Decision details

The Leader, Councillor Bialyk, presented the report.

Councillor Moore questioned the significant underspend in some areas of the Council budget and asked how the Executive planned to build capacity to deliver against the budget.

Councillor Banyard raised a question regarding the £200,000 put aside to look after leisure buildings and queried whether this could be used to create a proper business plan for Northbrook Pool.

Councillor Wetenhall questioned whether the search for alternative council premises was still underway and whether a move would happen before any development with the potential unitary changes.

The Leader and the Section 151 Officer responded in the following terms:

·         the Executive were meeting frequently to keep an eye on this;

·         the £200,000 had already been spent by leisure;

·         there would be a feasibility study presented to Council regarding any move, and should a further budget be required all necessary information would be provided at that time; and

·         regardless of the future of the authority, it was anticipated that a place in Exeter would always be necessary.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations which following a vote were CARRIED.