Budget Q and A session with Councillor David Parker
On 23 February Councillor David Parker was live on Facebook and Twitter between 6-7pm for a question and answer session relating to the budget. Below are the questions, and answers, that were discussed.
You asked
What is your commitment to affordable housing?
We said
SBC has aimed to build 100 affordable homes each year over the last 5 years. The Council and its partners have actually exceeded this target and have delivered 118 houses in each year. This means that 590 houses have been completed and over the next 5 years we have an ambitious target to deliver over 800 homes across the Borders with plans well under way for their delivery.
You asked
Could you please let the public know how much it costs to produce and deliver the SBC's Connect newspaper . . . where the majority of news has already been published in the local press weeks and months beforehand? I find it a complete waste of money to produce this newspaper and the money could be utilised in more areas such as employing more ANA's
We said
The Council doesn't quantify staff time in this way on any publications and doesn't cost up every single task that an employee does daily. There are no specific staff who exclusively work on SBConnect and the team who produce it do it as part of their routine duties but it is a small part.
You asked
How can you justify 9m for a piece of cloth that no one wants or asked for?
We said
I am assuming you are referring to the Great Tapestry of Scotland. The Tapestry project is receiving £3.5m support from SBC and £2.5m of support from Scottish Government, with other grants and funders likely to contribute. The project will deliver a national and internationally important tourism project and support a number of jobs locally. It will also play a major part in the further regeneration work taking place in Galashiels.
You asked
When will you spend some money sorting the parking at Hartrigge Crescent?
We said
If you raise this issue with one of the three Jedburgh Councillors I am sure that Rory, Jim or Sandy will look into this matter and try to get it resolved on your behalf.
You asked
A 3 per cent rise in Council Tax is fair after years of no increase but have just discovered as I am in a band E property, with fewer facilities than in a larger town, I face a 10% plus increase. How is this justified?
We said
3 per cent Council Tax increase was agreed by SBC this month. The additional increase on top of that has been implemented by the Scottish Government as part of their reform of the Council Tax system. Bands E to H are subject to an additional increase that the Scot Govt is applying across Scotland
You asked
Seems unfair to have such a big jump in increase between bands D and E! Why not increase the 3 per cent and have everyone say have a 5 per cent increase?
We said
I do understand the point you are making but the changes in bands E to H are outwith SBC's control and are a matter for the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.
You asked
Great that these houses are being built but does this not add to the pressure at BGH? Are there any plans to help avoid more problems on our already stretched services?
We said
The BGH is a responsibility of NHS Borders but the Council works with our NHS partners in all of the planning that is done across the region. NHS Borders have a say and input into all our housing plans for the future and support our affordable housing programme especially as it provides better quality homes with greater health benefits for many residents.
You asked
Given the attainment gap why the cut in ANA hours when they do such a good job supporting needy pupils?
We said
The Council has had to make some changes in ANA hours but some schools are receiving more time than they did before. SBC continues to have one of the most generous ANA allocation per pupil ratios in Scotland and is investing new facilities and support for children with additional support needs.
You asked
Is it just going to be office spaces or will there be an opportunity to rent much larger space?
We said
At this time I cannot confirm the final space allocations and the facilities that will be provided but SBC is acutely aware that small, medium and large businesses in the Hawick area require modern accommodation and we're working hard with partners to deliver that.
You asked
Could you tell me what the 3.6 million that is allocated to Hawick is getting spent on please?
We said
I can't confirm yet how the funding will be utilised as discussions are still ongoing with councillors and other partners. The money will be used for economic regeneration in Hawick with a view to creating more employment and modern business space. An announcement about how the funding is to be allocated will be made over the next six weeks.
You asked
Is it just going to be office spaces or will there be an opportunity to rent much larger spaces?
We said
at this time I cannot confirm the final space allocations and the facilities that will be provided but SBC is acutely aware that small, medium and large businesses in the Hawick area require modern accommodation and we're working hard with partners to deliver that.
You asked
After implementing a new dyslexia policy surely within The Additional Support for Learning Act councils are responsible for meeting the needs of all children not just those with exceptional needs.
We said
SBC is working hard to meet the needs of all children and we are providing as much support as we can.
You asked
Why are the council charging 200 per cent council tax on a property if you are actively marketing it for sale? We all know properties are not always selling quickly, but surely this type of property should be excluded. I totally understand the reason for not having empty properties.
We said
This is part of the second homes Council Tax policy. The Council will provide exemptions for some of these properties where the property is being redeveloped or where it is being marketed but after a period of time these exemptions do not apply. I can appreciate if you have had a property on the market for a long time which is not selling this charge may seem harsh. However, the policy is designed to make sure the second home property owners do all that they can to utilise the property and have it inhabited. There are a range of options for those that are marketing their home to try to defray the costs they occur.
You asked
Would it be correct to say the council are spending more than the budget will cover?
We said
Absolutely not. SBC has a legal requirement to deliver a balanced budget every year.
You asked
Are any cutbacks planned to save money?
We said
There are a number of changes in the Council budget that will save money but listing them all here would be quite tricky. The Council has prioritised support for the services that the public utilise the most and most of the reductions are focused on how SBC is structured and how services can be delivered more efficiently. More information is available on the SBC website: www.scotborders.gov.uk/budget
You asked
Is the council currently in debt?
We said
The Council has managed debt that it accrues for the provision for new facilities such as schools and upgraded roads. The Council's debt is carefully monitored and managed within agreed limits.
You asked
When are you going to address the bad repairs on the roads?
We said
SBC is investing significant additional resources in the years ahead to increase roads maintenance and repairs. There will be £13.6m available in 2017/18 for roads repairs and maintenance.
These are the initial queries from the Q and A session. For all comments please see our Facebook page.