Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Finance

Purpose of report

For the Committee to consider the 2021/22 Capital Programme and discuss further the schemes identified by the Committee Chair larger schemes and/or those with little spend so far in the financial year.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.       To note the 2021/22 Capital Programme

Resolved

(1)      That, having given due consideration, the 2021/2022 Capital Programme be noted.

The Director of Finance submitted a report for the Committee to consider the 2021/2022 Capital Programme and discuss further the larger schemes and those with little spend so far in the financial year identified by the Committee Chairman.

In introducing the report, the Assistant Director of Finance explained that a total of 28 such schemes had been identified with a budget of £18.0m.  As at 30 November 2021 there was total spend of £1.8m whilst the forecast for the year was £15.5m.  Of the remaining £2.5m, £2.0m is forecast to be reprofiled into future years and £0.5m is expected to be an underspend against the total cost of the schemes.

The Assistant Director of Finance gave an overview of the schemes and was supported by the relevant lead officer to answer Members’ questions on particular schemes.

Admiral Holland – Redevelopment Project - The Assistant Director for Planning and Economy explained that whilst construction was formally completed in September 2020, it was necessary to budget for retention which would be paid in September 2022 and had been reprofiled beyond the 2021/2011 financial year.

Garden Town – (Banbury Road roundabout, Bicester) – In response to Member’s comments highlighting that Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) did not own all the land for the Banbury Road roundabout project and querying the impact if the owners would not sell the land, the Assistant Director for Planning and Economy explained that this was an OCC project and CDC had not been informed of any issues.  Homes England had informed CDC that the funds would be transferred by the middle of February 2022.  These funds would then be transferred to OCC and would be considered spent by CDC in this financial year.

Bicester Library – In response to the Committee’s comments regarding the delays with the Bicester Library project and request for an update on progress, the Assistant Director for Planning and Economy explained that Bicester Library had been a very challenging project and issues still remained.  There had been difficulties with archaeology on the site, although planning permission had now been granted for three affordable houses on the site.  There were also ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour for which a solution needed to be found.

Build Team – Essential Repairs -  In response to Members’ queries regarding why reserves had been marked for essential repairs and they had not been carried out the Assistant Director for Planning and Economy explained that repairs were required due to the Structural Integrity of the roof and CDC were currently in legal discussions with the owner of Town Centre House and the repairs could not be carried out until resolved.

Orchard Lodge, Phase 1, Newton Close, Phase I and Bullmarsh Close, Phase II – The Committee noted the updates.

On Street Recycling Bins – In response to Members’ comments regarding non-delivery of the on street recycling bins, the Director for Environment and Place undertook to circulate a response to Committee Members outside of the Committee.

Vehicle Replacement Programme – The Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37