Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Treasury Services.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at their meeting on 25 March 2009 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

Councillor Mrs Henson declared a personal interest in respect of Play Area Refurbishments as she was resident near to the Kings Heath Park. Councillor Mitchell declared a personal and prejudicial interest as he lives on a development which is the subject of a Section 106 agreement and left the room during consideration of the item.

The report of the Head of Treasury Services was submitted. In accordance with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, it is necessary to monitor performance against the prudential indicator for capital expenditure and highlight significant deviations from expectations. The report set out the current position in respect of the Council’s annual capital programme and advised Members of the anticipated variations.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at their meeting on 25 March 2009 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

Members expressed some disappointment regarding the slow progress on particular play areas. The Head of Planning Services responded that some delays had been caused by technical problems on particular sites but the Council would continue to pursue completion and adoption of facilities as quickly as possible, through legal channels where necessary. Councillor Mrs Morrish recorded her appreciation of the Kings Heath Park play area which she felt was an excellent facility which had helped to unite the community.

The Portfolio Holder Environment and Leisure reported that the Play Area Working Group continued to meet once a year and the Group was keen to involve local members.

The Chair commented that the Council’s significant capital programme continued to provide considerable work opportunities as well as important amenities for the City.

Executive noted the current position in respect of the annual capital programme.

Councillor Mrs Henson declared a personal interest in respect of Play Area Refurbishments as she was resident near to the Kings Heath Park. Councillor Mitchell declared a personal and prejudicial interest as he lives on a development  which is the subject of a Section 106 agreement and left the room during consideration of the item.

The report of the Head of Treasury Services was submitted. In accordance with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, it is necessary to monitor performance against the prudential indicator for capital expenditure and highlight significant deviations from expectations. The report set out the current position in respect of the Council’s annual capital programme and advised Members of the anticipated variations.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at their meeting on 25 March 2009 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

Members expressed some disappointment regarding the slow progress on particular play areas. The Head of Planning Services responded that some delays had been caused by technical problems on particular sites but the Council would continue to pursue completion and adoption of facilities as quickly as possible, through legal channels where necessary. Councillor Mrs Morrish recorded her appreciation of the Kings Heath Park play area which she felt was an excellent facility which had helped to unite the community.

The Portfolio Holder Environment and Leisure reported that the Play Area Working Group continued to meet once a year and the Group was keen to involve local members.

The Chair commented that the Council’s significant capital programme continued to provide considerable work opportunities as well as important amenities for the City.

RESOLVED that the current position in respect of the annual capital programme be noted.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Treasury Services – report circulated

The Head of Treasury Services presented a report advising Members of the current position in respect of the Council’s annual capital programme and of the anticipated variations. During the first nine months of the current financial year the Council spent £10.16 million of the 2008/09 Capital Programme. In overall terms, this equated to 48.4% of the Capital Programme being spent in the first nine months of 2008/09, compared to £11.12 million (51.5%) being spent in the first nine months of 2007/08.  The projected total capital expenditure for 2008/09 was £18,950,251 representing 90.3% of the annual capital programme.

The Chief Executive informed Members that he had replied to an article in the Express and Echo regarding the Council’s delivery of its Capital programme, use of Government Grant and its contribution to the City’s economy during this time of economic downturn.

In response to a Member, the Director Corporate Services stated that the budget for an ‘electronic city’ included the replacement of computers, which had been extended from four to five years, a replica server and the updating of the web site to improve customer access to the Council’s facilities.

Scrutiny Committee - Resources noted the current financial position and recommended to Executive that it approve the Council’s annual capital programme.

(Report circulated)