Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 358 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Surrey County Council, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey ,RH2 8EF
Contact: Huma Younis or Sarah Quinn Email: huma.younis@surreycc.gov.uk
Media
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Apologies for Absence
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Paul Deach. |
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Minutes of Previous Meeting: 30 May 2023
Additional documents: Decision: These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting.
Minutes: These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting.
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Declarations of Interest
Additional documents: |
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Procedural Matters
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Additional documents: Decision: There were four member questions. The questions and responses were published in a supplement to the agenda.
Minutes: There were four member questions. The questions and responses were published in a supplement to the agenda.
With regards to his second question, Will Forster asked if the Cabinet Member could confirm when the active travel schemes would be implemented and if they would be implemented before DfT funding was pulled. The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth stated that the programme had already started with tranche 1 and 2 being completed. DfT had not given any indication about pulling funding and tranche 3 would start this year.
With regards to his question, Jonathan Essex queried how the sustainability improvements being made to library buildings would be communicated to residents. The Deputy Leader stated that collaborative work had been undertaken with the greener futures team to plan for these buildings. Internal and external digital library screens would showcase this work and an ongoing communication strategy was being developed. |
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Additional documents: Decision: There were six public questions. The questions and responses were published in a supplement to the agenda.
Minutes: There were six public questions. The questions and responses were published in a supplement to the agenda.
In response to her main question Sally Blake queried if the council would leave sites to nature (a type of rewilding) to help reverse the loss of biodiversity. The Cabinet Member for Environment explained that a policy was being developed to take account for the need to preserve nature and biodiversity. There may be instances where ash dieback could be left and therefore a policy would be introduced in due course. The public questioner was thanked for their engagement and bringing this to the attention of the council.
In response to his main question Andrew Stevens queried how parents could have any confidence that the SEND capital programme would support their children if Surrey did not have the proper services and people with the expertise to support their autistic children. The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning stated that the All Age autism strategy had been brought together by autistic children, young people, and adults.Family voice, parents and carers of autistic young people and the Atlas group has also been involved in this. The Cabinet Member welcomed stakeholders coming together to review how best autistic young people could be supported. The majority of service are provided via co-production means.
In response to her main question Anna Sutherland asked, with regards to key stage transfers in 2023, how many EHCP’s named the actual educational placement and how many just listed the type of educational setting a child would be going to. The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning stated that she did not have this information to hand but was aware that those who had a named school was a far greater number than those who had a named type of school. The service was responding to this matter with urgency. The Leader added that he understood parents frustrations and nothing was more important than the wellbeing and welfare of a child. It was an absolute priority of the Cabinet to improve the system and get parents the support they need earlier.
Julia Dickinson thanked Cabinet for the response and asked if she could be kept informed on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Surrey as she was working on a chalk stream research project. The Cabinet Member for Environment welcomed this work and stated that she would be happy to engage on this topic.
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Petitions
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Representations received on reports to be considered in private
Additional documents: |
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Reports from Select Committees , Task Groups and other Committees of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
That the decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting be noted.
Minutes: There was one decision for noting.
RESOLVED:
That the decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting be noted.
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Cabinet Member of the Month
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet Member of the Month update be noted.
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Highways and Community Resilience provided the Cabinet with an update on the work he and the services he supports had been undertaking. The following key points were raised:
· Grass cutting: Adhering to the grass cutting programme had been an issue following the transfer from District & Boroughs. It had become evident that previously published dates were unrealistic. The quality of cuts had not been good and this was because of the wet weather. Cutting the grass whilst raining or when the grass is wet is not advisable due to risk of damaging the blades, grass clippings clumping, tearing the grass at the root and impacting the quality of the cut. The website would be updated to make it clear as to why cutting cannot be done and when the next cutting would take place. · Parking enforcement: The new parking enforcement service had now been running for just over two months. As of the first week of June, there were approximately 40 NSL Civil Enforcement Officers working on the Surrey contract following an extensive recruitment drive. During April there were 4,154hrs hours of enforcement activity with 10,965 vehicle observations resulting in 3,423 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) across the county. During May there were 22,458 vehicle observations resulting in 6,122 PCNs countywide. · Potholes: A combination of periods of very cold and very wet weather over the winter and spring, coupled with a hot summer last year had left many roads across the country in a poor state. The service had increased the highways teams by 300% and they were working night and day to fix around 1,600 potholes and other defects every week. The number of new reports of potholes were dropping and the number being fixed are now increasing.
