Agenda item

Consider report by Service Director HR & Communications.  (Copy attached.)

9.1    There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director HR & Communications on the need to reshape the model of public service delivery in the Borders to improve the quality of life for its citizens, stimulate economic growth and minimise environmental impact.  The Council was investing heavily in new facilities and new ways of working which would have an impact on the Council’s existing extensive property footprint over the next few years.  The opportunities provided by new technology, the experience of service delivery during Covid-19 and the need to ensure the Council’s extensive estate was sustainable, provided a compelling justification of the need to modernise public service delivery and ensure the Council’s property estate was fit for purpose.

The report outlined:

·                The continuing significant investment that the Council was making in the modernisation of its services and its estate;

·                The need for engagement with communities to look at how these investments could be sustained through alternative models of service delivery; and

·                The pressing need to look at how limited financial resources could be prioritised to continue to support these developments.

9.2    It was proposed that a further report be brought to Council in February 2021 setting out detailed proposals for a programme of community engagement over the next year to review priorities for service provision and associated investment, ongoing funding and support.  It was proposed that the review would take a locality “Place-Making” approach which would fully engage with communities drawing on the principles of Community Empowerment legislation and seeking the participation of communities in the redesign of future public services in the Borders.  It would involve key partner organisations including Area Partnerships, Community Councils, Live Borders, Police Scotland, local Registered Social Landlords, NHS Borders and communities themselves to ensure the most effective and sustainable models of service delivery were developed.  Members welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of getting the consultation right and the need to include partner organisations.  It was also critical to ensure that the needs of rural communities were included.

         DECISION

         AGREED:-

(a)     to note the continuing investment in services and the Council’s extensive estate;

          (b)     the need to review the prioritisation of associated investment and resources to ensure future models of public service delivery in the Borders continued to meet the needs of local people in the most effective and sustainable way;

          (c)     to reaffirm the need to examine new service delivery models as set out in the Fit for 2024 strategy, which improved the Council’s carbon footprint, make better use of technology and deliver savings;

          (d)     the need to involve Community Planning Partners, Area Partnerships, Community Councils and communities in the future design of public services;

          (e)     that a further report be brought to Council in February 2021 setting out the details of an estate-wide, community engagement-led review of services which would be undertaken in phases; and

          (f)      that in anticipation of the report to Council in February, a report on the Learning Estate be brought to January Council.