Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1) the overall financial position for the 2024/25 Annual Capital Programme; and

(2) the further funding requests to the Council’s Annual Capital Programme for 2024/25.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which provided the current position of the Council’s revised annual Capital Programme and advised Members of the anticipated level of deferred expenditure into future years. The report further sought approval to amend the annual capital programme to reflect the reported variations.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the Capital Programme for next year had increased to £31.8 million, of which £7.5 million was uncertain in regard to the timing;

·         £24.2 million was expected to be delivered in the next financial year, with a number of deferrals, which were outlined in the report;

·         money had been set aside for the Guildhall Shopping Centre, to fit out new properties when leases ended and new businesses going in often contributed to this which was recovered through the rent. The timings of this were uncertain and only £300,000 was needed this financial year, which was financed from income from the Guildhall Shopping Centre;

·         the Green Space Depot site relied on suitable premises becoming available for bidding and the Estates team were working to locate appropriate site for the depot; and

·         there were two requests for further funding detailed in the report.

Cllrs Mitchell and Moore as opposition group leaders spoke on the item and raised points and questions, which were responded to by Senior Officers, as detailed further in this minute.

Councillor Jobson as an opposition group leader had submitted questions prior to the meeting which were responded and are supplemented to the minutes.

In response to questions and points raised by Members and opposition group leaders, the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources advised that:-

·         Council had granted approval for a specific budget for the Guildhall Shopping Centre to enable enhancements as required, with financing of that, delegated to the  Strategic Director for Corporate Resources in consultation with the Leader based on affordability. The Guildhall Shopping Centre income was limited in what it could be spent on, namely on enhancing the property, and regeneration projects around the city.

·         In regard to the Civic Centre roof, Phase 3 of the Civic Centre had a flat roof that had been leaking and was occupied by Devon County Council's Children's Centre, requiring work be undertaken to ensure child safety. Should the Council decide to move the work undertaken on the roof has ensured it was safe and secure for anyone wishing to purchase the Civic Centre.

·         The RAMM had a separate budget for roof replacement, which was financed by separate grant with a contribution from Exeter City Council to ensure the galleries remained operational.

·         The control of the £19 million was dependent on project managers, who may need to make deferrals in the capital programme for various reasons.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which was seconded by Councillor Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1) the overall financial position for the 2024/25 Annual Capital Programme; and

(2) the further funding requests to the Council’s Annual Capital Programme for 2024/25.