Issue - meetings

Councillor Rowan Ree stated that over the last two years Covid-19 had caused delays in several schemes. In addition the rising inflation had affected a number of projects which meant the original capital budget would have to be reviewed. This report proposed a number of changes to future budgets.

The Leader expressed concerns regarding the continuous rise in inflation which would affect the Council on large capital programmes.

Councillor Ree agreed that this serious issue would need to be faced until at least next year. The inflation was often higher in the construction sector, therefore having a major impact on several Council’s projects.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS:

1.    To approve the proposed budget variations to the capital programme as summarised in Table 1 and detailed in Appendix 2.

2.    To approve £1.75m additional capital budget for the Civic Campus commercial property cinema site fit out, as detailed in the paragraphs 10-13 of the report.

3.    To note the capital outturn for the year.