RESOLVED:
That the Cabinet Member of the Month update be noted.
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MODERNISING OUR LIBRARY ESTATE, LIBRARIES TRANSFORMATION - PHASE 1
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes that the first phase of projects is presented as one single business case comprising four library property projects, with detailed information about each individual project provided via annexes, rather than individual detailed business cases per library.
2. That Cabinet Approves capital funding for: · The refurbishment of Epsom Library · The refurbishment of Redhill library · The refurbishment of Woking library · The relocation and refurbishment of the proposed new Staines Hub
The capital funding required for these projects is commercially sensitive at this time and is set out in the Part 2 report.
3. That Cabinet approves procurement of an appropriate construction contractor partner for the delivery of all associated services and an appropriate library design partner for the design and delivery of furniture, fittings, and equipment, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders and the Public Contracts Regulation 2015.
4. That Cabinet agrees that, regarding the procurement of supply chain partners, the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Land and Property are authorised to award such contracts, up to +5% of the budgetary tolerance level.
Reasons for Decisions:
· The Library and Cultural services transformation programme has delivered significant benefits to residents since its strategy was approved in November 2019. This has included enhanced customer service, technology (PCs, Wi-Fi, and self-service) and improvements to some buildings leading to an increased range of events and activities. The next phase includes plans to develop modern libraries that are bright, inviting, flexible spaces. In doing so, it focuses on transforming the county’s libraries to ensure they are all vibrant hubs, providing warm, friendly spaces where everyone is welcome. Developing modern libraries as community hubs supports the Council’s commitment to Empowered and Thriving Communities and No-one Left Behind. It also closely aligns with and supports the Council’s ambitions around towns and villages. · This report seeks approval for capital funding at four priority locations: Epsom, Redhill, Staines and Woking under Phase 1 of the programme. These four libraries account for 23% of the visits with a population reach of circa 300,000 residents. Based on national evidence, we are projecting that investment in these sites will deliver a 25% increase in use at these libraries. It will also enable them to support a wider range of community and Council services by creating flexible, modern spaces with increased capacity for events and activities. This will facilitate cultural, social, economic, and learning outcomes, deliver agile working spaces for Surrey County Council staff, and reduce long term maintenance costs to the Council. · Investment in these four schemes also aligns with Surrey’s Greener Futures and Net Zero ambitions as it includes works to decarbonise and increase energy efficiency of the buildings.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
Minutes: The report was introduced by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety who explained that the report set out the next stage of the modernisation of the Library Estate as part of the Library and Cultural Services Transformation programme. The report sought Cabinet’s approval to release funding from the capital pipeline for investment to support the major transformation of four priority libraries within Phase 1 of the programme: Epsom, Redhill, Staines and Woking. The transformation work would create vital community hubs with modern facilities. All of Surrey’s transformed libraries would provide excellent book collections and resources for learning, a social space for cultural activities and events, business support and a gateway to Council and community services all of which is to ensure that no one is left behind. There was support from Cabinet on the proposals being presented. It was commented that Surrey was the second best performing library service in the UK and the work being undertaken would create popular community hubs for all residents. The Cabinet Member for Children and Families welcomed the new location for Staines library and the refurbishment plans.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes that the first phase of projects is presented as one single business case comprising four library property projects, with detailed information about each individual project provided via annexes, rather than individual detailed business cases per library.
2. That Cabinet Approves capital funding for: · The refurbishment of Epsom Library · The refurbishment of Redhill library · The refurbishment of Woking library · The relocation and refurbishment of the proposed new Staines Hub
The capital funding required for these projects is commercially sensitive at this time and is set out in the Part 2 report.
3. That Cabinet approves procurement of an appropriate construction contractor partner for the delivery of all associated services and an appropriate library design partner for the design and delivery of furniture, fittings, and equipment, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders and the Public Contracts Regulation 2015.
4. That Cabinet agrees that, regarding the procurement of supply chain partners, the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Land and Property are authorised to award such contracts, up to +5% of the budgetary tolerance level.
