Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 2, 2025

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to:   (1)  Approve that financial resources are allocated to the Schools Capital Programme; (2)  Delegate authority to finalise the programme, begin procurement and award contracts to the Director of Capital Strategy and Portfolio Management in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Members and senior officers.  

Content: Cabinet:   (1)            approved the allocation of the available resources of £49.64m to the Schools Capital Programme to financial year end 2028/29, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report, and for this funding to be made available to deliver the projects identified in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the report;   (2)            noted the total resource of £24.74m currently committed against projects previously approved by Cabinet and by delegated authority, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report;   (3)            noted the School’s estate rationalisation workstream, repurposing existing surplus provision to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND in borough to reduce pressure on the Designated Schools Grant and the General Fund, including reduction of home-school transport;   (4)            delegated authority to finalise this programme, within identified financial resources, to the Strategic Director of Children Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, the Portfolio Lead Member for Children and Young People, the Strategic Director of Place and the Strategic Director of Resources;   (5)            delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration, Portfolio Lead Member for Children and Young People and Strategic Director of Resources: §     to proceed with the procurement of projects and maintenance and improvement works included in the programme, subject to Strategic Commissioning Board Approval §     to award contracts provided they are within the resources available in the Schools Capital Programme to meet such commitments.   Options & Alternatives Considered It is a statutory obligation for the Council to ensure that enough school places of the appropriate type are available within the borough. Schools are selected for inclusion in programmes of work where delivery of a project is more likely to be achievable economically and with fewer risks combined with determined best educational outcomes. This report relates to confirmed need and known demands up until 2029.  It is possible that demand after this period will require new provision and proposals will be developed should this need materialise. The available financial resources of £49.64m identified in Appendix 1, are proposed to be prioritised on projects to meet the growing demand for SEND/Alternative Provision facilities, potential future mainstream place need and to continue a planned maintenance programme for financial years 2026/27 until 2028/29 as School Condition Allocation Funding for these years has not yet been confirmed by the DfE.  Should the Council fail to invest in creating mainstream places, SEND/Alternative Provision accommodation, or to develop its planned maintenance programme across the school estate, it risks not meeting its statutory duty to provide enough safe and suitable school places for all of its young residents and incurring increasing costs through placing children out of borough in order to meet demands.