Issue - meetings

          Executive Board had considered the report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, on the Capital Programme 2017/17.

          RESOLVED: That the Capital Programme for 2016/17 be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, which provided a summary of the Capital Programmes for 2016/17 within the People and Economy 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 2016/17, 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 to the cost of capital repair works, and it was estimated that this contribution would be in the region of £34,219, based on the current budget costs for the works.

Halebank Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School was included in the DfE’s Priority School Building Programme. It was reported that the project commenced on site in July 2015, with a completion date of April 2016. Once the building was complete, the mobile classroom currently on site would be re-located to another Halton school should the need arise, and at a location to be determined. Members were advised that the estimated cost of this re-location would be circa £30,000.

It was further reported that in January 2014, Fairfield Junior School was expanded to allow the integration of the Infants School, to form Fairfield Primary School. However, as the school would still operate from two separate buildings, a number of improvements were required to address the building and organisational issues at the newly combined primary school.

Reason(s) for Decision

To deliver and implement the capital programmes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

1 April 2016.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Capital funding available for 2016/17 be noted;

2)    the proposals to be funded from School Condition Capital Allocation and Capital Expenditure Revenue Account be approved;

3)    the proposal to relocate the mobile classroom from Halebank Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School be approved;

4)    the proposals for Fairfield Primary School be approved; and

5)    Council be recommended to approve the Capital Programme for 2016/17.