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Council Services
We have met many excellent Council employees. As well as working to shape better policy we look forward to finding out more about how the Council operates and to meeting Council employees across the Borders.
The Borders Party recognises that many of the most successful initiatives come not from the Council but from local communities themselves. We will encourage such initiatives.
In addition, the Borders Party will:
Maintain proper support for the Voluntary Sector
The Borders has strong and expertly organised voluntary services, which help and enable individuals and many communities to achieve great things, and at minimal cost to the public purse. But support for community and voluntary groups, and small social enterprises will be much reduced unless Scottish Borders Council can find extra funding. The Borders Party will work to restore proper funding to the Voluntary Sector as soon as possible.
Exercise proper stewardship of all Common Good Assets
Inadequate record-keeping and the scandal of Neidpath Grazings are not acceptable. Common Good Assets, be they land, buildings or movables, such as paintings, are the property of the people of the Borders, and must be respected as such.
Maintain existing school ties
Scottish Borders Council’s Education Department currently does not acknowledge widespread evidence about the particular benefits of small schools. Although on the face of it small schools cost more to run, their wider benefits are of particular interest to The Borders Party: they offer a different sort of learning environment, significant benefits to the community, and to the environment.
Work with Community Councils
Community Councils play a vital role in assessing and representing the views of their communities, but too often their advice appears to be ignored. The Borders Party will value Community Councils’ views and ensure they are properly considered by the Council.
Keep Council Tax down
Rejection of the flawed Waverley Project would save countless millions, helping to reduce Council Tax and meet other more pressing needs.
Maintain a weekly refuse collection
And from close to the house, not the end of the road! In a rural area this is important.
Work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
Life in many towns is disrupted by anti-social behaviour, particularly in the evenings. As well as dealing with crime, it is important to identify its causes. The Borders Party will work closely with all agencies to identify the best solutions to the problem.
Give more support to sporting groups in the Borders
As with the voluntary sector a little help for sporting groups can go a long way. The Borders Party recognises the benefits of sport; health, skills, and personal and community development, as well as fun.
Care for cemeteries
The care of cemeteries is very important. The state of our cemeteries reflects the sort of society we are.
Maintain roads, pavements and street lighting
Provide an efficient and speedy response to all requests for repairs. Light pollution and costs could be reduced by dimming streetlights, especially on trunk roads in the wee hours.
Buy goods and services from local suppliers
More could be done to source goods and services locally, especially by applying Best Value and sustainability practice.
Work with Council Staff
Encourage Council staff to bring forward ideas to improve services and reduce waste.
What issues are important to you?
Please tell us about the issues you would like us to take up on your behalf.