‘Bright Future for the Borders’ policy document signed

Thursday, May 17 2007

Following the first post-election Council meeting today (Thursday 17 May 2007), members of SBC’s new coalition Administration put their names to a document which sets out their main policies for the coming four years.

Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, Leader of SBC’s Scottish Conservatives; Councillor Alex Nicol, Leader of SBC’s Scottish Liberal Democrats and Councillor Michael Cook, Leader of the Aligned Independents all signed the following document:

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE BORDERS

A NEW ADMINISTRATION WITH A COALITION OF

TALENT AND A CLEAR POLICY PROGRAMME

TO DELIVER FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE BORDERS

Vision and Teamwork for the Borders

The two largest parties on Scottish Borders Council, the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Liberal Democrats, together with Aligned Independent members, have established a clear set of positive priorities for the Borders, based on the respective party manifestos and the principle of sound governance.

As a result this new Administration brings together a strong team of talented and experienced individuals committed to working in coalition to deliver excellent services and a Bright Future for the Borders.

Governance Priorities

Maintain the record of sound financial management & minimise Council Tax increases
Allow no Council Tax increases specifically to pay for the Waverley Line

Housing Priorities

Establish a Housing Task Force to deliver affordable homes to meet the needs of the people of the Borders
Defend the character of the Borders by raising standards of building design, including renewable requirements

Education and Young People Priorities

Protect our rural schools
Continue to improve the safety of school buses
Up to £100,000 per year Borders wide for Youth Projects

Enterprise & Economy Priorities

Dedicated support to local retailers and businesses
Create a new Tourism Strategy for the Borders
Explore innovative partnerships with Borders business

Caring and Health Priorities

Secure long term funding for community care voluntary bodies to deliver services
Improve joint working between Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders

Environment & Rural Priorities

Promote use and generation of renewable energy including energy from waste
“War on Dog Fouling” with more wardens and bins
Expand the work of our rapid response repair teams—SB Local
Review current procurement policy with a view to purchasing more local produce
Develop a Borders Rural Development Strategy with “rural proofing”

Communities Priorities

More enforceable road safety measures, particularly around schools
Pilot a Youth Panel to address youth disorder—restorative justice
Continue to make the Council more accessible and responsive to you
Promote Community Policing in each ward
Explore opportunities to deliver more Council services through local Post Offices
Commence the production of whole town plans
Develop a Sports & Culture Strategy to include all

Transport Priorities

Invest in road improvements
Improve safety measures on main arterial A routes in the Borders
Taxi bus services in rural areas

Reference: News-19964, Contact the Author