Information on the need for change around sport, leisure and cultural services and facilities.
For some time now it has been clear that a significant scale of change is needed in how and where these services are delivered. This is what prompted the Joint Review of Sport, Leisure and Cultural Services in 2023.
On the back of this review, the Joint Transformational Change Programme was set up to develop and support the delivery of the change required. Achievements through the programme to date include:
- Establishment of the single member trust model for Live Borders
- Transfer of Active Schools and Sports Development services from Live Borders to us.
- The accommodation of centrally-based Live Borders staff and support services into our Newtown St Boswells offices - allowing Live Borders to generate income through leasing their former headquarters.
- Progression towards new Borders-wide sport and physical activity and cultural strategies.
- Commissioning of Integratis Consulting and subsequent publication and consideration of the report and proposals for change.
- Delivery of reduced spend and increased income totalling £250,000 in 2025/26 to date, which has helped reduce the financial gap for this year with a further £250,000 on track to be delivered.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Council Leader
“The Joint Transformational Change Programme has already delivered a lot, but with continued financial pressures we must do more, or we put at risk the future of all the valued services that Live Borders provides to communities, residents and visitors on our behalf. There is simply not enough money to maintain the status quo, where income is too low and operating costs are too high.
“We have a chance next week to set a new direction for sport, leisure, and cultural services and facilities. This new journey we are on should reverse the current trajectory of managed decline and offer a range of improved facilities, as part of a smaller property estate, increased efficiency and greater benefits for Borderers and our communities.
“Changes to the Council’s property estate associated with Live Borders’ services are essential to reducing some of the underlying financial pressures the partnership is facing. This was identified through the initial joint review in 2023, and directly led us to contract Integratis Consulting to undertake further examination of the property estate to identify change options.
“The Integratis proposals have formed the starting basis of our discussions with residents and stakeholders since the end of May. The feedback gathered has been invaluable in developing the recommendations Council will consider next week.
“It is undeniable that Councillors will face difficult decisions next week, but inaction is not an option. Not only would that lead to spiralling costs over the coming years, but to unplanned and costly facility issues, impacting service users.
“We have new and effective leadership at Live Borders with a new defined vision and a determination to deliver transformational changes within the organisation and to the services delivered across the Scottish Borders. They are supported by a dedicated and knowledgeable workforce.
“Significant change is already happening at Live Borders and together we can tackle the issues facing our partnership and capitalise on the opportunities available to make things better. Through targeted investment, ongoing financial support and a rationalised property estate we can all benefit from better facilities and better sport, leisure and cultural services.”