Decision details

The report of the Acting Assistant Director Finance was submitted, reporting on the current position in respect of the Council’s revised annual capital programme and advising Members of the anticipated level of deferred expenditure into future years.

Members were asked to approve an urgent request for an additional sum of £36,000 to complete essential resurfacing of Leighton Terrace car park. The works were necessary to ensure that the car park could continue to operate and comply with Health and Safety Regulations.

The Deputy Chief Executive claified that, as a result of this valuation, the Council had updated its estimates process.

Members discussed the wider issue of the tendering and procurement process within the City Council and the need to ensure that small local businesses were not precluded from tendering for Council Projects. The Chair suggested that the tendering and procurement process could be an issue for Scrutiny Committee – Resources to scrutinise.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer Access expressed disappointment that the scheme to help bring empty properties back into use had been withdrawn due to lack of interest from landlords. The Acting Assistant Director Finance would clarify if these funds would have to be given back to the Government.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture advised that the scheme to replace the running track at Exeter Arena had been deferred to take account of the weather conditions required for works to be undertaken.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 18 September and the comments of the Members were noted.

Executive recommended that Council notes and approves the current position in respect of the annual capital programme and requested to approve an urgent request for an additional £36,000 to complete the resurfacing of Leighton Terrace car park.