Issue - meetings

Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That Council approve the Capital Programme 2017/18.

          Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on Capital Programmes for 2017/18 for the People Directorate.

          RESOLVED: That the Capital Programme for 2017/18 be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which provided a summary of the Capital Programmes for 2017/18 for the People Directorate.

The Board was advised that in February 2015, the Department for Education (DfE) announced the schools capital grant allocations for 2015/16, as well as indicative allocations for the two year period 2016/17 and 2017/18.   By introducing three year allocations, the DfE was enabling those responsible for the school estate, to plan effectively and make strategic investment decisions.  The report contained details on the indicative funding notified for 2017/18, as well as how the School Condition Allocation and Capital Expenditure Revenue Account funding would be allocated.  It was noted that schools were required to make a contribution, and it was estimated that this contribution would be in the region of £35,358, based on current budget costs for the works.

It was reported that to ease capacity issues at Lunts Heath Primary School, and to provide additional places going forward in east Widnes, the provision of an additional classroom was recommended.  This would assist with current school organisation issues and allow for an increase in the School’s overall capacity once the building works were complete.  It was noted that if agreed, the School’s Published Admission Number would increase from 50 places to 60 places per year group.

Reason(s) for Decision

To deliver and implement the Capital Programmes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

Capital Programmes for 2017/18 would be implemented from 1 April 2017. If the proposed works at Lunts Heath Primary School were approved, and planning permission agreed, it was anticipated that any works undertaken would be completed in the 2017/18 academic year.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Capital Funding available for 2017/18 be noted;

2)    the proposals to be funded from the School Condition Capital Allocation be approved;

3)    Council be recommended to approve the Capital Programme 2017/18; and

4)    the proposal for the provision of an additional classroom at Lunts Health Primary School be approved.