Issue - meetings

It is recommended that the committee resolves to exclude the press and public during any discussion of Appendix One of the report by virtue of paragraph(s)3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Chair reminded the Committee that some of the appendices to the report were confidential and that, if they were minded to discuss matter in those documents, it would be necessary to consider excluding the press and public.

The Committee resolved to discuss the report in open session.

Matter for Decision

The Clay Farm Community Centre project was considered by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee in January 2012 and the Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health, approved that the project should proceed. The project had now reached the stage where tenders had been received to build the new Community Centre. Due to build cost inflation the budget for the project had increased significantly although the increased contribution required from the Council was more marginal. This was because of the partnership nature of the project and because funding for the project comes from a number of sources, much of which was building cost index linked. Nevertheless, as the project had reached a key point and in view of the budget variation it was felt appropriate for the Committee to scrutinise the project again at this stage.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community, Arts and Recreation

The Executive Councillor resolved:

     i.        to approve the revised budget for the project of £10,950,000.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of the Strategic Housing regarding Clay Farm Community Centre. He clarified why this report had been submitted late and the importance of making this decision in a timely and open fashion. He explained that cost had risen but so had contributions from partners to the project.  Members noted that the increase in borrowing requested from the Council under consideration was £3.02m rather than the original figure of £2.8m.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

     i.        Members expressed satisfaction with the report and understood the need for the increase.

    ii.        Stated that the project was worthwhile.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

The Committee requested that the minutes noted their appreciation for the contribution that the Head of Community Development had made during his time with the Council and wished him well for the future.