Decision details

The Leader moved the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Wright, and invited the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources to introduce the report

The Strategic Director for Corporate Resources in presenting the report made the following points:

·        there were still ongoing challenges like previous quarterly reports;

·        there was a limited expenditure this quarter, with many schemes being deferred to next year’s capital programme;

·        there were no additional capital expenditure requests included in this report;

·        a Capital Programme Board was now in place, which was chaired by the Chief Executive, and was actively monitoring capital spend and the capital programme to move projects forward;

·        finance would be working with Strategic Directors and project managers at year-end to reflect realistic delivery timelines;

·        the capital programme spanned multiple years, so not all projects needed to be completed in the first year; and

·        there was a commitment to producing a more realistic multi-year capital programme going forward.

The Strategic Director for Corporate Resources responded to Members questions as follows:

·        the Capital Board was chaired by the Chief Executive and included the  Strategic Director of Corporate Resources, Strategic Director of Operations, Head of Commercial Assets, Head of Finance, and Head of Asset Maintenance;

·        additional members were invited as required and the board met every two months to review progress on capital projects;

·        key projects were defined as projects of significant cost, value, and importance to the city. Examples included the MRF project approved on 10 February, which was considered to be a key project by the Board;

·        the Board reviewed the full capital program, identified risks and issues, and monitored significant projects;

·        Council funding for the Mallison Bridge project remained in place and allocation and expenditure would be reviewed and managed accordingly;

·        current works on the Topsham Museum focussed on waterproofing and scaffold removal, which was expected to complete before year-end; and

·        the budget did not cover the full long-term cost for Topsham Museum and work was ongoing regarding a long-term lease, with a report expected in the new financial year to outline options.

In summing up the Leader advised Members that the Council was actively working with the museum and maintaining regular communication with Strategic directors and heads of service. He advised that some legal issues remained unresolved, limiting progress on certain matters. He confirmed that board members and local residents were being kept informed and provided assurance that the Council was committed to a collaborative approach with the museum. He further acknowledged frustration over delays but stressed the importance of doing things correctly before moving forward.

Following a vote the recommendations were CARRIED.