The Lauder Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to review the financial monitoring report for the nine months ending 31 December 2025. The committee noted the financial position and forecasts for the coming years.

Monitoring Report for 9 Months to 31 December 2025

The committee reviewed the monitoring report for the Lauder Common Good Fund, which detailed income and expenditure for the nine months to 31 December 2025, along with projected outturns for the remainder of the financial year and forecasts for the following two years. Catriona Ewen presented the report, highlighting that as of 31 December 2025, the fund showed a deficit of £102,570, which was forecast to increase to £148,799 by 31 March 2026. This projected deficit is attributed to significant spending on improvements and modernisation at Shepherd's Cottage at Lauder Common Farm, which is partially offset by a £50,000 contribution from Scottish Borders Council's general fund.

The report also indicated that the value of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund stood at £251,151 on 31 December 2025, representing an unrealised gain of £763. This was the first time since 2022 that the fund's value exceeded its original cost, although the report cautioned that market volatility in the subsequent three months could have impacted this position. The committee noted the income and expenditure forecasts, property expenditure, available grant budget, and the status of the investment fund. Councillor David Parker, Chair of the Sub-Committee, and Councillor Jenny Linehan, along with Mr Alastair Smith, all indicated they were happy to agree with the report.

The report was presented by Catriona Ewen, who is identified as a Finance Technician in the minutes of the previous meeting on 9 December 2025. The monitoring report itself was authored by Lizzie Turner, Chief Officer Finance and Procurement. The committee agreed to note the various financial details presented in the report.