The External Services/Providers Monitoring Group of Scottish Borders Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the fourth quarter report for SBc Contracts for the 2025/26 financial year.

SBc Contracts 4th Quarter Report 2025/26

A key item scheduled for discussion is the SBc Contracts 4th Quarter Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report, prepared by the Chief Officer Roads, is expected to provide a summary of the performance and operations of SBc Contracts up to 31 March 2026. The report outlines the workload undertaken by SBc Contracts, which includes delivering infrastructure improvements across the council's roads and built estate. These improvements are substantially funded by the council's Capital investment programme and encompass various activities such as road surface treatment, civil engineering works, internal building works, bond coat application, traffic management, and sign manufacture.

The report details specific achievements in road surface treatment, including works on 21 surfacing sites for Scottish Borders Council, two for Midlothian Council, and four for East Lothian Council. Major capital patching works were completed on 14 sites, with smaller patching works using Jetpatchers and Pothole Pro amounting to 1699 individual repairs covering 11391m² and 17981 individual repairs respectively. Reactive patching covered a further 25,460 individual repairs. The surface dressing programme was completed by the end of July across an area of 110,597m².

The report also highlights the success of the specialist bond coat operation, which completed several schemes and long-term contracts for various councils. The civil engineering operation commenced works at 157 individual sites, completing 142 and carrying forward activity into 2026/27 at 15 sites. These works include bridgeworks, flood prevention, groundworks, construction, and footpath restoration/creation. The report notes that the delivery of these programmes significantly contributes to the local community and relies on the dedication of the workforce and support from various council departments and external trades.

Specific details on the Roads Asset Investment Programme for 2025/26 are also scheduled to be presented. This includes information on bridgeworks, with 43 bridges having projects completed, including minor repairs and accident damage insurance works. Major works mentioned include repairs to the B6361 Drygrange Old Bridge, B6400 Ale Bridge, and Selkirk to Ettrick, Ettrick Bridge. Repairs to retaining structures, flood and coastal protection works, and cattle grid replacements are also detailed.

The report is expected to touch upon management updates, including challenges related to people and succession planning due to an aging workforce and retirements, which could impact business as usual. It also highlights the success of the year in delivering investment programmes, aided by favourable weather conditions. The report will also list major projects secured by SBc Contracts during 2025-26, such as Destination Tweed Tweed Trails, Lauder to Oxton Cycleway, and Lowood Care Village Enabling Works, as well as work undertaken with third-party organisations.

The report concludes by stating that SBc Contracts is considered a high-performing and strategically important council service, with a proven record of delivery and a contribution to the council's infrastructure improvement programmes. The report will also address financial implications, risk and mitigation strategies, integrated impact assessments, sustainable development goals, climate change, rural proofing, data protection, and changes to the scheme of administration or delegation.

The meeting is also scheduled to consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 February 2026.