Issue - meetings

Councillor Max Schmid stated that this report reflected a reduced capital programme over the year from what had been budgeted. This was the result of difficult circumstances due to the pandemic and supply chain issues caused by Brexit, which created difficulties in construction. Nevertheless, the social housing programme, EdCity and the Civic Campus were still progressing.

The Leader reiterated that these were difficult times in the building industry as the combination of Covid and Brexit had caused inflation in building prices and shortage of labour. He thanked all officers involved in delivering the current programmes on time.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS PRESENT:

1.    To note the net forecast decrease in 2021/22 capital expenditure of £29.7m (18.9% of the approved budget). The variations are detailed in Appendix 2.

2.    To approve the updated four-year capital programme 2021-2025 of £473.4m as detailed in Appendix 1.

3.    To note the potential risks regarding the Housing Capital Programme, as summarised in paragraphs 22-24.