| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Council Chamber, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City |
| PRESENT: | Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham (Chairman), Councillor T.W. Hone (Vice-Chairman), Councillor P.C.W. Burt, Councillor Julian Cunningham, Councillor Jane Gray, Councillor Tony Hunter, Councillor David Levett and Councillor Bernard Lovewell. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Chief Executive, Strategic Director of Finance, Policy & Governance, Strategic Director of Customer Services, Head of Leisure & Environmental Services, Strategic Planning & Projects Manager, Principal Strategic Planning Officer, Accountancy Manager, Contracts & Projects Manager, Acting Corporate Legal Manager and Committee & Member Services Officer. |
| ALSO PRESENT: | Councillors David Kearns, David Leal-Bennett and R.L. Shakespeare-Smith. 4 Members of the Public. |
| Meeting attachments |
Agenda Front Pages Urgent Item Cover Sheet - North Herts Museum at Hitchin Town Hall |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 97 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE No apologies for absence were submitted. |
Noted | ||
| 98 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 16 December 2014 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman, subject to amendments to the preamble and resolution (3) of Minute 88 - Proposed Improvements to North Hertfordshire Leisure Centre (NHLC) so that references to "2019-2014" be corrected to "2019-2024". In respect of Efficiency proposal E5 (Cease grant funding to the Letchworth Arts Centre) referred to in Minute 90 (Corporate Business Planning - Draft Budget 2015/16), the Accountancy Manager confirmed that the £9,000 funding was originally contained in the Area Committee grant budget. Subsequently, the Area Committee budgets were re-apportioned on the basis of census data. The effect of this was that the £9,000 was spread across all of the Area Committee budgets, and hence the saving would be shared proportionately amongst the Area Committees. |
Agreed | ||
| 99 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS The Chairman advised that she had accepted an item under the Council's urgency provisions in respect of North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility at Hitchin Town Hall - Project Update (see Minute 108 below). |
Noted | ||
| 100 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) The Chairman reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question; and (2) The Chairman asked that, for the benefit of any members of the public present at the meeting, Officers announce their name and their designation to the meeting when invited to speak. |
Noted | ||
| 101 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no public participation. |
Noted | ||
| 102 |
ITEMS REFERRED FROM OTHER COMMITTEES There were no items referred from other committees. |
Noted | ||
| 103 |
STRATEGIC PLANNING MATTERS Report Appendix A - Letter to Central bedfordshire, including signed memorandum of understanding The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise, assisted by the Principal Strategic Planning Officer, informed Members of the current position regarding strategic planning matters, with particular reference to Sustainable Drainage Systems; Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan; Central Bedfordshire examination; Luton housing market area memorandum of understanding; Neighbouring Authorities' plans; and North Hertfordshire Local Plan. The following appendix was submitted with the report: Appendix A - Letter to Central Bedfordshire, including signed memorandum of understanding. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise updated Cabinet on the following matters: - Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - The Chilterns Conservation Board had adopted the Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 at its meeting held on 25 March 2014 and was now seeking endorsement of the Plan by the relevant local authorities. It did not differ significantly from the previous Plan, and so it was therefore recommended that the Plan be endorsed; - Central Bedfordshire examination - this was due to commence on 3 February 2015. The Inspector had raised a number of questions he wished to explore at the first sessions, focussing on whether Central Bedfordshire had complied with the duty to co-operate and on whether the housing and employment evidence properly supported the strategy, including the need to accommodate unmet need from Luton. After hearing the evidence on these points, the Inspector had indicated that he would come to an interim view before deciding whether or not to proceed to examine other elements of the plan; - Luton housing market area memorandum of understanding - a decision was handed down from the High Court on 19 December 2014 regarding the Judicial Review brought by Luton against Central Bedfordshire's decision to grant the major development of over 5,000 homes in the green belt north of Houghton Regis. Luton had submitted ten grounds of challenge, primarily focussed on arguments that the development was premature in advance of Central Bedfordshire's Development