Council claim Borders has 'bright future' - despite cuts
Published 19 Nov 2010 09:30
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Depute leader Alec Nicol
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COUNCIL chiefs in the Borders have claimed they will do everything they can to reduce the impact of any changes to front line services as they prepare to set their budget for next year.
However, depute leader Alec Nicol warned taxpayers they must be "realistic".
Scottish Borders Council is launching a series of public meetings round the region to explain the budget pressures they face and let them help shape the future of service delivery.
It follows the revelation that they must find savings of around £13million.
Councillor Nicol said: "Obviously, we need to be realistic in what can be achieved, but I am confident that we can continue to be ambitious and, with the help of our residents, dedicated workforce and partners – maintain a bright future for the Borders despite the economic challenges ahead."
Meetings will take place across the region during November and December. The first will be held in the Burgh Hall in Peebles on Monday, November 22, at 7pm. And others will follow in Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick.
They will be attended by Council Leader, Councillor David Parker, or Depute Leaders, Councillors Neil Calvert and Nicol.
Also present will be SBC Chief Executive, David Hume, and other key senior officers.
However, the council claimed it will not be able to confirm the actual extent of the so-called funding pressures until late December - after the meetings have taken place.
Councillor Parker, said: "It is our priority to ensure local residents are aware of the pressures we are facing and are actively involved in the future of how we deliver our services.
"We have already been reviewing and streamlining our services for the past few years so we are in a fairly strong position, but this is still going to be a very difficult budget setting round.
"We are doing everything we can to reduce the impact of any changes to frontline services but it is inevitable that some changes will happen.
"We do, however, see this as an opportunity to embrace new ways of working and to take a fresh look at our services to sustain the high levels of service we deliver."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 19 Nov 10
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