Funding for crime-fighting team set to be axed as bill payers in Borders face 10 per cent hike in council tax

Councillors in the Borders are defending their plans to push ahead with a ten per cent increase in council tax.

"People do not want to see a reduction in bin services; people do not want to see a reduction in our education plans; and nor do they want to see any reduction in our social care; we have to be aware though that costs are spiralling."

Those are the words of the Conservative-led authority's deputy leader, Scott Hamilton, who says the move will help protect front-line services - by raising an additional £7 million a year.

It would mean those living in a Band D property paying an extra £135 annually.

The proposals - due to be voted on at a meeting of Scottish Borders Council next week - appear to have cross-party support.

That's despite less than half those who completed a survey for the local authority backing the increase.

Euan Robson is leader of the local authority's Liberal Democrat group. He told Greatest Hits Radio: "The ten per cent increase in council tax is both regrettable, but also inevitable. Despite more money from the Scottish Government, it isn't enough.

"Because, by the time wages, national insurance contributions, and other things have been taken into account, there's very little for all the other services. So, the council tax will help us bridge that gap."

And he added: "I think it is important to recognise that the council still is amongst - I think it's - the fourth lowest in Scotland in terms of (how much people pay in) council tax. And that's a position that may or may not be able to be sustained in the coming years."

Scottish Borders Council says all possible steps will be taken to avoid redundancies as it bids to balance the books ahead of next week's budget.

But the local authority admits some of the proposals contained in its transformation programme - which plans to shrink the size of the organisation and move more services online - WILL impact on staffing numbers.

A team of police officers - part-funded by the council to help fight crime in the Borders - is set to be axed.

The move is estimated to save the local authority £380,000 a year.

The Community Action Team had been reduced from two teams to one last year.

The six officers and one sergeant targeted key issues including rural crime, drugs, antisocial behaviour and speeding.

Councillor Hamilton said: "It has been a vital service throughout the years but, as we look to tackle different areas of crime, we're looking at school liaison officers as a more appropriate way of ensuring anti-social behaviour is still being dealt with."

Increased funding for Live Borders - the organisation responsible for running many of our region's gyms, libraries and swimming pools; investment in CCTV and continued support to develop the business case for the extension of Borders Railway to Carlisle are some of the highlights included.

It's unclear whether it will be enough to overturn the closure of the public pool in Jedburgh, however.

Local authority leader Euan Jardine said: “We are not just setting a budget we are making responsible choices to secure the future of our communities.

"A 10 per cent increase in Council Tax is one of the necessary steps we, as a cross-party budget group, are proposing to ensure we can protect vital services while investing in the long-term prosperity of our region. This has been an extremely difficult decision, agreed upon by members across the political spectrum.

“We fully understand the financial pressures facing households, but we also recognise how many residents depend on the Council for essential services.

"This proposed increase will not only help safeguard education, social care, and support for our most vulnerable, but also allow us to invest in infrastructure such as schools, roads, and community projects ensuring that the Scottish Borders remains a great place to live, work, and do business."

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