Minute of Meeting of 15 April 2014

Kalewater Community Council

Minute of Meeting on Tuesday 15 April 2014

In the Village Institute, Morebattle

Present: Community Councillors; Eric McNulty (Chair), Michael Scott (Secretary), Helen Cessford (Vice-Chair), Andrew McEwan, Sarah Dixon, Paul Grime, Richard Pedersen, George Aitchison, SBC Cllrs; Simon Mountford, Alec Nicol.

Public: 1

ACTION

1

Apologies

Cllrs: Dot Halliday, Sarah Anderson, Matilda Hall (Treasurer),

2

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting of 18 March having been circulated were then passed as a true record of events.

Proposed: Cllr McEwan; Seconded: Cllr Pedersen.

3

Presentation from Maggie Watson, Citizens’ Advice Bureau re. welfare reform outreach project

Project is funded by lottery for people who have difficulties reaching CAB facilities in towns. First sites are Newcastleton and Jedburgh, both of which have been successful. Funding lasts until 31 March 2015 but there may be an extension. CAB locally covers Roxburghshire and Berwickshire. Separate CAB in Galashiels and Peebles.

In August Yetholm and Morebattle will be visited on a 4-week cycle.

The UK Govt’s Welfare Reform changes are having a major impact, including the ‘bedroom tax’ (under-occupancy in social housing). SBC has £1M ring-fenced by Holyrood for discretionary housing payments.

The Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) has small and limited frequency grants for people in crisis, which do not require paying back.

Food banks in Kelso and Hawick only accept referrals from 3^rd parties such as SBC Social Work and CAB.

SWF is administered locally by SBC and works well – same-day arrangements via cash-points although SBC is looking at using vouchers.

Penalties against individuals on JobSeekers Allowance can lead to 4-week benefit stoppages. Job Centres have sanction targets which can be increased to 13 weeks up to 3 years.

Universal Credit is planned to replace many benefits but is till 2 years away. Potential issues include monthly payments to clients rather than landlords for rent which could lead to increased rent arrears.

It is likely that Morebattle has people in need that are ‘below the radar’.

CAB has a Kelso office open 2 mornings/week. Volunteers are welcome that are computer-literate and study is required. Contact Hawick office with any enquiries.

‘FreshStart Borders’ is a church-based organisation in Selkirk which provides tenant ‘starter-packs’ as social landlords clear vacated properties completely, including carpets which can make setting up for a new tenant a significant burden. HomeBasics are a not-for-profit furniture provider.

Pay-day loans can lead to substantial debts as the lender has access to clients’ card payment details and account so can take funds as they please.

The Chair and community councillors thanked Maggie Watson for her presentation and answers to questions.

4

a

Matters Arising from 18 February Actions

Defibrillators

Cllr Grime reported that Cllr Hall had hosted a recent meeting of the subgroup. Three quotes for two defibrillators (Morebattle & Hownam) came in around £3000. A local electrician is providing a cost for installation on Institute wall (permission given).

Although Hownam has a small population it is remote for ambulance cover.

b

Local Development Plan

SBC Cllr Nicol reported that SBC planners have stated that Hownam will not feature in the new LDP.

c

Completed

d

Completed

e

New Salt Bin

Cllr Pedersen has bought paint for repainting new bin

f

SBC Cllr Mountford reported that SBC would not paint yellow lines for the Morebattle bus stop as the likelihood of Police enforcement is low. White advisory lines are acceptable.

g

SBC Cllr Mountford awaiting SBC response re. handrails at kirk.

5

Proposed Closure of Hownam Polling Station

SBC Cllr Nicol reported that SBC will not change decision on removal of polling station.

Chair concerned over reduction in rural services as there are 43 people on electoral register in Hownam.

6

Community Council Scheme Consultation, deadline 30 April 2014

Secretary detailed the proposed changes to which there were no disagreements.

7

AGM arrangements for 20 May 2014

Secretary to forward documents to Chair ASAP and to contact co-opted councillor Anderson re. standing for KCC.

Several councillors at end of 4-year term.

Secretary

8

Correspondence

·  SBC Libraries: Changes to Mobile Library Provision

·  SBC Community Council support arrangements.

9

Items for Circulation Folder

The Secretary summarised some of the items going into the new circulation folder as listed on the agenda.

·  Police Scotland Year 1 update for community councils
Considerable scepticism from meeting as report only presented ‘good news’.

·  Borders Asperger & Autism Group, Information Sharing Open Day, Galashiels, 28 April 2014

·  Home Energy Scotland SE Bulletin, March 2014

·  Council welcomes Baton Relay announcement

·  Physical Activity and Active Ageing Conference, Galashiels, 7 May 2014

·  Performance opportunity within the Athletes Village, Glasgow

·  STP Learning Events

·  Cheviot Area Forum agenda, 2 April 2014

·  Invitation to join a Patient Participation Virtual Network

·  SESplan: E Bulletin, March 2014

·  Supplier marketing: Encompass payments services

10

a

AOB

Cllr Pedersen had counted walkers passing through Morebattle recently and had counted 100. Most common complaint is lack of food and drink. Shop closes at lunchtime. Pub closes after lunch.

b

SBC Cllr Mountford asked Secretary to send some test emails as there were problems receiving messages.

Secretary

c

An anonymous donation received to repair wall by Institute following vehicle damage. SBC Community Grant Scheme may support. Cllr Cessford to update institute committee.

Cllr Cessford

d

Chair reported success in obtaining Lottery funding for Institute roof repairs of £81k. Work likely to proceed in June/July.

SBC

11

Items for Next Meeting Agenda

Kelso Laddie visit

12

Next Meeting: AGM and monthly meeting

7pm, Tuesday 20 May 2014 at the Village Institute, Morebattle.

Meeting concluded at 8.45pm.

Signed:

Date: