Issue - meetings

(a)       That the allocations and schemes in Table 4 of the Cabinet report for the Statutory/Regulatory and Retained Assets sections of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2018/19 - 2020/21 be approved;

(b)       That the schemes in Table 5 of the Cabinet report for the Investment section of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2018/19 - 2020/21 be approved;

(c)        That the shortfall in funding of schemes in financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21 as set out in the Cabinet report be noted.  Options including a combination of future capital receipts, alternative grants (if available), prudential borrowing or the re-phasing of schemes will be considered during 2018/19, and updates provided to Members in future capital programme monitoring reports;

(d)       That the further development and refresh of a forward Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan be noted;

(e)       That it be noted that Cabinet welcome the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s request for a report on the consequential revenue impacts of capital expenditure; and

(f)        That it be noted that Cabinet agrees to approach Welsh Government for assistance with any costs arising from:

(i)    Remedial works to the Flintshire Bridge;

(ii)   Early sharing of responsibility in advance of any changes arising from the “Red Route”; and

(iii)  Increased wear and tear on Flintshire roads as a result of traffic diverted due to the works on the A55.

The Chief Executive introduced the Council Fund Capital Programme for 2018/19 - 2020/21 for approval.  The Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee had supported the proposals and given feedback to Cabinet who had recommended the proposals without amendment.  Copies of the Cabinet resolution were circulated.

In acknowledging the work undertaken across the organisation, Councillor Aaron Shotton highlighted a number of key areas of investment such as school improvements, leisure facilities and the replacement of Glanrafon day care centre.  He thanked Councillor Carolyn Thomas (the Cabinet Member for Streetscene & Countryside) and Councillor Andrew Morgan (the Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf), the Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson for Transport, for their involvement in negotiations to secure additional funding for highway improvements across Wales.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas spoke in support of various allocations in the programme to support schools and play areas, and she referred to the criteria applied to different funding streams.

Councillor Richard Jones referred to his comments at the Corporate Resources & Scrutiny Committee on understanding the future financial impact of the programme on the revenue account.  The Chief Executive gave a reminder of the commitment to report a response to the next meeting of that Committee and to build this into future reporting.

As Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones welcomed the investment in care homes and in particular the expansion of Marleyfield House.

In response to a question from Councillor Peers on the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd, the Chief Executive gave an update where a commitment was being sought from Welsh Government to adopt this as a strategic project of national significance, as it had done with selected arts venues elsewhere.

Councillor Brown asked whether it was prudent for the Council to commit funding to support the theatre during this period of austerity.  In response, the Chief Executive said it was not feasible for the Council to itself fund a complete rebuild of the theatre which was valued and supported.

On being put to the vote, the recommendations from Cabinet were carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the allocations and schemes in Table 4 of the Cabinet report for the Statutory/Regulatory and Retained Assets sections of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2018/19 - 2020/21 be approved;

(b)       That the schemes in Table 5 of the Cabinet report for the Investment section of the Council Fund Capital Programme 2018/19 - 2020/21 be approved;

(c)        That the shortfall in funding of schemes in financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21 as set out in the Cabinet report be noted.  Options including a combination of future capital receipts, alternative grants (if available), prudential borrowing or the re-phasing of schemes will be considered during 2018/19, and updates provided to Members in future capital programme monitoring reports;

(d)       That the further development and refresh of a forward Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan be noted;

(e)       That it be noted that Cabinet welcome the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee’s request for a report on the consequential revenue impacts of capital expenditure; and

(f)        That it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99