Issue - meetings

The recommendations of the Executive in respect of the Capital Programme 2023-24 to 2027-28 were introduced by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Roberts.  The programme set out the investments required to deliver the Council’s key strategies and objectives over the period, with focus shifting to housing and putting in place a plan of work to address fire safety remedial work in the Council’s housing stock. 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Johnson, reiterated the need for the works and the benefits the programme would deliver.

The proposals were welcomed and the recommendations of the Council were agreed nem con.

RESOLVED

That (i)    the Capital Programme 2023/24 to 2027/28 be approved subject to reports on projects where appropriate; and

          (ii)   the proposed financing arrangements be approved.

Reporting Person – Eugene Walker

The Executive received the Capital Programme 2023-24 to 2027-28 which set out the investments required to deliver the Council’s key strategies and objectives.  Following the Section 114 Notice, it was noted that the Capital Programme (formerly known as the Investment Programme) had been largely suspended with provisions only for items such as urgent health and safety and regulatory works, Housing Asset Management Programmes funded by the HRA, and payments related to business cases agreed with the Commissioners and DLUHC.  Attention was drawn to the Capital Planning Principles adopted by the Council in July 2023 for the General Fund Capital Programme year 2024-25 and the period of the MTFS.

As discussed under the Housing Revenue Account Budgets 2024-25 item, the Executive welcomed the Council’s new focus on homes for local people and the significant upscaling of the Housing Capital Programme.  Investment was planned in the Council’s social housing to tackle fire safety and to undertake Decent Homes improvements, and work was taking place on a 30-year HRA Business Plan.

The Executive also welcomed the inclusion in the Capital Programme of Pool in the Park capital maintenance, play area and parks and green spaces works, and West Byfleet Recreation Ground tennis courts.

Regarding Byfleet flood relief works, it was noted that although the Council was no longer able to make a £5m contribution as originally intended it was still able to give land to the scheme.  Officers were looking at whether the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council could increase their contributions to the scheme.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the Capital Programme 2023/24 to 2027/28 be approved subject to reports on projects where appropriate; and

          (ii)   the proposed financing arrangements be approved.

Reason:   To recommend to Council that it approves the capital resources for 2023/24 onwards considered necessary to support the Council’s service plans and objectives.

Reporting Person – Eugene Walker

It was noted that the item had been renamed to the Capital Programme from the Investment Programme in reflection that the programme was fundamentally different from previous years.

The Programme included provision for the Victoria Square and ThamesWey investments to allow for best value to the public purse.

Approximately £16.8 million was sought for housing in the 2023/24 Programme.

The Acting Director of Place confirmed that there was provision for play area maintenance in the budget.  The moneys from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for play areas was to be used to perform remedial works.  Beverley Kuchar would confirm outside of the meeting whether Sutton Green was one of the play areas that would receive remedial works.

RESOLVED

that the report be noted.