Agenda and minutes

1.       WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

          The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting via Microsoft teams, which included Elected Members, Community Council representatives, Community Organisations and guests attending within the meeting and those watching via the Live Stream.  She outlined how the meeting would be conducted.

1.         Feedback from meeting on 29 JUNE 2022   

The minute of the meeting of the Cheviot Area Partnership held on 29 June 2022 had been circulated with the Agenda. 

Cheviot Place Making Working Group Update

Place Making

3.1     With reference to paragraph 4.5 of the Minute of 26 January 2022, Gillian Jardine, Community Co-ordinator was present to advise that a Working Group for Place Making had been formed over the summer and three meetings had taken place to date.  The Working Group had been formed of interested community organisations, the two secondary schools and representatives from the 3^rd Sector.  It had been agreed that the focus would initially be around Smailholm, Jedburgh and Crailing, Eckford and Nisbet as well as the two secondary schools being involved.  The Working Group was scheduled to meet again in 2 weeks.

DECISION

NOTED.

An input from Amanda Miller, Director of Community Services and Andries Fourie, Care Services Manager, Eildon Housing

Eildon Housing Extra Care Service at Former Kelso High School  

            Amanda Miller, Director of Community services and Andries Fouries, Care Service Manager (East) were present to give a presentation on the Extra Care Housing being developed at Poynder Apartments, Kelso.  Established in 1973 to help patients live in community through the creation of a housing association, the Eildon Group own and manage around 3,000 home across Scottish Borders including specialist housing and develop  around 150-200 new homes [per year.  Care and support had always been an important part of their service delivery model either through direct provision or through partnership.  Regulated care and support services were provided to over 250 older people and adults with a learning disability, with two new extra care services commenced in 2021 and a further two planned by 2024.

The presentation went on to explain that Extra Care Housing (ECH), it was high quality accessible accommodation for people over 60 years of age (couples eligible) within a safe and secure community setting.  There was no requirement to have a local connection to the Scottish Borders and Tenants could have pets subject to complying with the conditions of Eildon’s Pets Policy.  Tenants had full tenancy rights through a Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement, as other social housing tenants and applicants must have a combination of housing, support and/or care needs, or awaiting discharge from a formal care or hospital setting.  Personalised care and support was delivered by an onsite staff team 24/7, based on individual assessment of need undertaken by both Social Work and Eildon, and designed to be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of older people.  Allocation agreement was part of the contract framework with SBC and each allocation was agreed by a Locality Panel comprising Social Work and Eildon.  When allocating tenancies, the aim was to create and maintain a “balanced community” of care and support needs using a Dependency Matrix as follows:

Low Needs – 30% of all tenancies  (<12 assessed care hpw)

Medium – 30% of all tenancies (13-21 assessed care hpw)

High – 40% of all tenancies  (>21 assessed care hpw)

Eildon was funded to deliver care services by SBC, and through Free Personal Care. Tenants may pay towards care costs based on SBC’s charging policy and pay rent and service charges to Eildon to meet the cost of accommodation, local services and meals service (mandatory service). The majority of charges were covered by housing benefit, based on financial assessment.  Social inclusion activities and meals provision were provided through on-site community hub - a key element to supporting health and wellbeing.  Telecare and community Wi-Fi was throughout the building for use by tenants, staff and visitors.

The presentation went on to highlight the Extra Care Housing provision currently within Scottish Borders at Dovecot Court, Peebles – 37 x 2 bedroom properties, Wilkie Gardens, Galashiels – 39 mixed 1 and 2 bedroom properties and Poynder Apartments (former Kelso High School) which would consist of 36  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

An input from Jenny Fausset, SBC Climate Change Officer and  Louise Cox SBC Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator on the Climate Change Route Map and local action

SBC Climate Change

Louise Cox, Sustainability Manager was present at the meeting and submitted apologies for Jenny Fausset, Climate Change Officer, a new post within the Council established to develop and support Council action on climate change and the transition to net zero.  A key task was to collate information for the Council’s annual climate change report, which was a mandatory report that all public sector organisations required to submit to Scottish Government annually in November.  This was to comply with the requirements placed on public bodies by the 2009 Climate Change Act.  Jenny was also leading work on the evolution of the Council’s organisational emissions baseline, which was critical to being able to assess the effectiveness of actions agreed under the Climate Change Route Map.  In terms of key pieces of National Legislation and guidance on climate change, the overarching legal framework was the Climate Change Act Scotland.  This legislation was originally passed in 2009, setting emissions reduction targets for Scotland, however in response to the Scottish Government Declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, the Act had been amended and now sets renewed and stronger targets for emissions reduction – these were annual and interim reduction targets for Scotland, on a pathway to net zero emissions by 2045.

