Issue - items at meetings - Capital Programme 2009/2010

Report of the Director of Children’s Services (copy attached).

1.       That the allocation of funding on the basis set out in paragraphs 3.3. to 3.50 of the report be recommended to Cabinet.

2.       That, subject to Cabinet approval, the allocation of funding as shown in appendices 2 to 7 of the report be approved.

86.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services, concerning the Capital programme 2009/10, which sought to allocate funding available in the Capital Programme (for copy see minute book).

86.2    The Head of Capital Strategy and Development Planning indicated that six of the principal headings in the programme related to funding for adaptations, improvements and extensions of schools buildings and they were the New Deal for Schools Modernisation, Structural Maintenance, New Pupils Place, Schools Access Initiative, Primary Capital Programme and Targeted Capital Fund. She explained that the funding had increased from last year and indicated that the most urgent areas would be addressed first.

86.3    The Opposition Spokesperson welcomed the report. She sought clarification about how the city was meeting its accessibility strategy and how the money allocated to it would be spent.

86.4    The Head of Capital Strategy and Development Planning explained the fund would be spent mainly on children with special educational needs. She indicated that works had started around Blatchington Mill and Patcham High schools and might expand to other schools as and when required. She reported that officers had started to consider other areas, such as the Rottingdean/Woodingdean and Saltdean, as the next places to go for these accessibility works.

86.5    RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)      That the allocation of funding on the basis set out in paragraphs 3.3. to 3.50 of the report be recommended to Cabinet.

(2)      That, subject to Cabinet approval, the allocation of funding as shown in appendices 2 to 7 of the report be approved.