Agenda item

Cabinet

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

consider the report and, if satisfied, approve the revised General Fund Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A to the report.

Council   

Agreed           to approve the revised General Fund Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A to the report.

Councillor John Williams presented this report on the Council’s Capital Programme for the years 2022/23 to 2026/27 following detailed review of the rolling programme by Cabinet at its meeting on 7 February 2022. He explained that the report took into account the changes made to the Public Works Loan Board rule which prevents Councils from investing purely for financial gain. The Council was required to adhere to a number of prudential indicators to ensure that the programme was affordable and Councillor John Williams noted that the total external borrowing required for the five year programme including the Council’s current borrowing remained within the limits described in our Capital Strategy.

Councillor John Williams explained that the Council intended to spend nearly £50 million on capital projects, which included over £6 million in total on solar electricity for Waterbeach Depot, electric refuse collection vehicles, LED street lights and additional EV charging points. Over £8m had been allocated to the Civic Hub, Sports Pavilion and Community Centre in Northstowe, with a further £10m planned for 2023/24. Nearly £1m had been allocated for Home Improvement grants every year for the next five years.

Councillor Heather Williams stated that she could not support the recommendation in the report due to the proposed level of borrowing by the Council, which was required to fulfil the investment strategy which she considered to be unsustainable long term and unwise in the current financial climate.

In response to a question from Councillor Ruth Betson, the Chief Executive noted that the Council was proposing to offer laptops to all councillors following the elections in May. The laptops would be purchased this financial year. Current members will be consulted on this matter shortly. Councillor John Williams explained that issuing all councillors with laptops will allow them to participate in Council Anywhere. Councillor Bridget Smith stated that laptops will allow councillors to operate paperless meetings. Councillor Tom Bygott asked what would happen if councillors elected in May refused to use the new laptops. The Chief Executive explained that these laptops could easily be reallocated to officers if necessary.

Councillor Gavin Clayton expressed concern that councillors attending remotely were not able to full participate in meetings by proposing or seconding motions or voting. The Chief Executive explained that this was due to national legislation that the Council had to comply with.

Councillor Bill Handley supported the funding in the budget for Civic Hub, Sports Pavilion and Community Centre in Northstowe.

Councillor Deborah Roberts shared the anxiety of Councillor Heather Williams regarding the Council’s levels of borrowing. She suggested that the Council should have consulted with councillors before deciding to pay £50,000 on new laptops, as there were more appropriate initiatives that the Council could spend its money on.

Councillor John Williams proposed and Councillor Peter McDonald seconded the recommendation in the report. A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

In favour (20):

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Paul Bearpark, Anna Bradnam, Dr Martin Cahn, Councillor Gavin Clayton, Dr Claire Daunton, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dawn Percival, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

Against (9):

Councillors Ruth Betson, Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Dr Richard Williams.

Abstain (0):

Council  

Agreed          to approve the revised General Fund Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A to the report.