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 proposed procurement approach for a long-term residual waste treatment contract. The committee also debated and ultimately rejected a recommendation to reconsider the allocation 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 aimed at fostering growth and improving community well-being across the Scottish Borders. These programmes include the Community Regeneration Programme, Levelling Up Fund investments, and projects funded through the Borderlands Growth Deal and Edinburgh City Region Deal. 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 Sam Smith, Chief Officer Economic Development, confirmed that the 77,000 passenger journeys represented total journeys since May, with new routes encouraging more users. Councillor Julie Pirone raised the need for a consolidated communications plan for all these initiatives, which was noted as an action. Councillor Simon Mountford sought clarification on the River Tweed Trail, and Sam Smith confirmed a member briefing was scheduled for April 23rd. The committee agreed to note the information provided and 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. The service aims to reduce unemployment and support individuals into work, with a focus on those facing multiple barriers. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol sought clarification on the uniqueness of client numbers, employment figures, and qualifications achieved. Alasdair Scott, Employability Lead Officer, explained that while the numbers of individuals engaged were unique, some individuals achieved multiple outcomes, and that the Helix system allowed for deeper analysis. Councillor Carol Hamilton highlighted the success of the Bloom Media Showcase, a project run by young people. Councillor Julie Pirone questioned the rise in demand for the Whole Family Support team, which Alasdair Scott attributed to increased awareness of the service and successful outcomes. Councillor Leagh Douglas raised concerns about sustaining support levels given the changing funding landscape, and Jenni Craig, Director of Resilient Communities, reassured members about the stability of the No One Left Behind budget for the coming year, while acknowledging challenges with the Shared Prosperity Fund. Councillor Euan Robson inquired about input into the IRIS 27+ proposals, and Sam Smith confirmed ongoing discussions and opportunities for the Scottish Borders. The committee agreed to note the ongoing commitment to employability services and the role of the Local Employability Partnership.

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 the strategic work with partners. He also noted the positive impact of Business Gateway, mentioning 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. Deborah Hodgson, Active Travel and Transport Team Leader, confirmed the team's awareness of the need for behaviour change initiatives. Sam Smith elaborated on the region's success in attracting major events, citing the 15 years of experience hosting the Tour of Britain cycling event as a key factor in securing the Tour de France Grand Départ. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol raised questions about the social impact programme for the Tour de France, suggesting the £1 million over four years seemed small in comparison to the global audience. Sam Smith explained that the social impact funding was a starting point for a wider legacy programme, focusing on community engagement and infrastructure. Councillor Leagh Douglas inquired about the prioritisation of the feasibility study for the Selkirk to Hoyke route, given the anticipated increase in traffic from Center Parcs. Sam Smith confirmed this was a priority. Councillor John Greenwell asked about the utilisation of the countryside access grant scheme, and Graeme Johnstone confirmed that community councils were contacted regularly, but acknowledged the need for more proactive promotion. The committee agreed to note the information provided and future updates.

Economic Development – Local Growth Fund and Funding Landscape

This report detailed the 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. Jenni Craig, Director of Resilient Communities, explained that the end of UKSPF and PBIP would create a significant funding gap for local projects. Councillor Scott Hamilton expressed disappointment with the UK government's approach, calling the LGF a transition to zero and proposed an additional recommendation for a future report to the Executive Committee. Councillor Julie Pirone echoed these concerns, expressing horror at the potential impact on cultural and societal projects, and requested strong representations be made to the UK Government. Jenni Craig reassured members that letters had already been sent to stakeholders 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 agreed to note the funding landscape changes, the risks to local projects, and the provisional LGF Year 1 allocation. They also agreed to delegate responsibility for the LGF Year 1 revenue allocation and the Year 2 and 3 regional investment plan to the Director of Resilient Communities and the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Economic Development Members Reference Group. An additional recommendation was agreed for officers to bring back an updated report on the funding situation and its implications.

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. Sam Smith confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland to proceed with the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC). Consultancy work was out to tender, with appointments expected in May 2026, and the SOBC process estimated to take 18 months. Councillor Scott Hamilton welcomed the progress and the new website dedicated to project updates. Councillor Jenny Linehan expressed delight at 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 being part of the ecosystem input. Councillor Julie Pirone asked if young people would be engaged through schools and colleges, which was confirmed. The committee agreed to note the progress made and future updates.

Decision Review - Scrutiny and Petitions Recommendations

The committee considered a report regarding a call-in by the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee concerning a previous Executive Committee decision on the monitoring of the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26. The call-in specifically related to the treatment of paid parking surpluses, with the Scrutiny Committee recommending that the Executive Committee reconsider its decision and agree that funds be drawn from alternative sources to meet committed pay 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 that the Executive Committee not accept the recommendations. After a roll call vote, the amendment was carried with nine votes to two, meaning the matter would be referred to full council.

Residual Waste Treatment Contract Update

The committee received an update 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, was expected to increase market interest and affordability. Councillor Euan Robson sought clarification on pre-treatment, and Ross Sharp-Dent explained that it involved mechanical sorting to remove recyclables, which had previously boosted recycling rates but was costly and offered by few operators. He confirmed that if the winning bidder did not include pre-treatment, recycling rates might decrease unless kerbside collections were altered. Councillor Simon Mountford raised concerns about the potential need for more bins and the impact on streetscape, and Ross Sharp-Dent noted that future legislation might necessitate changes to collections anyway, with reduced residual waste collection frequency or bin size being potential measures. The committee agreed to approve the proposed procurement approach, noting the revised pre-treatment requirements, the procurement timeline, and the extension of interim contracts. A further report would be presented before contract award.