provide satisfactory responses to address the concerns raised by the Council and local residents. Together, we will strive to find alternatives that prioritise the banking needs of our communities and preserve vital local services.”

Councillors Hamilton and Councillor Anderson spoke in support of the Motion which was unanimously approved.  It was noted that representatives from the Bank of Scotland had agreed to meet with Councillors.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Motion as detailed above.

“Scottish Borders Council:

·      Recognises Scottish Breastfeeding Week, which took place between 5 and 11 June 2023, with the aim to celebrate the work being done to support, promote and protect breastfeeding, as well as raising awareness of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme;

·      Welcomes the fact  that 52 organisations in the Scottish Borders have signed up to the Scottish-wide Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme which aims to ensure that babies can be breastfed in comfort and without interruption, reducing barriers for parents who breastfeed;  and,

·      Recognises the benefits breastfeeding has for both baby and mother’s health, helping to protect children from a vast range of illnesses and to protect mothers from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and heart disease.” 

Councillor Smart, in the absence of Councillor Sinclair, and seconded by Councillor PatonDay, moved approval of the Motion as detailed on the agenda in the following terms:-

“Scottish Borders Council:

·            Recognises Scottish Breastfeeding Week, which took place between 5 and 11 June 2023, with the aim to celebrate the work being done to support, promote and protect breastfeeding, as well as raising awareness of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme;

·            Welcomes the fact that 52 organisations in the Scottish Borders have signed up to the Scottish-wide Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme which aims to ensure that babies can be breastfed in comfort and without interruption, reducing barriers for parents who breastfeed;  and,

·            Recognises the benefits breastfeeding has for both baby and mother’s health, helping to protect children from a vast range of illnesses and to protect mothers from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and heart disease.”

Councillor Smart and Councillor PatonDay spoke in support of the Motion which was unanimously approved.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Motion as detailed above.

The questions submitted by Councillors Smart, Anderson, Sinclair, Robson, Douglas, Ramage, Begg and PatonDay were answered. 

DECISION

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

MEMBERS

Councillors Cox, M. Douglas, C. Hamilton, Mountford, Orr, Richards, Scott, Small and Thomson left the meeting during consideration of the item above.

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 Sections of the Minutes of the following Committees:-

(a)     Peebles Common Good Fund                              19 April 2023

(b)     Gibson Trust                                                         15 May 2023

(c)     Executive                                                              16 May 2023

(d)     External Services Providers                                 30 May 2023

(Please see separate Supplement containing private Committee Minutes.)

The private sections of the Committee Minutes as detailed in paragraph4 of this Minute were approved.

Consider report by Director Resilient Communities.  (Copy attached.)

Declaration of Interest

Councillor Rowley declared an interest in the following item of business in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct and left the meeting during the discussion.  As this was the last item of business he did not re-join.

Borderland Inclusive Growth Deal – Destination Tweed Outline Business Case

Members approved the Outline Business Case and noted a further report would be brought to Council later in the year.