Reasons for Decisions:
· The Library and Cultural services transformation programme has delivered significant benefits to residents since its strategy was approved in November 2019. This has included enhanced customer service, technology (PCs, Wi-Fi, and self-service) and improvements to some buildings leading to an increased range of events and activities. The next phase includes plans to develop modern libraries that are bright, inviting, flexible spaces. In doing so, it focuses on transforming the county’s libraries to ensure they are all vibrant hubs, providing warm, friendly spaces where everyone is welcome. Developing modern libraries as community hubs supports the Council’s commitment to Empowered and Thriving Communities and No-one Left Behind. It also closely aligns with and supports the Council’s ambitions around towns and villages. · This report seeks approval for capital funding ... view the full minutes text for item 97/23 |
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WEYBRIDGE HUB REDEVELOPMENT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves capital funding to redevelop Weybridge Library, extending the ground floor and refurbishing the existing building, to create a new multi-service hub. The capital funding required to redevelop the site is commercially sensitive at this time and is set out in the Part 2 report.
2. That Cabinet approves procurement of appropriate supply chain partners to deliver the design, build and fit out of the new building in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders and Public Contracts Regulation 2015, alongside other related legislation in force at the time.
3. That Cabinet notes that regarding the procurement of supply chain partners, the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Land and Property are authorised to award such contracts up to +5% of the budgetary tolerance level. Reasons for Decisions:
Approving the recommendations set out in this report will result in the following outcomes:
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
Minutes: The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Property and Waste who explained that approval was being sought for capital funding to refurbish and extend Weybridge Library, a Surrey County Council owned asset, to create a multi-use service hub delivering a wider range of services and facilities, accessible to all Weybridge residents. The recommended proposal would upgrade the existing building’s facilities, extending the ground floor library space and provide refurbished space for the Council and other third-party partners to deliver additional essential services. The exterior would be upgraded to improve the look of the building and the refurbishment would also reduce energy use and carbon emissions, contributing to the Council’s net zero ambitions. The planning application for the project had been submitted. The Leader as divisional member welcomed the report and stated that the building was a significant size which would allow for a mixture of activities and would be welcomed by the local community. The Deputy Leader stated that around 330,000 residents would benefit from the four libraries. Officers were thanked for getting this report to Cabinet and supporting transformation of the library service.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves capital funding to redevelop Weybridge Library, extending the ground floor and refurbishing the existing building, to create a new multi-service hub. The capital funding required to redevelop the site is commercially sensitive at this time and is set out in the Part 2 report.
2. That Cabinet approves procurement of appropriate supply chain partners to deliver the design, build and fit out of the new building in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders and Public Contracts Regulation 2015, alongside other related legislation in force at the time.
3. That Cabinet notes that regarding the procurement of supply chain partners, the Executive Director for Resources and the Director of Land and Property are authorised to award such contracts up to +5% of the budgetary tolerance level. Reasons for Decisions:
Approving the recommendations set out in this report will result in the following outcomes:
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
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ARUNDEL HOUSE, SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The Council’s ambition, set out in SCC’s Accommodation with Care and Support Strategy is to increase independence, modernise care and improve outcomes for residents by transforming the range and quality of accommodation with support on offer to Surrey residents. Arundel House is the last in-house institutional service run by the Council for adults with learning disabilities. The building is no longer able to fully respond to the needs and expectations of people with learning disabilities or their families. Adult Social Care wants to support people to have more choice and independence. This includes supporting people to live in supported living arrangements rather than in residential care. SCC commissioners are supporting this approach by not choosing to place people at Arundel House, which is large and institutional.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Adults and Health Select Committee)
Minutes: The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health who explained that the recommendation to close Arundel house had not been taken lightly and a vast amount of work had been undertaken in the background to ensure the council made the right decision. It was important to acknowledge that the care provided by the staff at and from Arundel House was of a high quality and that the consultation and recommendations in the report did not reflect the care and support being provided by the staff team. The Cabinet Member had visited the home and had met with residents, their family members and staff and listened to their concerns. The Arundel house building was not suitable and did not meet the needs and expectations of people with learning disabilities and their families. The Cabinet Member explained that a dedicated team would be responsible for supporting residents and staff with transitioning. A Member queried the high number of consultation responses that wanted to keep the home open. The Cabinet Member explained that even with all the renovations the building would still not meet modern care standards. The Leader stated that if an application was made to register Arundel House with CQC it would be refused as it did not meet CQC’s current guidance.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The Council’s ambition, set out in SCC’s Accommodation with Care and Support Strategy is to increase independence, modernise care and improve outcomes for residents by transforming the range and quality of accommodation with support on offer to Surrey residents. Arundel House is the last in-house institutional service run by the Council for adults with learning disabilities. The building is no longer able to fully respond to the needs and expectations of people with learning disabilities or their families. Adult Social Care wants to support people to have more choice and independence. This includes supporting people to live in supported living arrangements rather than in residential care. SCC commissioners are supporting this approach by not choosing to place people at Arundel House, which is large and institutional.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Adults and Health Select Committee)
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GOVERNANCE PROPOSAL FOR SOLAR ROOFTOP AND BUILDING DECARBONISATION PROJECTS
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet provides high level in principle approval to the solar rooftops and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3b (PSDS3b) schools and corporate buildings projects proposed to be taken forward in this report.
