Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain concerning capital prioritisation and the 2020/21 round of annual capital bids.

It was noted that the report had been considered and approved by the Resource Allocation Sub-Committee earlier that day. The Sub-Committee had additionally agreed that, in view of the health and safety concerns associated with the Smithfield Market Canopy replacement, delegated authority should be granted to allow expeditious consideration of the drawdown of monies for these works, once the figures had been finalised. Members of the Policy and Resources Committee endorsed this additional recommendation.

RESOLVED: That:-

1.         The following schemes, in the context of the current financial climate, be confirmed of their continued essential priority at this time:

a)     Wanstead Park Ponds – further drawdown of £40k to undertake additional survey to reach next gateway

b)     Public Realm Security Programme – release of £225k to prepare for the next stage of security works

c)      St Lawrence Jewry Church - £55k top-up to reach the next gateway

d)     Lindsey Street Bridge Strengthening - £30k to reach the next gateway

e)     Oracle Property Manager (OPN) System Replacement - £545k requested to implement the scheme

f)     Personal Device Replacement - £2.25m requested to implement the scheme.

2.         The release of up to £3.145m from the reserves of City Fund, City’s Cash and Bridge House Estates as appropriate, subject to the approval of the relevant gateway reports.

3.         Delegated authority be granted to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee, to consider the drawdown request for the Smithfield Market Canopy project.