The Climate Change Act 2019 also embedded the principles of a Just Transition, which meant that as our emissions reduced and we respond to a changing climate, our journey was fair and created a better future for everyone – regardless of where they live, what they do, and who they are.

The Scottish Government recently announced their Programme for the next year, which included a wide range of new proposals to address some of the impacts of current energy prices rises but also to increase support for climate change action.  Key commitments included the preparation of an updated Climate Change Plan – the existing plan was developed to set strategic polices and mechanisms to support the delivery of the emissions reduction targets and would be updated to reflect changes across a range of issues.  An Energy Strategy for Scotland would be produced which was intended to set out ambitious plans to generate more power from renewable resources.  Investment of £161 million in energy efficiency schemes across programmes such as Warmer Homes Scotland, and Area Based insulation and retrofit Schemes, and additional funding to Home Energy Scotland to provide advice and support to households to help cut energy bills and carbon emissions.  Additional actions to support the decarbonisation of transport and travel were also included as well as commitments to address energy use in public buildings.

In terms of the Scottish Borders Council, there was a commitment to work hard to access the support mechanisms available through Government programmes and there was also alot that could be done within local communities to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.  In September 2020 the Council declared a Climate Emergency and a Climate Change Route Map was approved in June 2021, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Redevelopment of the former Jedburgh Grammar School site – update on consultation outcomes

SBC Climate Change

Louise Cox, Sustainability Manager was present at the meeting and submitted apologies for Jenny Fausset, Climate Change Officer, a new post within the Council established to develop and support Council action on climate change and the transition to net zero.  A key task was to collate information for the Council’s annual climate change report, which was a mandatory report that all public sector organisations required to submit to Scottish Government annually in November.  This was to comply with the requirements placed on public bodies by the 2009 Climate Change Act.  Jenny was also leading work on the evolution of the Council’s organisational emissions baseline, which was critical to being able to assess the effectiveness of actions agreed under the Climate Change Route Map.  In terms of key pieces of National Legislation and guidance on climate change, the overarching legal framework was the Climate Change Act Scotland.  This legislation was originally passed in 2009, setting emissions reduction targets for Scotland, however in response to the Scottish Government Declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, the Act had been amended and now sets renewed and stronger targets for emissions reduction – these were annual and interim reduction targets for Scotland, on a pathway to net zero emissions by 2045.

The Climate Change Act 2019 also embedded the principles of a Just Transition, which meant that as our emissions reduced and we respond to a changing climate, our journey was fair and created a better future for everyone – regardless of where they live, what they do, and who they are.

The Scottish Government recently announced their Programme for the next year, wSECTION 2: LOCAL PRIORITIES

4.1     Redevelopment of the former Jedburgh Grammar School Site

A consultation had been launched by Scottish Borders Council seeking the community’s input into the redevelopment opportunities at the former Jedburgh Grammar School site.  The former school, which extended across a number of buildings in the town centre, was empty following the creation of the Jedburgh Grammar Campus.  Scottish Borders Council was keen to get input from the local community into their preferred uses of the site to inform the process of selling the site and assist potential buyers.  The former grammar school site held many memories for Jedburgh residents and was a key town centre location, which included listed structures. Its redevelopment could also form an important element of the regeneration of the town centre.  Therefore it was important that the community got the opportunity to identify the potential uses which would help address local needs and support the economy of the area.  During the consultation, which concluded in in August, a range of uses had been considered as possible opportunities, from housing to a hotel and care facilities, while there were also other potential commercial uses, including retail. The consultation was a chance for local residents and businesses to play their part and potentially help shape the future of the site.  As with the redevelopment of any site, there would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

SECTION 3: Community Empowerment and Community Funding

5.1.    Cheviot Funding Tables 2022/23

There had been circulated copies of the Cheviot Funding for 2022/2023 which detailed the funding available together with information on the allocation of the Community Grant Fund in 2022/23.  The opening balance at 1 April 2022 was £80,268.39 plus underspend from the Community Fund in 2021/22 of £28,640.65 and underspend in the Local Festival Grant in 2021/22 of £2,953.00, which resulted in an overall budget of £111,862.04.  Neighbourhood Support Fund applications awarded totalled £2,492.00 and application assessed and awaiting a decision totalled £10, 000.000, totalling an overall budget of £99,370.04.  Other sources of funding included Local Festival Grant Budget totalling £16,675.00, Annual Support Grant to Community Councils totalling £10,470.00, Common Goods, SBC Enhancement Grant, SBC Welfare Grant and SBC Small Schemes totalled £169,531.17.

