Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial and Capital Strategy.

Decision

(a)       That the capital programme proposed by the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Group (CSAM) for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26 and beyond be noted and those projects scheduled to commence in 2021/22 be progressed;

(b)       That the impact on future capital budgets of the two approved projects, where there would be contractual commitments beyond 2021/22 be noted:

(c)        That any further release of funds be paused at this stage, given the commitment to the St Mary’s school site.

(d)       That a further review be carried out as part of the 2020/21 capital closedown process.

Reason for decision

The budget process and timetable for 2021/22 was very tight and although a programme total was agreed, individual projects were not sufficiently developed and more time was needed to bring these investments forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercial & Capital Strategy advised that in approving the 2021/22 budget on 16 February 2021, Dorset Council allocated £15m of new capital funding for specific projects that had not been prioritised at that stage.

The report asked members to note the current projects for 2021/22 and to note future expenditure. The Portfolio Holder reminded members that it had already approved significant capital expenditure on the St Mary’s school site and he sought approval to pause any further release of funds at this stage.

It was proposed that a  further review be carried out as part of the 2020/21 capital closedown process.

Decision

(a)       That the capital programme proposed by the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Group (CSAM) for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26 and beyond be noted and those projects scheduled to commence in 2021/22 be progressed;

(b)       That the impact on future capital budgets of the two approved projects, where there would be contractual commitments beyond 2021/22 be noted:

(c)        That any further release of funds be paused at this stage, given the commitment to the St Mary’s school site.

(d)       That a further review be carried out as part of the 2020/21 capital closedown process.

Reason for decision

The budget process and timetable for 2021/22 was very tight and although a programme total was agreed, individual projects were not sufficiently developed and more time was needed to bring these investments forward.