Agenda item

A facilitated discussion on the subject in order to put forward a set of initial outcomes for Cheviot. Further information on local data and statistics can be found at  https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20015/your_council/472/area_partnerships/3

3.0     Theme:  COUNCIL BUDGET – ENGAGEMENT  with  communities  2019/20 

3.1     The Chair presented the theme for the meeting – Council Budget – Engagement with Communities 2019/20 – and introduced David Robertson, SBC Chief Financial Officer, who was in attendance to give a presentation on the preparation of the Budget and to answer questions.  He firstly gave the context to the Budget, explaining that in the 5 year plan 2013/14 to 2017/18 permanent recurrent savings of over £35 million had been delivered and a further in year savings of £8.8 million.  Easy reductions had been made and future savings would rely on greater use of technology to reduce costs and redesign of services.  The Council could not continue to deliver everything presently provided in the same way and the scope and scale of delivery may need to be reduced.  Over the next 5 years it was estimated that the Council’s projected spend would be £1.3 billion.  2019/20 would be the 2nd year of the 5 year plan first agreed in 2018/19 which required savings of £32 million over 5 years to balance the books.  The Council had planned for reductions over the longer term, invested in transformation and avoided the need for the levels of cuts seen in other authority areas.  However there were greater challenges ahead which required innovation and the delivery of an ambitious change programme.

3.2     Mr Robertson went on to show slides to illustrate the source of Council Revenue Funding, and to project estimated budget gap over the next 5 years.  The current incremental gap for 2019/20 was £2,557,000.  Charts disclosing the allocation of revenue by Department demonstrated that the highest proportion (43%) of spend was on Children & Young People followed by Health and Social Care (18%). In the 10 year capital spending plan the highest proportion (67%) was on Assets & Infrastructure.  There was less money available to fund public services and demand on services was growing – particularly in respect of care for older people.  The presentation referred to ways for the Council to modernise and become more efficient.  In terms of services, over the next 5 years it was planned to maximise the use of digital technology; drive out waste and inefficiency; and invest in assets and infrastructure in a planned and sustainable way.  Also summarised, as part of the 5 year plan, were ways the Council proposed to promote independent achieving people; support a thriving economy with opportunities for everyone; and facilitate empowered vibrant communities.

3.3     The use of digital technology was welcomed, however concern was expressed that those not on-line were being forgotten.  Co-location of Council Services was highlighted as beneficial, particularly for those with mobility issues.  It was highlighted that Kelso High School would have 150 less pupils in 5 years, an illustration of the ageing population within the Borders and work with Young People was required to encourage them to remain in the Borders.  The point was made about the importance of investment in roads and economic contributions from those using the roads heavily i.e. timber transportation.  Mr Robertson emphasised that the budget was about choices and that this was why the views of the public about priorities for spending were important.  He concluded by outlining the ways to provide feedback into the Budget process, either online to https://scotborders.dialogue-app.com by email to budgetteam@scotborders.gov.uk, on social media #bordersbudget or by post or telephone.

3.2     Colin Banks, Lead Officer for Localities explained that the meeting would now move into the discussion session.  As previously, there were information packs available for each group and those present were invited to discuss the main issues relating to ‘Council Budget – Engagement with Communities 2019/20’.  Thirty minutes were allocated for group discussion and each table was asked to record emerging points on the feedback sheets provided.  A summary of the output of the discussions was provided as an appendix to this minute.