DECISION

NOTED.

5.2     With reference to paragraph 6.1 of the Minute of 29 June 2022, there had been circulated copies of a briefing note which explained the purpose of each fund available and how to apply.

          DECISION

          NOTED.

5.3       There had been circulated copies of a report which detailed the recommendations of the Cheviot Community Fund Assessment Panel. The report provided a brief description of each application received and a recommendation on the sum to be awarded to each project.

Update from SBC Communities & Partnership Team.

CHEVIOT COMMUNITY FUND 20/23

There had been circulated copies of a report which detailed the recommendations of the Cheviot Community Fund Assessment Panel. The report provided a brief description of each application received and a recommendation on the sum to be awarded to each project.  The Chairman advised that as the meeting was not quorate a final decision could not be taken and a further meeting would be arranged for Elected Members to consider the funding applications.  Following discussion, those present agreed the funding as recommended.  Community Councillor Horsburgh highlighted the need to encourage applications and suggested that the paperwork be amended to illustrate that applications could be for one off projects.   

Kelso Scout Group

An application had been received for the purchase of three Troop tents to enable large groups of young members to go camping.  The current tents could only accommodate 2-3 Scouts and were in poor condition. The troop tents would accommodate up to 10 children each and were constructed of high quality canvas. The intention was to hold at least two camping trips per year.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended awarding £2,500.

Ancrum & District Heritage Society

An application had been received for the purchase of four interpretation boards to be erected around the village of Ancrum.  The boards would feature information on the heritage and historical sites of Ancrum and the applicant had been working with Scottish Borders Council to gain agreement for the installation of a board in Ancrum’s cemetery.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended to award £2,500 on condition that any additional terms and conditions from Scottish Borders Council were completed. 

          Jed Tourism Alliance

An application had been received for the upgrade of the Jedburgh Town website to include key features and information.  The intention was to make the site easier to navigate which would help promote different assets of Jedburgh and beyond.  The longer term finance for the website was supported through donations from the tourism booklets.  The panel agreed to recommend awarding £2,500

Stable Life

An application had been received for project running costs to deliver an equine assisted learning programme for young people across the Borders which would include young people from Cheviot.  The intention was to help young people develop life skills and strengthen their resilience, increase self-confidence and self-belief, improve relationships and to reach their potential.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended awarding £2,500.

          Councillor Mountford sought feedback on the number of people from Cheviot helped by the service and Ms Jardine advised that it was in the region of 11% and agreed to provide information on those from Cheviot who used the service.

          DECISION

          AGREED:-

(a)   the funding be approved, subject to consideration by the Elected Members;

(b)   that consideration be given to amending the application to encourage applications  which include one- off projects

to present funding recommendations for the following NSF application:-

(i)            Kelso Scout Group

(ii)           Stable Life

(iii)          Ancrum and District Heritage Society

(iv)          Jedburgh Tourism Alliance

SECTION 4: Other

6.1       Kalewater Bridge

            Information was sought on the timescale and cost of repairs to the Kalewater Bridge.

DECISION

Information to be circulated to those present.

6.2       Area Partnership Boundary

            Clarification on the Area Partnership boundary was sought in terms of High Schools and feeder Primary Schools in relation to the Community Plan.  Ms Jardine advised that placemaking conversations would feed into the Cheviot Locality Plan and onto the Community Plan.

            DECISION

            NOTED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT

The Chairman advised that additional information was included in the agenda pack which contained information on current consultations and links to useful information.

DECISION

NOTED.

Wednesday, 23 November 2022 ( Agenda to be issued on 9 November 2022)

DATE OF FUTURE MEETINGS

          Future Meetings of the Cheviot Area Partnership would be held on the following dates:

          Wednesday, 1 February 2023

          Wednesday, 29 March 2023

          Wednesday, 31 May 2023

            The next meeting would be held on Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 6.30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

MEETING EVALUATION     

Ms Jardine reminded those present about the meeting evaluation form which could be accessed via the link https://forms.office.com/r/HHH1dEcmz3.  She added that feedback about the Area Partnership meetings was really helpful and always appreciated.