Think global, act local. Green councillors will test every council decision against the climate and nature emergencies and the cost of living, because the solutions to all three are the same.
1. Taking local climate action
Moving the Borders to net zero. Council-owned solar and heat on public land and buildings, and partnerships with community energy groups. Retrofit every council building. EV charging hubs with solar in every town. A plain-English net zero report every year. Nature-based flood protection on every river.
Farming, food and land. A just transition for farmers and farm workers, with nature-friendly farming rewarded. Local food hubs and a council food plan with real targets. Local, seasonal food for schools and care homes. Support for community buyouts.
Reducing waste. Community recycling, reuse and repair hubs in every town. Garden and food waste made into compost for local growers. A zero-waste plan with a published target date.
Protecting nature. Biodiversity first in planning. Protect wildlife sites, green spaces and ancient woodland, and link them along our rivers. Native trees, restored peatland, and pollinator corridors along the Tweed.
2. Investing in the services you need
Schools and childcare. Fill every teaching post; classes of 20 or fewer; more ASN specialists; keep rural schools and nurseries open; free breakfast clubs; funded childcare from six months.
Social care. End charges for care at home; at least £15 an hour for care workers; keep care in public and community hands; a real right to a break for unpaid carers.
Health. Keep local health services, GP practices and maternity care in our towns, and walk-in mental health support for young people.
Tackling poverty. Money advisers in schools, GP surgeries and community hubs; compassion for people in debt to the council; proper support for survivors of domestic abuse, refugees and New Scots.
Public transport. Free buses for all, starting with under-30s; more council-run and community buses; one ticket across bus and rail; the railway to Hawick and Carlisle.
3. Communities for everyone
Fair work and local business. Fill empty shops with local businesses and social enterprises. The real Living Wage across the council, Live Borders and every contractor. Buy local through council contracts.
Homes. More social and council homes; empty homes and derelict land back into use; local housing before holiday lets; warmer homes for all.
Streets for people. At least 10% of the transport budget for walking, wheeling and cycling; repair before new roads; 20mph in towns and villages.
Leisure and culture. Protect libraries, pools and halls; affordable sport, including a Children’s Sports Card; support for community festivals and sustainable tourism.
4. Putting power in local hands
Planning. Decisions driven by public need, not developer profit. A community right of appeal. Local Place Plans given real weight. Energy schemes judged on their cumulative impact, with communities owning a share.
Fair funding. Replace Council Tax with a fairer property tax; a Borders visitor levy; higher charges on second and empty homes; divest council pensions from fossil fuels.
Empowering communities. More powers and funding for community councils; participatory budgeting; citizens’ assemblies; an open council with clear papers, streamed meetings and honest consultation.
