Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council - Record of Decision (Cabinet) I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution do hereby approve the proposed Capital Strategy and Programme 2026/27 to 2028/29 as set out in this report and refer it for approval by Full Council on 25th February 2026. In doing so I: Approve a capital programme of up to £91.212m for 2026/27 and the proposed sources of funding as set out in this report and at appendix 1, Note all capital proposals be referred to the Procurement Board for approval as required by the constitution and new capital approval process, supported by business case and detailed funding arrangements, prior to final budget being allocated and contractual commitments being made. Note capital programme schemes for 2027/28 and 2028/29 have provisionally been identified by services. However, budget allocations to schemes will be subject to approval following full business case submission as set out in the new capital approval process and within affordability limits for the overall programme. Options considered and rejected were:None Assessment of Risk: The council’s capital programme is important in generating growth in the city. Elements funded by unsupported borrowing have a financial consequence on the revenue budget. Legal Advice obtained: The Local Government Finance Act 1992 sets out what the Council has to base its budget calculations on and requires the Council to set a balanced budget for the following year by 11 March. Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 requires the Council to have regard to the advice of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 officer) as to the robustness of the estimates made for the purposes of the calculations and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves. Although the calculation of the council tax requirement and the formulation of plans and strategies for control of the Council’s borrowing, investments, capital expenditure and for determining the Council’s minimum reserve position are executive functions, the approval of such plans and strategies is a function reserved to full Council. The process to be followed to set the budget is therefore that the City Mayor and Cabinet recommend a draft budget to Council for approval. If the majority of Council does not approve the budget it will be referred back to the City Mayor. The City Mayor will consider the comments of Council and then present a further draft budget to Council, which can only be rejected by a two thirds majority of Council. The financial position must be closely monitored, and members must satisfy themselves that sufficient mechanisms are in place to ensure the delivery of savings as well as to ensure that any new expenditure is contained within the available resources. In approving the budget, members must also have regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty in making their decision. Further information in respect of this duty is set out earlier in this report. As Monitoring Officer I have been consulted in the preparation of this report and am satisfied that the proposals set out in this report comply with the constitutional and legal requirements for the budget setting process. Financial Advice obtained: This report has been prepared by the council’s finance team in consultation with executive directors and heads of service and contains full financial implications around the budget. Procurement Advice obtained: The procurement team will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders, service areas, suppliers and partner organisations to deliver value for money, service/budget efficiencies and improved outcomes, ensuring that procurement activity relating to capital expenditure, delivers both technical requirements and aligns to the capital programme. HR Advice obtained: Not applicable Climate Change Advice obtained: The Revenue Budget and Capital programme are key to developing infrastructure that can be an engine for economic growth whilst helping the city achieve carbon reduction targets and helping the city adapt to the challenges of climate change. Investment continues in developing a pipeline of proposals to bring forward a reduction in the city’s carbon emissions and whilst there are clear and positive examples of progress in reducing carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality by 2038 remains a significant challenge. Broadening effective consideration of carbon implications across all SCC services will lead to more diverse and effective action. The focus of efforts to date has been on direct carbon emissions through the city council’s most visible activities – those linked to Place, energy generation, and estate. However, to achieve the ambition of a carbon neutral Salford, there needs to be a focus across all activity, considering both direct and indirect emissions from the products we use and the carbon footprint of services we procure. The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: 2026/27 capital strategy and programme   The appropriate scrutiny to call-in the decision is the Overview and Scrutiny Board Contact Officer:  Rachel Rosewell, Chief Finance Officer                 Telephone number: 07855066602         The appropriate scrutiny to call-in the decision is the Overview and Scrutiny Board.   Signed: Paul Dennett          Dated: 17th February 2026             City Mayor      For Democratic Services use only This decision was published on 18.02.26                                            This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 25.02.26 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.