News release from Scottish Borders Council

Thursday 9 December 2021

Have your say and help shape the future of the Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders Council has launched a survey to understand the priorities of Borderers and give local people the opportunity to influence the next Council budget and a range of other important service areas for the future.

Between now and 30 January, all Borderers are encouraged to play their part in shaping the Council’s focus for the next financial year and beyond, including through prioritising action across a range of key issues and providing input on the focus of spending around education, the road network and tackling climate change.

The survey also enables local people to give feedback on Council Tax and the chance to help develop future plans for customer service arrangements and digital services.

Councillor Mark Rowley, Council Leader and Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Finance, said: “The Council’s vision is to help provide the best quality of life for everyone living in the Scottish Borders, prosperity for our businesses and good health and resilience for our communities.

“But each year it becomes increasingly difficult to develop a balanced budget that meets our aspirations as a Council, deals with current and future challenges, and caters for the increasing public demand for continued and enhanced delivery of public services.

“The result of this survey will provide invaluable insight into local priorities and that can be reflected in the budget setting process for 2022/23, and also help with financial and service plans for the years ahead, including the continued development and investment into digital services and how customers can interact with the Council.

“This really is an opportunity to influence the focus and spending of the Council and therefore it is important that we get as wide a range of views and feedback as possible.

“It doesn’t take long to complete the survey and by doing so you will be playing #your part in shaping the future of the Council and the area.”

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