Scottish Borders Council reveals ‘budget for recovery’

The Conservative/Independent Administration at Scottish Borders Council has revealed its budget proposals, which focus on dealing with local priorities and supporting every community to recover as quickly as possible from the Covid-19 pandemic.The feedback of more than 760 people has helped shape the proposals, which include funding for mobile CCTV, additional investment into road repairs, more money for small community events and additional funds to be allocated within local communities.Administration budget plan highlights include:£325m revenue budget for 2022/23£8.1m of savings£500,000 increase in funding to culture and sport trustsAdditional, permanent investment to improve roads, bridges and pavements, with investment of £95.1m over the next 10 years. Plus a one-off £1.35m increase to target high profile/high priority identified local schemesSpend to save investments in a range of energy efficiency measures designed to reduce our carbon footprint and make cashable savings£4m capital investment over next three years on energy efficiency alone£1.6m in 22/23 on outdoor community spacesNew Eyemouth and Earlston primary schools and new secondary schools in Galashiels, Hawick and Peebles by end of 26/27, funded by an overall £130m£2.9m to fund additional teachers and support staff in schools£200,000 neighbourhood support fund, for area partnerships to target local priorities£8.61m increase to funding Social Work and Social Care fundingFunding of Scottish Living Wage increase to Social Care staffCommitment to develop more digital solutions and deliver service improvements and efficiencies council wide