Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain

The Board considered a report of the Chamberlain regarding the prioritisation of 2022/23 Annual Capital Bids. The Chamberlain introduced the report, advising that the amounts relevant to BHE were relatively small and drawing the Board’s attention to corrections that had been circulated in respect of minor errors within the report.

Members reiterated their view that it was impractical for the Board to consider relatively small amounts and that this should be addressed through the Scheme of Delegations to officers. The Chair added that he had also raised this view prior to the meeting, advising that officers understood this view and were working on a more efficient arrangement to be taken forward.

RESOLVED – That the BHE Board:

a)    Note the total value of City Fund and City’s Cash bids amounting to £61.9m against a target upper limit of £30m (excl BHE);

b)    Review the initial RAG rating of £24.3m green, £29.3m amber and £8.4m red contained in the appendices (determined in consultation with senior officers);

c)    Agree that, subject to Member feedback, funding for the green bids be incorporated into the medium-term financial plans, providing they remain within the £30m overall limits for City Fund and City’s Cash and remain at a similar modest level for Bridge House Estates;

d)    Agree in principle that bids with a final RAG rating of amber and red be deferred;

e)    Agree that amber-rated bids be placed on a reserve list to be progressed in the event that funding headroom is identified; and

f)     Note that the final decision on the green-rated bids for inclusion in the 2022/23 draft budgets will be confirmed at the joint meeting of RASC and the service committee and Bridge House Estates Board chairmen in January 2022.