Scottish Borders Council has agreed a budget which protects services and investment into an ambitious series of major projects across the region, despite the current financial pressure created by inflation.
A new Council Plan was also approved, which complements the agreed budget and sets out the Council’s vision and responses to strategic challenges. It includes key priorities and identified outcomes Borders-wide, in addition to a series of locality actions.
It has been shaped by feedback from communities and residents, particularly through the summer Community Conversations events as well as the budget consultation process, which this year gathered 866 responses.
The budget sees increased investment into tackling local issues and will allow the continued support of communities, those in need of help and the local economy. It was developed by a cross-party group of Councillors and received widespread support across the Council Chamber.
A five per cent increase in Council Tax is one of a number of measures being used to bridge the financial gap and enable spending to be maintained on key areas, such as roads, social care and education.
The full council plan is available online here