Issue - meetings

Recommendation OS 24/10 of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 25 January 2024

All budgetary matters will be considered in the substantive item on Setting the Budget 2024/25

All budgetary matters were considered in detail in the substantive item on Setting the Budget 2024/25 (Minute Number CB 24/22.  However, the recommendations from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 25 January 2024 in relation to the formulation of initial draft proposals in respect of the Budget, including the Capital Plan (Minute Number OS 24/10) was given due consideration as part of the substantive discussion.

The report reviews the current position of the existing Capital Plan and recommends schemes to be added to and deleted from List C; schemes for evaluation and schemes for inclusion on List B.   An updated Capital Strategy is also presented for endorsement.

(NB: Annexes 1-3 are attached as a supplement to the main agenda due to their size)

The report of the Director of Finance and Transformation considered progress on the 2023/24 Capital Plan Review and requested endorsement of recommendations to the Cabinet. Members were reminded that any aspirations in respect of capital schemes needed to be set within the context of the difficult and challenging financial outlook.

Proposals for List C which included the addition of ‘fast track’ schemes in respect of food waste collections at communal properties, wet side changing room refurbishment and installation of air source heat pumps at Larkfield Leisure Centre and replacement boilers at the Angel Centre  were outlined in 1.7.3 of the report.   Funding arrangements and evaluated details for these schemes were set out in 1.7.3 to 1.7.4.

Careful consideration was given to the existing Capital Plan (List A) and List C (as detailed in Annexes 1 – 3)  and officers responded to questions raised by Members related to the installation of solar panels, Gibson East refurbishment and a number of potential schemes in Tonbridge. 

Particular reference was made to the proposed extension to the Upper Castle Field car park (as detailed in CP35 of the Schedule of List C schemes) and it was clarified that the inclusion of this scheme did not presuppose the outcome of the recent public consultation.  It was, therefore, proposed by Cllr Hoskins and seconded by Cllr Thornewell, that this scheme should be ‘subject to the decision of Council following the review of outcomes arising from the public consultation’.  This proposal was supported by the Committee.

Members recognised the significant financial implications in respect of a number of schemes and were reassured that the costs, risks, works and valuations associated with the projects would be carefully monitored.

Finally, the Committee recorded appreciation to Officers in Finance Services for their contribution in preparing both the Revenue Estimates and the Capital Plan.

RECOMMENDED*: That

(1)         the Capital Plan (List A) position as set out in Annex 1 (attached to the report) be commended to Cabinet for endorsement;

(2)         List C be amended by Cabinet as detailed in 1.5.2 of the report and summarised above, subject to CP35 being amended to reflect that this was ‘subject to the decision of Council following the review of outcomes arising from the public consultation;

(3)         the schemes listed in 1.6.4 of the report be selected for evaluation including where recommended for Fast Track evaluation;

(4)         the transfer of the four schemes shown in 1.7.3 of the report from List C to List B be commended to Cabinet for endorsement; and

(5)         the Cabinet be invited to endorse the Capital Strategy (attached at Annex 4) for adoption by the Council and publication on the Council’s website.

*Recommended to Cabinet