Purpose

For the Executive Board to consider a request for budget variations to previously approved schools capital schemes.

Decision

RESOLVED:

1)    That the requirement for a significant increase in the capital budget for the proposed Newfield School satellite site at the former Stansfeld Centre, be noted.

2)    That the budget uplift of £900,000, in addition to the existing approved budget of £1,000,000 which created a revised total scheme budget of £1,900,000, be approved.

3)    That it be approved that the budget uplift of £900,000 would be funded from the High Needs Capital Grant, unless appropriate S106 funding was available, at which point the S106 funding would be used first to protect the High Needs Capital Grant funding for use of future projects.

4)    That it be noted that the budget uplift was required due to a significant change in the scope of works following further feasibility, design development and assessment of the building requirements.

5)    That in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer and relevant Executive Members, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Children and Education, to progress the necessary procurement, contractual and delivery arrangements within the revised approved budget.

6)    That it be noted that the scheme supported the Council’s statutory responsibilities to secure sufficient and suitable educational provision for Children and young people with SEND.