2. That Cabinet delegates business case approval of the solar rooftops and the PSDS3b schools and corporate building decarbonisation projects to the Cabinet Member for Environment, the Cabinet Member for Property and Waste, and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, on the recommendations of the Executive Director for Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, the Executive Director for Resources, alongside Capital Programme Panel.
3. That Cabinet agrees the delegation of approval based on the costs of the two combined programmes being no more than 10% above the total cost presented here. Reasons for Decisions:
These projects are set out in the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in October 2021, and will deliver direct reductions in carbon emissions and generate energy savings for Surrey County Council and the schools in scope. The list of buildings in the decarbonisation and solar rooftops programme is included in Appendix A. These projects and the associated costs are part of a wider programme of projects and initiatives that put together plot a pathway to achieve net zero 2030 for Surrey County Council as an organisation with the ambition of being overall self financing. The approach to financing SCC’s net zero 2030 programme outlined in Greener Futures Finance Strategy is coming to Cabinet for approval in July 2023. The principles of accepting Government grant funding to enable such projects was agreed by Cabinet in April 2022 (Surrey’s Greener Futures Grant Programmes). The principles of these PSDS3b programmes are as already approved in December 2022 for the previous PSDS3a funded programme and will be adopted for similar future programmes, the next of which will be PSDS3c in autumn 2023. The principles are described further in Appendix B. The principles are fully in line with those which will be presented in the overarching Greener Futures Finance Strategy, which will be brought to Cabinet in July 2023. A high-level summary of the projects is set out in this paper along with the business case development timescales. To meet the time constraints requiring installation over the summer months it is not possible to bring a fully costed business case for all projects based on final scheme designs to Cabinet, as such this report requests that approval of the final business case be delegated to Cabinet Members via Capital Programme Panel recommendation. To make use of this year’s funding and to maximise the financial savings, the projects need to be undertaken this summer and have a very short time scale for delivery. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee) Minutes: The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment who explained that Cabinet was being asked to give in principle approval to the solar rooftops and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3b schools and corporate buildings projects proposed in the report. These projects were set out in the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in October 2021, and will deliver direct reductions in carbon emissions and generate energy savings for Surrey County Council and the schools in scope. Five maintained schools had been included in the project and eleven corporate buildings. £6 million of government funding would be need to be utilised by March 2023. Business case approval of the solar rooftops and the PSDS3b schools and corporate building decarbonisation projects would be delegated to Cabinet Members, Executive Directors and the Capital Programme Panel. The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning stated that this project would allow the five schools involved to really make some significant savings in their energy bills and lead the way on decarbonisation and solar panels.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet provides high level in principle approval to the solar rooftops and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3b (PSDS3b) schools and corporate buildings projects proposed to be taken forward in this report.
2. That Cabinet delegates business case approval of the solar rooftops and the PSDS3b schools and corporate building decarbonisation projects to the Cabinet Member for Environment, the Cabinet Member for Property and Waste, and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, on the recommendations of the Executive Director for Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, the Executive Director for Resources, alongside Capital Programme Panel.
