Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Resources seeking Members’ review of the Capital projects that had been put forward by Officers (set out in Appendix A to the report), prior to approval of the 2023 / 24 budget and updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in February 2023.

The 2023 / 24 Capital Project Bids were summarised in table 1 to the report with detailed projects sheets provided in Appendix A.  Members were reminded of the groups that each capital project had been categorised into by Officers.  It was noted that any revenue consequences of the approved capital projects would be included in the 2023 / 24 revenue budget.

Members discussed in detail the Capital Project bids submitted, and in response to questions the following information was provided by Officers:

·                 Play Equipment Prom Park Sensory – Members were advised that Section 106 (S106) monies would be used in connection with the project.  However, this was a large project as it involved replacing all play equipment and landscaping.

Councillor W Stamp referred to the lack of play equipment for Special Educational Needs in Burnham-on-Crouch and questioned whether there was opportunity to use some of the S106 monies to incorporate such play equipment into other aeras in the District.  In response the Director of Service Delivery suggested that he met with Councillor Stamp outside the meeting.  The Chairman advised that she wished to attend the meeting with Councillor Stamp and suggested that all Members should have the opportunity raise items on which S106 monies should be spent.

The Director of Service Delivery advised Members that he would report back to Members on S106 allocations and potential grants that could be applied against such play equipment.  He also suggested that Officers undertake some analysis in terms of what money was allocated per site.

·                 Prom Park – The Valley – Play Galleon - In response to comments regarding the costs related to the galleon play equipment at the Promenade Park and spreading such equipment across other areas of the District, the Director of Service Delivery explained that although it was a high cost the galleon was high profile, heavily used and if funding was not agreed the equipment would have to be removed for safety reasons.

·                 The current play equipment at Promenade and Riverside Parks was funded by a Government grant in 2004 and maintained by Officers following a strict regime.  If equipment was not fit for purpose it would be closed.

·                 Replacement Parks Vehicles – As part of the procurement of new vehicles options for purchasing including options such as hiring and green energy would be considered along with the Council’s Climate Strategy.

·                 Monies for works to the Burnham-on-Crouch Pontoon had been included in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) bid and Officers were working to bring this forward at the earliest opportunity.

The Director of Service Delivery advised that Officers would circulate to Members a list of play sites and where there was funding available through S106s.

The Chairman put the recommendation as set out in the report and this was duly seconded.  Councillor K M H Lagan asked that it be noted he did not agree with this recommendation and felt had not been allowed to raise a point as a Ward Member.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor A S Fluker requested a recorded vote which was duly seconded. 

For the recommendation:

Councillors Mrs P A channer, Mrs J L Fleming, R H Siddall, C Swain, Mrs M E Thompson and S White

Against the recommendation:

Councillors A S Fluker, K M H Lagan, N G F Shaughnessy and W Stamp.

Abstention:

There were none.

The Chairman declared that the recommendation was therefore agreed.

RESOLVED that the Committee’s review of the project bids set out in Appendix A to the report in preparation to recommend a 2023 / 24 Capital Programme at the Strategy and Resources Committee in January 2023 for approval by the Council in February 2023, be noted.