The Scottish Borders Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 5 November 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of significant local issues. Key discussions are expected to include the Council's position on public service reform, the future of Eyemouth Primary School, and updates on the asbestos removal programme at Peebles High School.

Public Service Reform - Scottish Borders Council Position Statement

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to considering the Council's formal position on public service reform, as outlined in a report by the Chief Executive. This statement is intended to guide the Council's engagement in national discussions about the future of local governance, the NHS, education, and social care. The report emphasises a Borders outcomes first principle, meaning any proposed reforms will be judged on their potential to improve local services and be consistent with the European Charter of Local Self-Government. The Council's stance is that while purposeful reform is supported, it does not automatically endorse structural reorganisation without clear evidence of improved outcomes. The statement will form the basis for the Council's communication with the Scottish Government regarding these ongoing national dialogues.

Eyemouth Primary School and Early Years and Family Centre - RIBA Stage 3 and Project Approval

The Council is set to consider the RIBA Stage 3 report for the new Eyemouth Primary School and Early Years and Family Centre. This follows the Council's decision in September 2026 to proceed with a standalone new build on Coldingham Road, aiming to deliver the project within existing budgets. The report details the developed proposals, programme, procurement strategy, and cost plan, estimating the total project cost at £23.3 million (excluding VAT). A significant financial implication is the additional capital requirement of £8.8 million, which would need to be met by reprioritising and accelerating existing capital budgets, potentially reducing the Council's capacity for other new capital investments. The report seeks approval to progress the project to the next stage, including planning and building warrant applications, and contractor procurement.

Peebles High School: Asbestos Removal Programme Update

A report from the Director of Infrastructure and Environment will provide an update on the asbestos removal programme at the former Peebles High School. This discussion is expected to address unavoidable additional expenditure required to safely demolish the school, including the removal of significant quantities of unforeseen asbestos-containing material. The material was discovered within an atypical roof construction and its removal has become technically complex, requiring a multi-stage approach. The report seeks approval for expenditure of up to £5.5 million to complete the project safely and notes that a request for additional financial support has been made to the Learning Estate Investment Programme Board.

Second Review of Mothball Status/Options Appraisal Report 2026 - St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Selkirk

The Council will consider a report on the second review of the mothball status of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Selkirk. The school has been temporarily closed since August 2024 due to a sustained decline in its pupil roll. The review concludes that reopening the school or continuing its temporary closure is not reasonable due to a lack of material increase in demand. Consequently, officers recommend proceeding to a statutory consultation on the permanent closure of the school. This process will allow for open consideration of educational benefits, community impact, travel arrangements, financial implications, and alternative denominational provision, in line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

Gaelic Medium Primary Education (GMPE)

A report from the Director of Education and Children's Services will address the potential establishment of Gaelic Medium Primary Education (GMPE) within the Scottish Borders. This follows a statutory assessment of demand, which confirmed that the threshold of at least five children in the same pre-school year group requesting GMPE had been met. The report details a feasibility analysis, highlighting key requirements for staffing and funding. The establishment of GMPE is conditional on the successful recruitment of suitably qualified staff and confirmation of ongoing funding commitment from the Scottish Government. The report seeks approval in principle to commence GMPE provision from August 2027, subject to these material requirements being met.

Budget Planning Assumptions 2027/28

The Director of Finance will present a report outlining the broad planning assumptions for the Council's financial plans from 2027/28 onwards. This discussion will take into account the significant financial challenge facing the Council, including cost pressures from pay, inflation, service demand, and reductions in Scottish Government funding. The report will also address the uncertainty surrounding the Scottish Government's Public Service Reform agenda, which could have significant implications for local government structures and funding. The Council's ambitious Capital Plan, currently delivering key infrastructure projects, will also be considered.

Common Good Review

The Director of Finance will provide an update on the outcome of the review of the Common Good Funds recharge. This review examined the annual charge made to the funds to recognise the support provided by Council staff in areas such as Estates, Property, Democratic Services, Legal, and Finance. A new recharge model is proposed, reflecting current staff activity and allocating time more accurately across the funds. The report also notes that services such as Parks and Waste were not included in this review and may require separate consideration.

Scottish Borders Champions Board Annual Report – May 2025 to July 2026

The Council will consider the annual report from the Scottish Borders Champions Board. This group, led by care-experienced young people, aims to provide a platform for their voices to be heard and to influence change within the care system. The report details the Board's projects, participation levels, and future plans, highlighting the importance of relationship-based practice, accessibility, wellbeing, respect, transparency, and collaboration.

Public Bodies Climate Change Duties: Annual Report 2025-26

The Director of Corporate Governance will present the annual report on the Council's progress in delivering climate action, as required by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. The report indicates a decrease in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions but an increase in Scope 3 emissions, largely due to changes in waste data reporting. The Council's Climate Change Plan 2026-30, approved in June 2026, outlines a programme of work focused on reducing emissions and improving climate resilience. The report seeks Council approval for the draft report prior to its submission to the Scottish Government.

Review of Financial Support to Community Councils

A report from the Director – Resilient Communities will outline recommendations following a review of financial support provided to community councils. The review considered the annual support grant model, hall hire reimbursement, insurance, data protection, funding for a new Borders-wide community council network, and the ability of community councils to award grants to third parties. The report proposes changes to the grant allocation model, an increase in the annual support grant budget, and coverage of all community council insurance premiums.

Annual Report of the Chief Social Work Officer 2025-2026

The Chief Social Work Officer will present their annual report, providing an account of activity across social work and social care services. The report assures the Council of sustained delivery, measurable improvement, and effective partnership working, while also highlighting pressures and priorities for continued focus. Key achievements include the development of Community Led Support, reductions in waiting lists for Learning Disability Services, and strengthened public protection governance. However, the report also notes sustained demand, increasing complexity, workforce pressures, and financial constraints.

Arrangements for By-Election for the Leaderdale and Melrose Ward

The Chief Executive will present information on the arrangements for the by-election in the Leaderdale and Melrose Ward, following the death of Councillor PatonDay. The date of the poll has been set for Thursday, 21 January 2027, with the count taking place on Friday, 22 January 2027. The report outlines the proposed polling stations, the count arrangements, and the estimated cost of approximately £55,000, which will be met from existing budgets or Council reserves if necessary. It also proposes rescheduling of several committee meetings and the main Council meeting to accommodate the election timetable.

Motions

The meeting will also consider three motions:

• Motion by Councillor Begg: This motion addresses the findings of a Joseph Rowntree Foundation report on poverty in Scotland, urging the Council to consider its recommendations in relation to its Child Poverty Strategy and Anti-Poverty Strategy, and to take them into account during the forthcoming budget process.
• Motion by Councillor Thomson: This motion reiterates the Council's recognition of a housing emergency and its previous calls for Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to be increased. It proposes that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to request a review and increase of LHA rates.
• Motion by Councillor Smart: This motion proposes that the Council undertake an appraisal of the existing conservation arrangements for Newcastleton, including consideration of its boundary, the condition of buildings, and opportunities for protection and enhancement. The appraisal would involve consultation with local stakeholders and consider whether a management plan would assist in supporting appropriate development within the village.

Open Questions and Draft Agenda

The meeting will include a session for Open Questions from Councillors, a review of the draft agenda for the next Council meeting on 10 December 2026, and consideration of any other items previously circulated or deemed urgent by the Convener. The meeting will conclude with a session of Private Business, where the public will be excluded to discuss exempt information.