Council Leader calls upon residents young and old to help shape the future of the Borders.
Dear Editor,
As Leader of Scottish Borders Council, I want to speak to you directly about an issue that impacts us all: the council budget for the year ahead. This is a challenging time, but I believe that, together, we can navigate these difficulties and ensure the decisions we make reflect the values and priorities of our communities.
The council’s role is clear we are here to serve you. Our 2025/26 budget consultation is now open, and I want to emphasise how much your input matters. While we have been elected to make difficult decisions on your behalf, we are committed to ensuring those decisions are informed by your voice. This is a democratic society, and no one should feel that choices are being imposed on them.
This year, the financial landscape is especially tough. With rising costs and inflation, we face the task of identifying at least £5 million in savings. These are hard conversations, but they are necessary ones. That’s why your feedback is so important. It will help us focus on what truly matters whether that’s supporting schools, protecting essential services, or meeting the needs of our most vulnerable.
I also want to encourage families to join this discussion. Parents and carers, involve your children in conversations about the future of our Borders. Their perspectives are fresh and inspiring, and by engaging them now, we can empower the next generation to take an active role in shaping the community they’ll inherit.
We are all in this together, and I want to assure you that the council is here to work with you, not apart from you. The decisions we make today will shape the Borders of tomorrow. Your voice is critical to ensuring that the choices we make reflect the heart of our community.
Please take a few moments to participate in the consultation. This is your opportunity to help shape the services and support that are vital to our Borders’ future. Click this link to access the budget consultation Scottish Borders Council Budget Consultation for 2025-26 - Scottish Borders Council - Citizen Space
Thank you for your time. Your voice really matters.
Kind regards,
Cllr Euan Jardine
Leader of Scottish Borders Council