3. That Cabinet agrees the delegation of approval based on the costs of the two combined programmes being no more than 10% above the total cost presented here. Reasons for Decisions:
These projects are set out in the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in October 2021, and will deliver direct reductions in carbon emissions and generate energy savings for Surrey County Council and the schools in scope. The list of buildings in the decarbonisation and solar rooftops programme is included in Appendix A. These projects and the associated costs are part of a wider programme of projects and initiatives that put together plot a pathway to achieve net zero 2030 for Surrey County Council as an organisation with the ambition of being overall self financing. The approach to financing SCC’s net zero 2030 programme outlined in Greener Futures Finance Strategy is coming to Cabinet for approval in July 2023. The principles of accepting Government grant funding to enable such projects was agreed by Cabinet in April 2022 (Surrey’s Greener Futures Grant Programmes). The principles of these PSDS3b programmes are as already approved in December 2022 for the previous PSDS3a funded programme and will be adopted for similar future programmes, the next of which will be PSDS3c in autumn 2023. The principles are described further in Appendix B. The ... view the full minutes text for item 100/23 |
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SURREY INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - PHASE 4 SCHEMES
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet agrees the implementation of the Surrey Infrastructure Plan Phase 4 projects identified in this report and set out in Appendix 1, within the approved budget envelope, subject to the final business case for each scheme being approved by the Capital Programme Panel.
2. That Cabinet agrees to delegate the development and delivery of the schemes to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth.
Reasons for Decisions:
The recommendations will enable the continued development and delivery of infrastructure schemes that meet a wide range of outcomes and demonstrate deliverability and affordability. They enable the implementation of the fourth phase of schemes and the development of a continuous pipeline of projects that require further feasibility work. The process is intended to remain dynamic with new schemes added to the long list as they are identified. A continuous programme of schemes will be developed taking them from concept through to delivery identifying suitable funding opportunities as they progress. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
Minutes: The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth who explained that the report outlined a further phase of schemes to be implemented as part of the Surrey infrastructure plan, which produced a continuous cycle of schemes as they move from concept to implementation phases. The Cabinet Member provided an update on the key projects included in phase 4 including the A25 Dorking to Reigate Safer Roads Fund Project and Farnham Town Centre Improvements. It was explained that Liveable neighbourhoods would deliver solutions that would improve the pedestrian and cycling environment through interventions to lower traffic speeds and increase the perception of road safety, particularly for vulnerable road user groups. The first batch of DfT (Department for Transport) design-funded Liveable Neighbourhood zones has been identified in the towns of Egham and Sunbury which was welcomed by members. Members welcomed the phase 4 projects and the £30 million investment being made into the county.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet agrees the implementation of the Surrey Infrastructure Plan Phase 4 projects identified in this report and set out in Appendix 1, within the approved budget envelope, subject to the final business case for each scheme being approved by the Capital Programme Panel.
2. That Cabinet agrees to delegate the development and delivery of the schemes to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth.
Reasons for Decisions:
The recommendations will enable the continued development and delivery of infrastructure schemes that meet a wide range of outcomes and demonstrate deliverability and affordability. They enable the implementation of the fourth phase of schemes and the development of a continuous pipeline of projects that require further feasibility work. The process is intended to remain dynamic with new schemes added to the long list as they are identified. A continuous programme of schemes will be developed taking them from concept through to delivery identifying suitable funding opportunities as they progress. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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YOUR FUND SURREY- CF218 YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves the full amount requested of £2,988,000 (52% of total project cost), comprised of:
• Up to £2,988,000 of capital funding towards a project to improve the accessibility of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and enable wider community use. To be paid in staged payments, on evidence of spend. The final value of funding will be contingent on Surrey County Council’s (SCC) review of a tender before entering into a funding agreement.
• 5% of which will be retained as final payment until final evidence of income, expenditure and building control sign-off is provided. Reasons for Decisions:
· This application has been the subject of a rigorous assessment process and officers consider the project meets the aims and published criteria of the Fund and to satisfy the requirements to award funding.
· The proposed project will enable the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (YA), registered charity, to become a thriving, multi-purpose community and cultural hub for the whole of Surrey. The facilities it provides are unique for the County, but the current building is out-dated, inaccessible and not capable of meeting current and future demand.