Strategy, had failed to secure adequate affordable housing, and included too much retail floorspace. Mr Justice Holgate dismissed Luton's claim on all counts, and described four of Luton's ten grounds of challenge as "wholly unarguable". He also said "It is most unfortunate that this project, which will deliver much needed development and nationally important infrastructure, has been delayed by a challenge lacking in legal merit."; - Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan - Welwyn Hatfield had recently published draft Local Plan papers. The main sites it contained were east of Welwyn Garden City and north-west of Hatfield. Other sites were included at Welwyn and Woolmer Green, including areas which immediately bordered North Hertfordshire; - North Hertfordshire Local Plan: Preferred Options - consultation had provoked a good deal of discussion, exemplified by the fact that the Portfolio Holder had attended 9 public/Parish Council meetings, attended by a total of about 1,600 members of the public. Common themes were the desire for affordable housing for local families and a new settlement in North Hertfordshire (not deliverable within the current Plan period). Strong feelings about development in the Green Belt had been expressed by two of the District's three Members of Parliament; - Chiltern Society - it was recommended that a recent letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government from the Chiltern Society, seeking clarity about various ambiguous statements made by Government Departments regarding housing needs and the Green Belt, should be supported and endorsed. The Principal Strategic Planning Officer added the following points: - Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan - the draft papers had been published, with a consultation period expiring on 18 March 2015. He commented that the two sites bordering North Hertfordshire referred to by the Portfolio Holder were classified as "amber" and "red" respectively, meaning that there was less likelihood of them coming forward than the "green" sites identified in the draft plan; - Barnfield Incinerator application - the decision by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to refuse this application had been ruled as unlawful in the High Court, on the basis that the Minister had misapplied Green Belt Policy. The application had been returned to the Secretary of State for re-consideration; and - North Hertfordshire Local Plan: Preferred Options - over 500 representations had been received and processed, with a similar number awaiting processing. RESOLVED: (1) That the report be noted; (2) That the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Management Plan 2014 - 2019: A Framework for Action be endorsed and its use by all relevant organisations be promoted; and (3) That the letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government from the Chiltern Society, seeking clarity about various ambiguous statements made by Government Departments regarding housing needs and the Green Belt, be supported and endorsed. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Cabinet is aware of current developments; and to support the adoption of an AONB Management Plan. |
Agreed | ||
| 104 |
CORPORATE BUSINESS PLANNING - BUDGET 2015/16 Report Appendix 1 - High level General Fund forecasts Appendix 2 - General Fund Summary for 2015/16 Appendix 3 - Expenditure reduction proposals Appendix 4 - Income generation proposals Appendix 5 - Revenue Investment proposals Appendix 6 - MTFS Extract - Budget assumptions Appendix 7 - Description of earmarked reserves Appendix 8 - Financial Risks assessment Erratum report The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT presented a report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of Corporate Business Planning - Budget 2015/16. The following appendices were submitted with the report: Appendix 1 - High Level General Fund forecasts; Appendix 2 - General Fund Summary for 2015/16; Appendix 3 - Expenditure reduction proposals; Appendix 4 - Income generation proposals; Appendix 5 - Revenue Investment proposals; Appendix 6 - Medium Term Financial Strategy extract - budget assumptions; Appendix 7 - Description of earmarked reserves; and Appendix 8 - Financial Risks assessment. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT Cabinet's attention to the addendum report tabled at the meeting, which changed Recommendation 2.4 in the Cabinet papers, and clarified that the changes to the 2014/15 General Fund Budget identified, involving a decrease in net expenditure of £404,000 and a corresponding increase in the 2015/16 budget of £80,000, should refer to Paragraph 9.2.8, Table 5, of the report, instead of Paragraph 8.1, table 1. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT advised that the major changes since Cabinet had considered the Draft Budget in December 2014 were that the Government financial settlement had been received (which was close to amount estimated); and that the report now contained data up to the end of month 8 (30 November 2014). This data showed a decrease in net expenditure of £404,000 for 2014/15. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT referred to Appendix 3 of the report (Expenditure reduction proposals) and drew attention to the fact that Expenditure Reduction proposals E6 (Replace Area Committees with informal Area Forums), E7 (Reduce operation hours for Broadway fountain by 50%) and E8 (The removal of dog bins in the District) had been deleted by Cabinet at its December 2014 meeting. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: (1) That it be noted that the provisional finance settlement for 2015/16 is £4.361million, which is broadly in line with previous estimates, and that it be further noted that the final settlement announcement is expected in late January/early February 2015; (2) That the estimated position on the Collection Fund, as referred to in Section 9.1 of the report, be noted, and that: - a contribution of £1.2million from the General Fund to the Collection Fund be made in respect of Business Rates to cover the share of the deficit position; and - a contribution of £83,000 to the General Fund from the Collection Fund be made in respect of Council Tax for the share of the surplus position; (3) That the position relating to the Council's General Fund balance be noted, and that due to the risks identified in Paragraph 9.2.3 of the report, a minimum balance of £1.673million is recommended to be maintained for the known and unknown financial risks, and that it is prudent to maintain reserves at a higher level to ensure continued sustainability over the medium to longer term given the current uncertainties about future funding; (4) That the position of the Council's other reserves and provisions, as identified in Section 9.3 of the report, and that the Chief Finance Officer considers the estimates robust and the budgeted level of reserves adequate, be noted; (5) That the inclusion of the efficiency and investment proposals in the final General Fund budget estimates for 2015/16, as set out in Appendices 3 to 5 of the report, be approved; (6) That the estimated 2015/16 net expenditure of £16.060million, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report be approved; and (7) That Cabinet indicates that it wishes to recommend to Council a 1.9% increase on the Council Tax rate for 2015/2016. RESOLVED: That the changes to the 2014/15 General Fund Budget identified in Paragraph 9.2.8, Table 5, of the report, involving a decrease in net expenditure of £404,000 and a corresponding increase in the 2015/16 budget of £80,000, be approved REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that all relevant factors are taken into consideration when arriving at the proposed Council Tax precept for 2015/16; and to ensure that the Cabinet recommends a balanced budget to Council on 12 February 2015. |
Agreed | ||
| 105 |
CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2015/16 ONWARDS Report Appendix A - Capital Programme Summary Appendix B - Capital Programme Detail Appendix C - Capital Investment Proposals for 2015/16 and onwards The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT presented a report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of the Capital Programme for 2015/16 Onwards. The following appendices were submitted with the report: Appendix A - Capital Programme Summary; Appendix B - Capital Programme Detail; Appendix C - Capital Investment Proposals for 2015/16 and Onwards. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT advised that the proposed Capital Programme for 2015/16 Onwards had also formed part of the consultation undertaken through the Member Budget Workshops in the Autumn of 2014. He commented that each of the proposals was linked to the Council's three high level priorities for 2015/16 onwards, and that there were 57 new capital investment proposals, which totalled an investment of £20.5million over the period 2015/16 to 2018/19. The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Environmental Health summarised Capital Investment Proposals C17 to C20: C17 - Housing Association Grant Scheme - it was proposed to withdraw this funding of £500,000, and instead consider bids on a scheme by scheme basis; C18 - Tenants Cash Incentive Scheme - it was proposed to discontinue this scheme, which offered a grant of up to £34,000 to social housing tenants to assist them in purchasing a property, as take up had been very limited, allied to the fact that other funding sources, such as the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS) were available for this purpose; C19 - Home Repair Assistance Grants - it was proposed to increase the funding from £35,000 to £60,000, allowing for further potential requests for grants up to £5,000 for small scale improvements to owner/occupiers and private tenants who meet certain criteria; and C20 - Disabled Facilities Grants - it was proposed to maintain the same level of funding of £745,000, available to owners/occupiers and tenants to apply for a grant towards the cost of providing adaptations and facilities to assist older people and people with disabilities. Cabinet considered the Capital Investment Proposals set out in Appendix C to the report. A number of Members questioned the financial risks in respect of Capital Investment Proposals C5 and C6 - construction of a new learner pool, relocation of the café and offices and provision of a new dance studio at North Herts Leisure Centre. However, following debate, the Capital Investment Proposals were recommended for approval. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: (1) That the Capital Investment Proposals, as listed in Appendix C to the report and which total £18.494million overall (£9.331million profiled in 2015/16), be approved for inclusion in the proposed Capital Programme; (2) That the changes to the schemes (as detailed in Appendix C to the report) which are an on-going commitment in the Capital Programme be noted: - Cease the commitment to the Tenant Cash Incentive Scheme; - Withdraw the £500,000 per annum budget for the Housing Association Grant Scheme and consider bids on an individual basis; - Maintain the same level of funding (total budget £745,000 per annum) for the Disabled Facility Grant Scheme; - Increase the annual budget for the Home Repair Assistance Grants scheme from £35,000 to £60,000; and (3) That the provisional Capital Programme for 2015/16 to 2018/19 of £20.5million, as detailed at Appendices A and B to the report, be adopted. RESOLVED: That the changes to the projected Capital Programme for 2014/15 and onwards as a result of the changes to the schemes detailed in Paragraph 8.1 of the report, involving a decrease in expenditure in 2014/15 of £349,000 to a total of £9.254million, be approved. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Capital Programme meets the Council's objectives and officers can plan the implementation of the approved schemes. |
Agreed | ||
| 106 |
TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR 2015/16 Report Appendix A - Treasury Management Policy Statement Appendix B - Treasury Management Practices Appendix C - Treasury Strategy Statement The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT presented a report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of the Treasury Management Strategy for 2015/16. The following appendices were submitted with the report: Appendix A - Treasury Management Policy Statement; Appendix B - Treasury Management Practices; and Appendix C - Treasury Strategy Statement. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT advised that the Strategy had been considered by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, and no changes had been proposed. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT drew attention to the major changes to the 2015/16 Treasury Strategy Statement, as follows: - Increase the maximum balance allocated to Tradition and in-house Officers to £30million each (previously £23million and £22million respectively). This would enable the allocation of Sterling's investments as they matured (following Sterling's termination of their role as NHDC's Cash Manager) (see Appendix C 4.2); - Remove the limit of £20million as a maximum amount that could be invested longer than 364 days and replace this numeric maximum with a percentage value of outstanding investments - maximum of 40%. As the level of investment balance falls £20million becomes a larger percentage of the total investments. This would remove the need to annually revise this limit (see Appendix C 4.2); - Allow in-house deals to be made for longer than 364 days - some Sterling Investments would be brought back in-house to fund Capital expenditure during the year. If the Capital programme slipped there may be an opportunity to invest funds longer than 364 days (see Appendix C 4.3); - Continue to exclude foreign banks from NHDC's lending list, but include UK subsidiaries of foreign banks that were subject to the same stress tests as UK banks. This may increase the investment interest generated in-house from short term deals. (see Appendix C 4.2); - Retain maximum monetary values with counter parties, but introduce a maximum percentage value. No more than 10% of outstanding investments to be placed with any one counter party. This would result in a greater spread of investments, but may mean a reduced level of interest (see Appendix C 4.2); - Exclude the Council's current account with the general banking provider (Lloyds) from restrictive limits. Interest earned on the current account was in some instances more favourable than short term investments. This would remove the need to move funds from the current account and place them with another counter party at a reduced rate of interest when the total balance of cash in Lloyds accounts reached £9million (or 10% of total investments) (see Appendix C 4.2); - Limit sector exposure: No more than 75% of investments to be placed with Banks No more than 75% of investments to be placed with Building Societies No more than 25% of investments to be placed with Money Market Funds This would result in a greater spread of investments, but may mean a reduced level of interest (see Appendix C 4.2); and - Add Certificates of Deposit - This would offer another outlet for investments if rates were favourable. (Appendix C 4.2). The Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance answered a number of Members' questions on the proposed Strategy. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: (1) That the Treasury limits for 2015/16 be approved as follows: (i) Interest Rate Exposure (as at Paragraph 3.4, Appendix C); (ii) Maturity Structure of Borrowing (as at Paragraph 3.4, Appendix C); (iii) Investment Strategy to continue to use Building Societies and UK Banks, as detailed in Paragraph 8.5.1 of the report (as at Paragraph 4.2, Appendix C); (iv) Total Principal Sums invested for periods longer than 364 days (as at Paragraph 4.3, Appendix C); and (2) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2015/16, as set out at Appendix C to the report, be approved; REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council's continued compliance with CIPFA's Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the Local Government Act 2003 and that the Council manages its exposure to interest and capital risk. |
