The Executive Committee of Scottish Borders Council met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss a range of economic development initiatives, funding landscapes, and waste management contracts. Key decisions included noting updates on investment programmes, employability services, and active travel initiatives, as well as agreeing to a revised approach for the Residual Waste Treatment Contract. The committee also debated and ultimately rejected a recommendation from the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee regarding the reallocation of paid parking funds, referring the matter to full council.

Economic Development Investment Programmes Update

The committee received an update on various economic development investment programmes across the Scottish Borders. These programmes, funded by UK and Scottish Governments, aim to support economic growth and community well-being. Projects include the Community Regeneration Programme, the Borderlands Growth Deal, and initiatives funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme. Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Development, highlighted the importance of these growth deals for the region's economy and praised the team's efforts. Councillor Jenny Linehan inquired about passenger numbers for bus network upgrades, and Councillor Julie Pirone asked about the communications plan for these initiatives. Sam Smith, Chief Officer Economic Development, confirmed that while individual programmes have communication plans, a fully joined-up plan for all initiatives could be considered. The River Tweed Trail was also discussed, with a member briefing scheduled for 23 April. The committee noted the information provided and agreed to future regular updates.

Economic Development Update - Employability

An update on employability support across the Scottish Borders was presented, detailing the work of the Council's Employability Service and the Local Employability Partnership (LEP). The service aims to reduce unemployment and support individuals into work, with a focus on vulnerable groups. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol expressed her passion for the service, highlighting its significant individual impact, but sought clarification on the data presented regarding client progression, qualifications, and work experience to ensure a clearer understanding of unique outcomes. Alasdair Scott, Employability Lead Officer, explained the complexity of tracking individuals through various interventions and committed to providing more detailed breakdowns. Councillor Carol Hamilton highlighted the success of projects like the Bloom Media Showcase, and Councillor Julie Pirone raised concerns about the increasing demand for whole family support, particularly referrals from education. Councillor Euan Douglas questioned the sustainability of support levels given the changing funding landscape. The committee noted the ongoing commitment to employability services and the LEP's role in coordinating provision.

Economic Development Update - Active Travel & Transport, Events, Tourism & Business Support

This report provided an update on progress in active travel, transport, events, tourism, and business support services. Councillor Scott Hamilton focused on the strength of the events pipeline and the strategic work with partners, mentioning the significant investment in the events team and the positive impact of Centre Parcs coming to the region. Councillor Jenny Linehan praised the active travel work, particularly the RIDONKULOUS campaign, and highlighted the importance of engaging young people. Sam Smith elaborated on the region's success in attracting major events like the Tour de France, attributing it to years of experience and collaborative efforts across council services. Councillor Thornton-Nicol raised questions about the social impact programme for the Tour de France, questioning the scale of funding relative to the event's global reach and potential disruption. Sam Smith and Gillian Douglas explained that the social impact funding was a starting point for legacy investment and that inclusion and equitable impact were key considerations. Councillor Euan Douglas inquired about the prioritisation of the feasibility study for the Selkirk to Hoyke route in light of the Centre Parcs development. Councillor John Greenwell asked about the utilisation of the countryside access grant scheme. The committee noted the progress in these areas and agreed to future updates.

Economic Development - Local Growth Fund and Funding Landscape

The committee received a report detailing the significant implications of the withdrawal of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Scottish Government Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), alongside the introduction of the new UK Government Local Growth Fund (LGF) at a regional level. Councillor Scott Hamilton expressed disappointment with the UK government's approach, calling the transition fund designation wrong, rude and irresponsible, and proposed an additional recommendation for a follow-up report. Councillor Julie Pirone shared concerns about the risk to cultural and societal projects, describing the situation as a transition to zero. Jenni Craig, Director of Resilient Communities, reassured members that representations were already being made and that further reports would be provided post-election. Councillor Euan Robson suggested developing the cultural strand within the regional prosperity framework. The committee noted the significant funding gap and the risks to local projects, delegated responsibility for the LGF Year 1 allocation, and agreed to the additional recommendation for a future update report.

Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - Borders Railway Update

An update was provided on the progress of the business case and feasibility work for the extension of the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle, a key project within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Agreement had been reached with the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland on the scope of the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). Sam Smith confirmed that consultancy work was out to tender, with appointments expected in May 2026, and that a dedicated webpage was being developed to provide project updates. Councillor Scott Hamilton welcomed the progress and the planned communications, while Councillor Jenny Linehan expressed relief regarding the improved communication efforts. Trevor Jackson, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, inquired about business engagement in the consultation process, and Martin Ross, Senior Project Manager, confirmed that extensive stakeholder engagement, including with young people, was planned. The committee noted the progress and agreed to future updates.

Decision Review - Scrutiny and Petitions Recommendations

The committee considered recommendations from the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee regarding a previous decision on the monitoring of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26, specifically concerning the carry-forward of paid parking funds. The Scrutiny Committee recommended that the Executive Committee reconsider its decision and agree that funds be drawn down from potential alternative sources to meet committed paid parking projects. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, seconded by Councillor Fay Sinclair, moved to accept the Scrutiny Committee's recommendation, proposing that funds be drawn from council reserves. Councillor John Greenwell, seconded by Councillor Carol Hamilton, proposed an amendment to reject the Scrutiny Committee's recommendation, which would refer the matter to full council. After considerable debate and a roll call vote, the amendment to reject the recommendation was carried by nine votes to two, with one abstention. This means the matter will be referred to full council.

Residual Waste Treatment Contract Update

An update was provided on the procurement of a long-term Residual Waste Treatment Contract. Ross Sharp-Dent, Chief Officer Waste & Transport, explained that a derogation from SEPA's Thermal Treatment of Waste Guidelines had been secured, meaning pre-treatment would not be mandated in the new contract. This change, while potentially impacting recycling rates, is expected to increase market interest and affordability. The committee was informed that the interim contracts with Cireco and SUEZ would be extended to March 2027 to ensure a smooth transition. Councillor Euan Robson sought clarification on the pre-treatment process and its impact on recycling rates, and Councillor Simon Mountford discussed the implications of co-mingled waste policies. The committee approved the proposed procurement approach, noted the revised approach to pre-treatment, and agreed to the extension of the interim contracts. A further report will be presented before contract award.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of no other circulated or urgent items.