Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Finance.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:

(1)   the overall financial position for the 2021/22 annual capital programme; and

(2)   the amendments and requests for further funding to the Council’s annual capital programme for 2021/22.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report on the current position of the Council’s revised annual capital programme and the anticipated level of deferred expenditure into future years. The report further sought approval to amend the annual capital programme in order to reflect the reported variations.

Particular reference was made to:-

·        the revised capital programme for the current financial year was £67.455 million of which £5.046 million had been spent in the first three months of the financial year, equating to 7.48%;

·        a spend of £51.936m is forecast for 2021/22 with £15.498 million of the programme being deferred to 2022/23 and beyond. This was a result of delays in the construction industry and it was anticipated, that the Council would be asked to approve additional expenditure for certain schemes as a result of rising prices; and

·        the additional budget provision of £50,000 per annum was requested for the purchase of IT equipment to include new iPad’s for Councillors.

Councillor D. Moore, as an opposition leader, referred to the increase in anti-social behaviour around the Quayside and expressed concern that there were no proposals to replace Mallison Bridge, which was resulting in excess pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Given the increased development in the area, including restaurants, she felt that continued investment was important.

The Leader responded that the issue of anti-social behaviour would be raised at the next Community Safety Partnership meeting and that discussions would continue with the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust on investment opportunities for the area.

RECOMMENDED that Council to approve:

(1)   the overall financial position for the 2021/22 annual capital programme; and

(2)   the amendments and requests for further funding to the Council’s annual capital programme for 2021/22.