Issue - meetings

The Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That the Schools Capital Programme 2009/10 be approved.

The Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director – Children and Young People which provided a summary of the funding available for the Schools Capital Programme 2009/10. In addition, the report outlined the Access Initiative Funding for 2009/10, the Early Years Children’s Centre Capital and Childcare Capital 2009/10, Playbuilder Capital, Primary Capital, Diploma Exemplar Funding and Youth Capital Fund and Youth Capital Fund Plus.

RESOLVED: That the Capital Funding allocation detailed in paragraph 3.1 of the report for 2009/10 be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Children and Young People providing a summary of the capital programme for 2009/10 for the Children and Young People Directorate.

The total capital funding of £6,138,001, and how it was made up, was outlined within the report for Members’ information, together with details of the works to be funded and any requirements, or opportunities to submit bids, in relation to this. In addition, it was noted that all local authorities had been provided with the opportunity to bid for capital projects up to £5m that created world class facilities for diploma lines of learning. Consideration was to be given to the projects that represented the best use of limited funding. The Council had made a bid, details of which were within the report, and it was noted that the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) would be advising on which projects would receive funding at the end of March 2009.

All local authorities had also been provided with additional funds to invest in youth facilities with a further 50 local authorities receiving funding to target work and resources “to increase young people’s participation in activities, provide facilities and bring young people and the community together” (Youth Taskforce Action Plan 2008). Additionally, Halton had submitted a My Place bid proposing the refurbishment of the Kingsway Health Centre. Approval had been granted by DCSF to carry forward the Youth Capital Fund plus Grant (£452k) to contribute towards the refurbishment costs of the centre if the bid was successful. If the bid was unsuccessful the grant would fund improvements at Upton Community Centre to enhance the facilities of young people there.

Reason for Decision

To deliver and implement the capital programmes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

Capital Programmes to be implemented with effect from 1 April 2009.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the capital funding available for 2009/10 be noted; and

(2) Full Council be recommended to approve the Schools Capital Programme 2009/10.