Martin Henry

...the Cabinet noted the 2024-25 provisional capital outturn for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, approved proposed capital carry forwards for both, and recommended Full Council approve a £6.52m General Fund Capital budget for capitalisation of expenditure.

...to ensure compliance with statutory duties and prepare for potential changes to the Mental Health Act 1983, they approved the procurement of a statutory advocacy contract for a term of 3 years with a possible 2-year extension, and delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care to finalize the procurement and award the contract.

...to act as the Accountable Body for the South Midlands region, the Cabinet approved accepting approximately £32 million in DWP grant funding over five years to deliver the Connect to Work programme, and delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer to finalize the grant agreement and related agreements with local authorities.

...to procure contracts for servicing, inspection, and testing of electrics, mechanical and specialist equipment, and cleaning services, including the potential for outsourcing or in-sourcing cleaning services, to ensure the Council meets its statutory obligations and achieves value for money.

...to address financial challenges in three large housing projects, the Cabinet approved a new delivery strategy for Avenue Campus involving land disposals and infrastructure contracts, noted the acceptance of a Brownfield Land Release Fund grant, authorized utility procurement for Bassett-Lowke Hall and infrastructure works, noted the use of funds for these works and a revised planning application, noted the use of funds for design work at Roof Gardens, noted Belgrave House's inclusion in the Greyfriars project, and acknowledged that fewer affordable homes would be delivered, impacting the HRA's capacity for future council homes.