Issue - items at meetings - Education Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2016/2017

Report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy attached), together with an extract from the proceedings of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee meeting held 7 March 2016 (to follow).

1)    That the level of available capital resources totalling £30.778 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant and revenue contributions be noted.

2)    That Committee approve the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2016/17.

3)    That Committee grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Property & Design to procure the capital maintenance and basic need works and enter into contracts within these budgets, as required, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders in respect of the entire Education Capital Programme.

146.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services in relation to Education Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2016/17. The report sought to inform the Committee of the level of available capital resources allocated for 2016/17 and to recommend a Capital Investment Programme for 2016/17. The Committee also noted that the report had been considered by the Children, Young People & Skills Committee on 7 March 2016, this discussion was set out in the associated extract of that meeting.

146.2    In response to Councillor Sykes it was explained that Officers had considered the available technology to use photovoltaic panels to heat water in schools; however, the current model of payback did not make this feasible.

146.3    Councillors: Sykes, Meadows and Hamilton asked questions in relation to the recent Central Government announcement of the intention for all schools to become academies by 2020. In response Officers explained that until there was more detail it was difficult for them to comment on the impact of this in full; it was also clarified that when a school become an academy they entered into a 125 year long-lease from the Council. In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty it was agreed that Officers would brief Members as further information became available.

146.4    Councillor Hamilton highlighted that much of the proposed spend outlined in the report was for repair and replacement works.

146.5    The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

146.6    RESOLVED:

1)     That the level of available capital resources totalling £30.778 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant and revenue contributions be noted.

2)     That Committee approve the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2016/17.

3)     That Committee grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Property & Design to procure the capital maintenance and basic need works and enter into contracts within these budgets, as required, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders in respect of the entire Education Capital Programme.