Agreed | ||
| 107 |
AMENDMENTS TO THE COUNCIL'S FINANCIAL REGULATIONS Report Appendix A - Summary of main changes Appendix B - Revised Financial Regulations Appendix C - Revised Financial Regulations, showing track changes The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT presented a report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of proposed amendments to the Council's Financial Regulations. The following appendices were submitted with the report: Appendix A - Summary of main changes; Appendix B - Revised Financial Regulations; and Appendix C - Revised Financial Regulations, showing track changes. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT advised that the amended Financial Regulations had been considered by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, and no changes had been recommended. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT stated that he wished to make one amendment to the third bullet point of Paragraph 6.5.2.1 of Section B - Financial Planning, so that Councillors shall (instead of "may") be appointed to the Project Board depending on the risk and/or profile of the project, as agreed with the Leader of the Council. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT referred to some of the key changes recommended by the review (key text underlined): - Under or overspends on any separate line entry in the Council's approved budget book which exceed that budget by at least £10,000, or 5% of annual budget, which ever is the smaller, must be recorded by Accountancy Services with explanations for the variance. Arbitrary sub-divisions of budgets in order to minimise individual variances will not be allowed. These under or overspends must be analysed on at least a quarterly basis, in discussion with service managers, and may be addressed by virements within delegated authority limits; - All virements are subject to a de-minimis of £100. Below this value it is considered sufficient for budget holders to ensure they remain within their overall budget, even though there may be minor variances on individual budget lines; - Proposals for improvements and alterations to any asset must be with the prior agreement of the Head of Finance, Performance and Asset Management and Senior Management Team; - In the case of credit notes raised in order to correct errors, then approval can be given by the relevant budget holder for credit notes up to £500; and - Purchase cards will be authorised for certain officers, with an individual transaction threshold specific to the card holder. Purchase cards are generally suitable for low value transactions enabling us to shorten the purchase to pay cycle and reduce processing costs, noting also that purchase orders are not required for purchase card transactions. Where Corporate contracts exist, Purchase cards should not be used to access alternative suppliers. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the amendments to the Council's Financial Regulations, as set out within Appendix B to the report, as amended, and summarised in Appendix A to the report, be adopted. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Council's Financial Regulations remain relevant and fit for purpose, thereby contributing to effective organisational internal control. |
Agreed | ||
| 108 |
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE MUSEUM AND COMMUNITY FACILITY AT HITCHIN TOWN HALL: PROJECT UPDATE Amended report [Prior to the consideration of this item, Councillors Bernard Lovewell, Peter Burt and Julian Cunningham declared that they would be withdrawing from the Chamber, as they were Members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Council Charities), which was responsible for making decisions on the North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility on behalf of the Hitchin Town Hall: Gymnasium and Workmans Hall Trust.] The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive presented a report in respect of the North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility at Hitchin Town Hall - Project Update. The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive advised that he wished to amend the recommendations in the report to ensure that any decision was made in accordance with the Council's Constitutional procedures. The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive stated that it was anticipated that Cabinet would be considering a report which, in