The Executive Committee of Scottish Borders Council met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss a range of economic development initiatives, funding landscapes, and operational contracts. Key decisions included noting progress on investment programmes, employability services, and active travel initiatives, alongside a significant debate and subsequent referral to full council regarding the allocation of paid parking funds. The committee also approved the procurement approach for a new residual waste treatment contract and noted updates on the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Economic Development Investment Programmes Update

The committee received an update on various economic development investment programmes across the Scottish Borders, funded by UK and Scottish Government initiatives. These programmes, including the Community Regeneration Programme, Borderlands Growth Deal projects, and the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, are supporting economic growth and community well-being. Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Development, highlighted the importance of these growth deals for the region's economy. Discussions touched upon the bus network upgrades, with Councillor Jenny Linehan seeking clarification on passenger numbers, and Councillor Julie Perroni raising the need for a more integrated communications plan for the various programmes. The River Tweed Trail project was also discussed, with a member briefing scheduled for 23 April to provide further updates. The committee noted the information provided and agreed to regular future 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 various client groups. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol expressed her passion for the service, highlighting its significant individual impact, but sought more detailed data on unique client outcomes. Alasdair Scott, Employability Lead Officer, explained the complexity of the data and committed to providing further breakdown. Councillor Julie Perroni inquired about the reasons for increased demand for the Whole Family Support service, which was attributed to greater awareness of the service and improved inter-agency collaboration. Councillor Leagh Douglas raised concerns about sustaining support levels given the changing funding landscape, with assurances given about the stability of the No One Left Behind budget for the coming year. Councillor Euan Robson questioned the Council's input into the IRIS 27+ proposals, focusing on skills development. 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 and transport, events, tourism, and business support services. Councillor Scott Hamilton highlighted the strong economic activity, particularly in events, and welcomed the investment in the events team. He also noted the positive impact of Business Gateway, celebrating the 1000th business opening supported by the service. Councillor Jenny Linehan praised the active travel work, particularly the RIDONKULOUS campaign, and expressed disappointment at the damage to new paths. Councillor Thornton-Nicol raised questions about the social impact programme for the Tour de France, questioning the scale of investment relative to the global audience and potential disruption. Sam Smith, Chief Officer Economic Development, explained that the social impact funding was the start of a wider programme aimed at legacy investment and community benefits. Councillor Douglas Lee inquired about the prioritisation of feasibility studies for key strategic routes, particularly in light of the Centre Parcs development, and was reassured that the Selkirk to Hoyke route was a priority. Councillor John Greenwell asked about the utilisation of the countryside access grant scheme, and Graeme Johnstone confirmed proactive contact with community councils. The committee noted the information provided and agreed to future updates.

Economic Development - Local Growth Fund and Funding Landscape

This report detailed 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 LGF a transition to zero and proposing an additional recommendation for a future report to the Executive Committee. Councillor Julie Perroni echoed these concerns, expressing horror at the risk to cultural and societal projects and proposing that the Chief Executive, Jenni Craig, and the Leader write to the UK Government. Jenni Craig, Director of Resilient Communities, reassured members that representations were already being made and that post-election, a report would be brought back once the regional funding through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region deal was clearer. Councillor Euan Robson suggested developing the cultural strand within the regional prosperity framework. The committee noted the significant structural gap in funding, the risks to local projects, the reduced provisional LGF Year 1 allocation, and agreed to delegate responsibility for the LGF Year 1 revenue allocation and the Year 2 and 3 regional investment plan. An additional recommendation was agreed for officers to bring back an updated report on the funding situation and its processes.

Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - Borders Railway Update

The committee received an update on the progress of the business case and feasibility work for the extension of the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle, a key part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Councillor Scott Hamilton welcomed the progress and the launch of a dedicated webpage for project updates. Councillor Jenny Linehan expressed satisfaction with the improved communications regarding the project. Trevor Jackson, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, inquired about business engagement during the consultation process, and Sam Smith confirmed that businesses and the private sector were key stakeholders, with the Chamber of Commerce to be involved. Councillor Julie Perroni asked for confirmation that young people would be engaged through schools and colleges, which was confirmed. The committee noted the progress made and agreed that future updates would be provided.

Decision Review - Scrutiny and Petitions Recommendations

This report concerned a call-in by the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee regarding a previous Executive Committee decision on the monitoring of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26, specifically concerning the allocation of paid parking surpluses. The Scrutiny and Petitions Committee recommended that the Executive Committee reconsider its decision and agree that funds be drawn from alternative sources to meet committed paid parking projects. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, Chair of the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee, presented the recommendation, highlighting the complexities and perceived lack of process. Councillor Fay Sinclair spoke in support of the recommendation, emphasising the long-standing understanding that paid parking funds should be spent in the areas where they were generated. Councillor John Greenwell proposed referring the matter to full council, which was seconded by Councillor Carol Hamilton. A roll call vote was held, resulting in nine votes for the amendment (referral to full council), two for the motion (accepting the Scrutiny Committee's recommendation), and one abstention. Therefore, the amendment to refer the matter to full council was carried.

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 support affordability. Councillor Euan Robson sought clarification on the pre-treatment process and its impact on recycling rates, with Sharp-Dent explaining the complexities and the trade-off between environmental performance and cost. Councillor Simon Mountford raised concerns about the potential for increased bins and the impact on streetscape, with Sharp-Dent acknowledging the emotive nature of waste collection changes and the potential for future policy shifts. The committee approved the proposed procurement approach, noted the revised approach to pre-treatment, the procurement timeline, and the extension of interim contracts. A further report will be presented before contract award.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the minutes from the previous meeting and the confirmation that there were no other items of business.