We asked
As part of our summer 2015 Household Survey, the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership asked for views about issues such as:
- quality of life in the Borders
- community safety
- health and social care
- education
- recycling
- transportation
Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership consists of organisations such as us, Housing Associations and NHS Borders.
A total of 2,706 responses were received. The survey was available in paper format and online.
You said
The results of the Household Survey are available to view.
We did
A significant amount of work is already taking place or planned as part of our Corporate Transformation programme. The programme aims to ensure high quality services are provided by us while also meeting the significant financial challenges being faced:
- we are investing additional fundings for the road network, £1m was authorised for 2015-16 and a further £1.5m will be invested each year from 2019-20 onwards
- a variety of waste and recycling facilities and services are being put in place including upgrades to community recycling centres (CRC)
- we are working to maximise community and town access to superfast broadband and mobile telephone reception
- we are creating job opportunities in the area through the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme, Work Opportunities Scheme and student placements
- we are exploring different ways to deliver services such as SBCares, a care company we own, aimed at providing a wide range of services for adults who require care
- we are integrating our adult services with those within NHS Borders through the Health and Social Care Integration programme
Waste Services
Since the previous Scottish Borders Household Survey, carried out in 2013, satisfaction with Waste Services has fallen. We are currently reviewing the Waste and Recycling Service that is provided. A survey to collect information on how people use the service was conducted in April/May 2016. The information from this will be analysed and proposals developed for consultation later in the year.
- we introduced a food waste collection service to 25k households across the Borders in line with Scottish Government legislation
- a CRC Trade Waste Policy has been developed to provide local businesses with an alternative route for the recycling and disposal of their waste. This new service is expected to be in place by the end of the year
- Hawick CRC reopened to the public in April following an investment of over £300k to upgrade
Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
The Licensing Board has been updated with the results of the Survey including what people think about the number of places where alcohol is available in their local area.
Steps have been taken to ensure that information about services which help people reduce their alcohol intake is readily available and GPs continue to provide advice and support.
Alcohol awareness sessions are being planned for podiatrists and dieticians to help them to refer people to appropriate support services, if required.
The information gathered was also used to update the Borders Alcohol Profile which is used to help the Licensing Board make decisions about new alcohol licenses.
Volunteering
Training has been provided to our staff on how to support volunteers working within their service. Information relating to the number of volunteers working with us is presented to our Executive Committee on a quarterly basis.
Opportunities for participating in local decision making
We have been piloting a more co-ordinated approach to planning and delivering services at a local level within Jedburgh, Kelso and the surrounding districts of Cheviot. This involves the community, Community Councils, schools, our officers and other partners. The aim is to see decision making taking place with communities at a more local level.
An interactive tool that allows people to provide ideas has been added to the website. This is called the Dialogue tool and has been used so far to collect suggestions about how we can do things differently to save money in the general budget and more specifically waste services.
How people access the internet
Our new look website is mobile friendly making it easier to use for the large number of people that use a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
General
Some questions in the survey were asked to help us identify if everyone in the Borders has equal access to our services. We know that sometimes we have to do things a little bit differently to make sure that the services we provide are available to everyone. This information contributes to our Equality Outcomes.
Safer Communities
You said
- 37% considered that rubbish and litter lying around was a problem
- 18.6% considered that dealing with the problem of dog fouling should be made a priority
We did
In June 2016 we introduced environmental wardens to specifically address litter and dog fouling issues within Scottish Borders. Community beat officers are also able to issue tickets for violations.
You said
19% disagree that we are dealing with crime and antisocial behaviour in the area, up from 15%.
We did
Our Antisocial Behaviour Unit continues to identify antisocial behaviour problems arising in the community and works with partner agencies including the Police, Fire Service, Schools and Social Landlords to address issues. Through the Antisocial Behaviour working group, new procedures have been developed to allow earlier intervention in cases.
You said
37% consider dangerous driving and speeding motorists to be an issue.
We did
Road safety awareness events and driving courses continue to be delivered throughout the area and include older driver and young driver events.
You said
22% consider doorstep callers to be an issue.
We did
We continue to implement no cold caller zones in the area.
You said
20% consider drug use and dealing to be an issue.
We did
Proactive work is ongoing to detect and disrupt supply of drugs in the area.