part, detailed emergency action taken by the Chief Executive to authorise the expenditure highlighted in the original Recommendation 2.1 of the report to reflect additional costs resulting from delays in the building programme in securing discharge of conditions for Listed Building Consent. However, following consultation with the Cabinet Chairman and Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Rural Affairs, the report was amended to seek approval from Cabinet for this element of expenditure and to recommend the necessary adjustments to the 2014/15 Capital Programme and to note any implications on the Capital budget for 2015/16. The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive explained that, unfortunately, there was some doubt that the requisite notice required under the Constitution's "Special Urgency" provisions had been met (in particular, whether the required notice had been followed) and so, as a result, he instead proposed the following changed recommendations: "2.1 Cabinet note the Chief Executive's intention to take action under the Special Urgency procedure tomorrow to authorise capital expenditure of £68,539 to reflect the additional capital costs resulting from the delays in the building programme in securing the discharge of conditions for Listed Building Consent (as outlined in paragraph 8.4); 2.2 To recommend to Council an increase of the capital programme up to a maximum of £223,392 (paragraph 8.4). 2.3 To note that following consideration of the Capital Programme by Full Council on 12th February 2015 any implications on 2015/16 capital budgets as a result of profiling project spend will be reported in the third quarter capital monitoring report. 2.4 To note that a further report will be submitted in due course identifying any additional contingency budget necessary to complete the project." The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive stressed that the reason for suggesting the above approach was to ensure that Cabinet's decision making was procedurally correct, in order to minimise the risk of any challenge at a critical stage of an already complex and contentious project. He apologised for the need to make these changes at such a late stage. The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive advised that, in addition to those items the subject of the current report, Officers had identified a number of additional items which may need further treatment either during the course of the current construction period or prior to opening. These included: - Additional refurbishment of the Town Hall entrance foyer ; - Additional investigation/remedial action to remove moisture from the basement; and - Repositioning of the main electrical panel in the Town Hall. The Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive commented that it was likely that, in order to minimise any further delays to the main contract, this work may need to be undertaken following the completion of the main contract, and a report detailing this and the likely requirement for an additional contingency budget would be brought to Cabinet in due course. Cabinet was also asked to note that, as was normal in a contract of this sort, settlement of final payments and other potential claims between the parties and their appointed contractors would continue for some time after the completion of physical works. These matters would also be reported in due course. The Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Rural Affairs added that this continued to be a complex project. Whilst the delays and additional costs were regrettable, he stressed that it was important for the contract to be completed, with the hope that the finished facility would be a building of which the residents of North Hertfordshire would be proud. Other Cabinet Members supported his comments. RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That an increase of the Capital Programme up to a maximum of £223,392 for additional costs in respect of the North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility project (as set out in Paragraph 8.4 of the report) be approved. RESOLVED: (1) That the Chief Executive's intention to take action under the Special Urgency procedure tomorrow to authorise capital expenditure of £68,539 to reflect the additional capital costs resulting from the delays in the building programme in securing the discharge of conditions for Listed Building Consent (as outlined in Paragraph 8.4 of the report) be noted; (2) That it be noted that, following consideration of the Capital Programme by Full Council on 12 February 2015, any implications on 2015/16 capital budgets as a result of profiling project spend will be reported in the third quarter capital monitoring report; and (3) That it be noted that a further report will be submitted in due course identifying any additional contingency budget necessary to complete the project. REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the Council's contractual commitments to complete the development to a specified standard and timescale. The Chairman informed Members that the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 17 February 2015 had been cancelled. |
Agreed | ||