Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to: a) Set out the Council’s digital investment portfolio for 2026/2027 to support the Council’s Digital, Data and AI Strategy and the Council’s priorities. b) Secure Cabinet funding for the digital investment portfolio for 2026/2027 via flexible use of capital receipts and capital. c) Seek approval to spend the capital budget envelope

Content: DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to:           I.         Agree the Council’s digital investment portfolio of work for 2026/2027 as set out in Appendix A      II.         Provide approval to spend the £2.6m capital budget envelope approved by Council in February 2026 (KD5994) comprising of £1.83m for 26/27 and £801k estimated carry forward from 25/26    III.         Agree the allocation of £4m of flexible use of capital receipts and £2.6m of capital for 2026/27, a total of £6.6m, to enable these projects and the fund for small projects   IV.         Note that the allocation of HRA funding (as previously agreed within the HRA Business Plan) enables aspects of the priority projects that solely benefit the HRA functions of Housing     V.         Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to vary the Digital Services Portfolio reflecting the Digital, Data and AI strategy and the rapid development of AI capabilities   VI.         Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to procure and enter into the necessary contracts to implement the 2026/27 Digital Services Portfolio