"Bright Future for the Borders" policy document signed

Following the first post-election Council meeting on Thursday 17 May 2007, members of SBC's new coalition Administration put their names to a document which sets out their main policies for the coming four years.

Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, Leader of SBC's Scottish Conservatives; Councillor Alex Nicol, Leader of SBC's Scottish Liberal Democrats and Councillor Michael Cook, Leader of the Aligned Independents all signed the following document:

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE BORDERS

A NEW ADMINISTRATION WITH A COALITION OF

TALENT AND A CLEAR POLICY PROGRAMME

TO DELIVER FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE BORDERS

Vision and Teamwork for the Borders

The two largest parties on Scottish Borders Council, the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Liberal Democrats, together with Aligned Independent members, have established a clear set of positive priorities for the Borders, based on the respective party manifestos and the principle of sound governance.

As a result this new Administration brings together a strong team of talented and experienced individuals committed to working in coalition to deliver excellent services and a Bright Future for the Borders.

Governance Priorities

• Maintain the record of sound financial management & minimise Council Tax increases

• Allow no Council Tax increases specifically to pay for the Waverley Line

Housing Priorities

• Establish a Housing Task Force to deliver affordable homes to meet the needs of the people of the Borders

• Defend the character of the Borders by raising standards of building design, including renewable requirements

Education and Young People Priorities

• Protect our rural schools

• Continue to improve the safety of school buses

• Up to £100,000 per year Borders wide for Youth Projects

Enterprise & Economy Priorities

• Dedicated support to local retailers and businesses

• Create a new Tourism Strategy for the Borders

• Explore innovative partnerships with Borders business

Caring and Health Priorities

• Secure long term funding for community care voluntary bodies to deliver services

• Improve joint working between Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders

Environment & Rural Priorities

• Promote use and generation of renewable energy including energy from waste

• "War on Dog Fouling" with more wardens and bins

• Expand the work of our rapid response repair teams-SB Local

• Review current procurement policy with a view to purchasing more local produce

• Develop a Borders Rural Development Strategy with "rural proofing"

Communities Priorities

• More enforceable road safety measures, particularly around schools

• Pilot a Youth Panel to address youth disorder-restorative justice

• Continue to make the Council more accessible and responsive to you

• Promote Community Policing in each ward

• Explore opportunities to deliver more Council services through local Post Offices

• Commence the production of whole town plans

• Develop a Sports & Culture Strategy to include all

Transport Priorities

• Invest in road improvements

• Improve safety measures on main arterial A routes in the Borders

• Taxi bus services in rural areas