· The project will ensure that the entire theatre and existing community rooms will become accessible for a variety of new groups and build on the community initiatives and outreach programmes already delivered by the Theatre. Enhanced accessibility will ensure the YA is able to increase its’ capacity by 30% and support arts and culture development for charities, schools and diverse community groups across Guildford and Surrey. The development of the YA will ensure the venue, which was built by monies raise by the community themselves, continues to serve a diverse and large number of residents into the future.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
Minutes: The report was introduced by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety who explained that the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre was Surrey’s only producing house. The grade II listed three storey building welcomed 128,000 visitors a year, including audiences at performances and community groups. Approving the funding for the project would ensure entire theatre and existing community rooms would become accessible for a variety of new groups and build on the community initiatives and outreach programmes already delivered by the Theatre. The building was of concrete construction, was outdated and needs repair, refurbishment and re-design. A key element of the project is to install a new accessible lift in the centre of the building to service all floors. There were currently no accessible toilets within the theatre building so as part of the project the ground floor foyer will be redesigned to incorporate accessible toilets. The project was supported by Guildford Borough Council and the local member, Fiona Davidson. The council would only be funding 52% of the project costs. The rest would be raised via fundraising. The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health welcomed the report and commented that the theatre had an amazing outreach programme which brough many wellbeing benefits to residents. Members supported the project and recognised the wider community benefits of the theatre.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves the full amount requested of £2,988,000 (52% of total project cost), comprised of:
• Up to £2,988,000 of capital funding towards a project to improve the accessibility of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and enable wider community use. To be paid in staged payments, on evidence of spend. The final value of funding will be contingent on Surrey County Council’s (SCC) review of a tender before entering into a funding agreement.
• 5% of which will be retained as final payment until final evidence of income, expenditure and building control sign-off is provided. Reasons for Decisions:
· This application has been the subject of a rigorous assessment process and officers consider the project meets the aims and published criteria of the Fund and to satisfy the requirements to award funding.
· The proposed project will enable the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (YA), registered charity, to become a thriving, multi-purpose community and cultural hub for the whole of Surrey. The facilities it provides are unique for the County, but the current building is out-dated, inaccessible and not capable of meeting current and future demand.
· The project will ensure that the entire theatre and existing community rooms will become accessible for a variety of new groups and build on the community initiatives and outreach programmes already delivered by the Theatre. Enhanced accessibility will ensure the YA is able to increase its’ capacity by 30% and support arts and culture development for charities, schools and diverse community groups across Guildford and Surrey. The development of the YA will ensure the venue, which was built by monies raise by the community themselves, continues to serve a diverse and large number of residents into ... view the full minutes text for item 102/23 |
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2023/24 MONTH 1 (APRIL) FINANCIAL REPORT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the extension of Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers for a further 3 years, to be reviewed again in 2026 (para 12 & 13). Reasons for Decisions:
This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for approval of any necessary actions and to carry out a review of the Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers, as per the previous Cabinet decision on the subject.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources introduced the report explaining that the report provides details of the County Council’s 2023/24 financial position as at 30th April 2023 (M1), and the expected outlook for the remainder of the financial year. As in previous years, M1 was a high-level review, focussing on risks and opportunities in relation to the 2023/24 budget. With regards to revenue, At M1, the Council was forecasting an overspend of £6m against the 2023/24 revenue budget approved by Council in February 2023. The overspend related to demand pressures. £15.1m of net risks to the forecast position had been quantified. Directorates would take action to mitigate risks and maximise the opportunities. With regards to the capital budget, risks to delivering the Capital Budget were considered by Capital Programme Panel (CPP) at Month 1. CPP concluded that currently there was no forecast variance to report. However, an early assessment of deliverability risk showed a potential £28m of the programme at high risk of slippage. In July 2019, Cabinet agreed to provide Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers in independent and semi-independent living arrangements from 1 April 2020, from the age of 18 up to their 25th birthday. The relief covers the Surrey County Council element of council tax, which amounts to around 75% of the total cost. Based on historical claims, a budget of £100k per year is considered sufficient and can be contained within existing Central Income and Expenditure budgets. Cabinet were being asked to approve the extension of Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers for a further 3 years. The Leader recognised the pressures on the budget with inflation and increasing demand on services. It would be important to carefully manage the budget over the coming months and ensure we continue to deliver services to the most vulnerable. RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the extension of Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers for a further 3 years, to be reviewed again in 2026 (para 12 & 13). Reasons for Decisions:
