Decision ref
0067 2025/26
Decision date
09/01/2026
Portfolio
Children and Young People
Wards
All wards
Title
Children & Young People - Capital Programme
Summary
To approve individual capital schemes funded by grant in the Children & Young People Capital Grant Programme.
Purpose
To ensure the proposed programme of work is approved for inclusion within the timescales that allow for schemes to be designed and developed to achieve the required delivery dates. The importance of undertaking some of the schemes within school holidays is vital to prevent an unacceptable level of disruption to the running of the school.
Background
The Authority receives an annual capital allocation from the Department for Education to fund capital expenditure in relation to schools. The allocations are intended for purposes of maintaining appropriate conditions and the suitability of school buildings (School Condition Grant) and ensuring a sufficient number of school places are available (Basic Needs Grant).
The decision considers works that are required to maintain the condition and suitability of school buildings. There are a numbers of schemes that need to be progressed during the next couple of years and these are detailed in the attached workbook, (Appendix 1). In summary, these primarily relate to window replacements, roof repairs, addressing plumbing and heating issues, structural works, drainage issues and other remedial works following fire risk assessments.
The proposed schemes have been determined by reference to the Authority's responsibilities in respect of health and safety; surveyors reports, frequency of the repairs reported to the Help Desk; and known condition/age.
Conclusion
The list of proposed capital schemes represents work that the authority needs to prioritise over the next couple of years in order to help ensure that children get the best possible start in life, by supporting their educational journey in buildings that are fit for purpose.
Should urgent repair work be required to other buildings these will be brought forward through appropriate routes.
Subject to approval, the buildings and facilities team will develop the schemes and the required process in accordance with the Authority's contract procedure rules. Separate Delegated Executive Decisions or Operational Decisions will be brought forward as appropriate to award contracts to deliver individual schemes and confirm final budget requirements.
Risk Implications
There are risks associated with the actual costs of the work to be undertaken exceeding the estimated cash limit. There is a risk associated with work not being completed within the planned timescales, and the condition of the property deteriorating further if works can only delivered during holiday periods.
Measures to Redress Risk
Costs are closely monitored and revised at appropriate stages. For example, pre-tender design and tender award. This enables us to forecasted costs to be revised and funding implications to be determined. From initial development, the progress of schemes is closely monitored through regular meetings with the Buildings Facilities Team to ensure they are progressing to schedule and once on site, with contractors to minimise potential disruption due to delays occurring.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Jason Pickett on 01744 671632
