22/12/2024

Scottish Borders Council has launched its Budget Consultation and is seeking feedback from residents in the Borders to help shape the budget, due to be set in February 2025.

The consultation explains how decisions are made, how money is spent, and how residents in the Borders can contribute to the decision-making process.

Participants taking part in the consultation will be asked to respond on a variety of the Council’s budget and community priorities including Transport and Infrastructure and Community Engagement.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The Council has implemented a range of innovative measures to save money and improve efficiency. However, we continue to face significant challenges, including rising costs of essential services, the impact of inflation and the unique geographical and demographic factors of our region.

Despite these hurdles, we are committed to remaining financially sustainable in the face of ever-growing challenges and must identify at least £5 million in savings for the 2025/26 financial year to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services for our communities.

Our focus remains on working collaboratively and engaging with our residents to work through these financial pressures together.

 I urge you to take the time to look at the consultation and share your thoughts.”

The consultation includes a question on a potential Council Tax increase next year, this increase would help balance the Council’s budget and protect services. This follows the Council Tax freeze in 2024/2025, the increase would bring the Scottish Borders closer to the average level of Council Tax in Scotland. The Scottish Borders has the fifth cheapest Council Tax in mainland Scotland.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, Executive Member for Finance, IT and Corporate Performance, said: “A cross-party group of Councillors along with officers have been meeting regularly to draft plans for the 2025/2026 budget, but we are just part of the process, it’s crucial that we get the input of local people of all ages from across the Borders sharing their views and taking an active part in shaping their communities.”

The consultation can be completed online via Citizen Space.  The survey will be open from 20 December until 23:59 on Sunday 2 February 2025.

Further information about the Council’s financial plan and budget is available online at www.scotborders.gov.uk/budget