This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for approval of any necessary actions and to carry out a review of the Council Tax Relief for Care Leavers, as per the previous Cabinet decision on the subject.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
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MODERNISING OUR LIBRARY ESTATE, LIBRARIES TRANSFORMATION - PHASE 1
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves capital funding from the pipeline of [E-08-23] for the:
· Refurbishment of Epsom Library · Refurbishment of Redhill library · Refurbishment of Woking library · Relocation and refurbishment of the proposed new Staines Hub
Reasons for Decisions:
See Minute 97/23
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning Select Committee)
Minutes: The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety introduced the Part 2 report which contained information which was exempt from Access to Information requirements by virtue of Paragraph 3: information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves capital funding from the pipeline of [E-08-23] for the:
· Refurbishment of Epsom Library · Refurbishment of Redhill library · Refurbishment of Woking library · Relocation and refurbishment of the proposed new Staines Hub
Reasons for Decisions:
See Minute 97/23
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning Select Committee)
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WEYBRIDGE HUB REDEVELOPMENT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves total capital funding of [E-09-23] to redevelop Weybridge Library, extending the ground floor and refurbishing the existing building, to create a multi-service hub. The capital funding required is within the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and is comprised of:
· Weybridge Hub budget allocation: [E-09-23] · Hubs budget allocation: [E-09-23]
2. That Cabinet notes that the Greener Futures scope has been costed at [E-09-23] but at this time the level of contribution is not confirmed. In the interim, the shortfall will be covered by the Hubs budget allocation, as detailed in the first recommendation above.
Reasons for Decisions:
See Minute 98/23.
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning Select Committee)
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Property and Waste introduced the Part 2 report which contained information which was exempt from Access to Information requirements by virtue of Paragraph 3: information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet approves total capital funding of [E-09-23] to redevelop Weybridge Library, extending the ground floor and refurbishing the existing building, to create a multi-service hub. The capital funding required is within the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and is comprised of:
· Weybridge Hub budget allocation: [E-09-23] · Hubs budget allocation: [E-09-23]
2. That Cabinet notes that the Greener Futures scope has been costed at [E-09-23] but at this time the level of contribution is not confirmed. In the interim, the shortfall will be covered by the Hubs budget allocation, as detailed in the first recommendation above.
Reasons for Decisions:
See Minute 98/23.
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families and Lifelong Learning Select Committee)
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SURREY INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - PHASE 4 SCHEMES
Additional documents: Decision: 1. That Cabinet delegates the approval of a budget envelope of [E-10-23] from the SIP pipeline, in the event that it is required, for the delivery of the project to the Executive Director – Environment, Transport and Infrastructure and Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth following approval by Capital Programme Panel.
Reasons for Decisions:
· The recommendations will enable the continued delivery of the project which once constructed will provide additional capacity improvements to local junctions and links within the local highway network and in doing so help unlock much-needed additional housing.
· The [E-10-23] budget envelope would be the funding of last resort, and should additional funding be required Surrey County Council would firstly utilise developer s106 monies as they become available. The County Council have been in discussion with Runnymede Borough Council and are aware of potential S106 funds, but which have yet to be secured.
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
Minutes:
RESOLVED: 1. That Cabinet delegates the approval of a budget envelope of [E-10-23] from the SIP pipeline, in the event that it is required, for the delivery of the project to the Executive Director – Environment, Transport and Infrastructure and Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth following approval by Capital Programme Panel.
Reasons for Decisions:
· The recommendations will enable the continued delivery of the project which once constructed will provide additional capacity improvements to local junctions and links within the local highway network and in doing so help unlock much-needed additional housing.
· The [E-10-23] budget envelope would be the funding of last resort, and should additional funding be required Surrey County Council would firstly utilise developer s106 monies as they become available. The County Council have been in discussion with Runnymede Borough Council and are aware of potential S106 funds, but which have yet to be secured.
(The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS
Additional documents: Minutes: It was agreed that non-exempt information may be made available to the press and public, where appropriate. |