Fit for 2024 Staff FAQs

Do we have a plan to make the budget balance over the next 5 years?

• yes, we have a strong track record of delivering financial savings and have balanced the budget each year for over 10 years
• the current plan was approved in February 2019 and is available from the website
• we need to deliver over £30m of savings over the next five years

Are there examples of efficiencies and savings?

• full details of all the savings anticipated each year are included in our approved plan
• details of how we are achieving these savings are reported to councillors on a quarterly basis as part of the executive monitoring process
• any deviations from the plan are highlighted with appropriate action taken to ensure the budget is balanced each year

Do we work with other Councils and Agencies to gain additional savings?

• yes, we work with a range of councils, other agencies and partners.
• we also work with national agencies such as Scotland Excel and the Scottish Government so that we can benefit from framework agreements and collaborative opportunities
• we are increasingly sharing services with other councils. Recent examples are, a shared Internal Audit service with Midlothian Council, a shared Insurance Service with Edinburgh, a shared Community Alarms Service with East Lothian and we are currently exploring a joint management arrangement for Trading Standards with Midlothian
• we also work very closely with our Community Planning Partnerships (CPP) in the Scottish Borders and in particular the NHS and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs)

How will the £18m savings under Fit for 2024 be split?

• Fit for 2024 aims to deliver £850k savings this year and approx. £4m per year thereafter
• to put this into context, in 2018-19 we delivered £16.4m of savings in that year alone and 71% of that was delivered on a permanent basis
• we have over £30m of savings to achieve and will need to identify ways of achieving this regardless of whether plans fall under fit for 2024 or not
• all managers must take responsibility for delivering within their budgets and achieving their savings targets. This will include engaging with support resources to assist them

What about the cost of Inspire Learning?

• Inspire Learning is an investment in the future of our children and young people
• it’s not just about iPads, it provides enhanced WIFI, Apple TVs, ongoing professional development for all Borders’ teachers
• our budget is not just about cost savings. We will make investment when we believe it is in the best interest of our communities to do so
• we are extremely proud of Inspire Learning and are leading the way in the country for this ground-breaking investment
• keep up to date on our website

Have there been savings from E-Car Club Pool Cars?

• yes, the introduction of pool cars for HQ staff in the first year helped us avoid over £70k of mileage claims. It is hoped this will increase significantly as this is rolled out across more locations
• the E-Car Club vehicles have been opened up to allow them to be used as part of a Community Car Club between 5pm-9am Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 5pm Thursday until 9am Monday for members of the public to make bookings
• this is one mechanism to help deal with some of the wider transport issues that are faced by communities across the Scottish Borders