Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Matthew Tomlinson.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes of the last meeting are attached for approval.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting are agreed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

The latest Notice of Executive Decisions can be found here: Browse plans - Cabinet, 2024 - South Ribble Borough Council (moderngov.co.uk)

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the forward plan be noted.

Report of the Director of Planning and Property.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To award the contract for refurbishing Longton Play Area on School Lane, Longton to Playsound Ltd for a fixed price of £120,000 following a tender exercise carried out in accordance with the Council’s procurement processes.

Reasons for recommendations:

The current capital programme includes several play areas identified for improvement. Longton Play Area has funds allocated in the programme for this financial year. This report is required to award the contract to the highest scoring bidder to complete the project.

Other options considered and rejected:

The option of doing nothing and leaving the site in its current condition or carrying out partial refurbishment works were rejected as the site is now over 20 years old and in need of full refurbishment. This will provide quality facilities that meet modern standards for design and accessibility.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Neighbourhoods and Waste), Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder presented a report that sought authorisation to award the contract to complete the refurbishment and renewal work at Longton Play area.

The park would be the fourteenth play area refurbished and would provide a better, safer experience for residents.

Members on Cabinet commented on the specification of the park noting that the accessibility and equipment was of high quality.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To award the contract for refurbishing Longton Play Area on School Lane, Longton to Playsound Ltd for a fixed price of £120,000 following a tender exercise carried out in accordance with the Council’s procurement processes.

Reasons for recommendations:

The current capital programme includes several play areas identified for improvement. Longton Play Area has funds allocated in the programme for this financial year. This report is required to award the contract to the highest scoring bidder to complete the project.

Other options considered and rejected:

The option of doing nothing and leaving the site in its current condition or carrying out partial refurbishment works were rejected as the site is now over 20 years old and in need of full refurbishment. This will provide quality facilities that meet modern standards for design and accessibility.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive attached.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To note the 2023/24 forecast outturn for revenue and the level of reserves, based on the position as at 31st December 2023.

To note the virements made to and from the revenue budget during the year, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

Cabinet note the recommendations from the Corporate, Performance and Budget Scrutiny Committee.

Reasons for recommendations:

To ensure the Council’s budgetary targets are achieved.

Other options considered and rejected:

None, it is a requirement to report quarterly on the Revenue Budget monitoring and Reserves.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster presented a report that set out the revenue and reserves forecast for 2023/24 for the Council, based on the position as at 31 December 2023.

Councillor Foster explained that there had been a projected overspend of £750,000 which had now reduced to £19,000 although there had been budgetary pressures such as inflationary costs and high utility rates.

Members on Cabinet had also been working closely with Directors to understand reasons for budget movement within Directorates and how this can be resolved for the next budget.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To note the 2023/24 forecast outturn for revenue and the level of reserves, based on the position as at 31st December 2023.

To note the virements made to and from the revenue budget during the year, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.

Reasons for recommendations:

To ensure the Council’s budgetary targets are achieved.

Other options considered and rejected:

None, it is a requirement to report quarterly on the Revenue Budget monitoring and Reserves.

Report of the Director of Finance.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To approve the revised capital programme as attached at Appendix A, which includes approved amendments to the programme, detailed at point 12 of this report, since the last Capital Monitoring report was approved by Cabinet in November 2023;

To note the variations to the programme, (which are detailed, by scheme, at Appendix B and referenced within the body of the report);

To note the position in the Balance Sheet Monitoring section of the report in respect of cash, investment and loan balances, and debtors as at 31st December 2023;

Cabinet note the recommendations from the Corporate, Performance and Budget Scrutiny Committee.

Reasons for Recommendations:

To ensure the Council’s Capital Programme is monitored effectively.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None, it is a requirement to report quarterly on the Capital and Balance Sheet budget monitoring.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster presented a report that outlined the financial position of the Council in respect of the capital programme at 31 December 2023. Highlighting key issues and explaining key variances, and provides an overview of various elements of the Council’s Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023.

Councillor Foster explained that movement was expected in the Capital Programme due to projects starting or finishing later than expected.

Members noted the three programmes which had slippage.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To approve the revised capital programme as attached at Appendix A, which includes approved amendments to the programme, detailed at point 12 of this report, since the last Capital Monitoring report was approved by Cabinet in November 2023;

To note the variations to the programme, (which are detailed, by scheme, at Appendix B and referenced within the body of the report);

To note the position in the Balance Sheet Monitoring section of the report in respect of cash, investment and loan balances, and debtors as at 31st December 2023;

Reasons for Recommendations:

To ensure the Council’s Capital Programme is monitored effectively.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None, it is a requirement to report quarterly on the Capital and Balance Sheet budget monitoring.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Condition:

Information is not exempt if it is required to be registered under-

The Companies Act 1985

The Friendly Societies Act 1974

The Friendly Societies Act 1992

The Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1965 to 1978

The Building Societies Act 1986 (recorded in the public file of any building society, within the meaning of the Act)

The Charities Act 1993

Information is exempt to the extent that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Information is not exempt if it relates to proposed development for which the local planning authority may grant itself planning permission pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town & Country Planning General Regulations 1992(a).

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To exclude the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

To exclude the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Members received a presentation that sought to provide an update on the progress of Leyland Town Deal. Including site works, design update and procurement.

Members received a presentation that sought to provide an update on the progress of Jubilee Gardens. Including key milestones, construction works and deliverables over the next twelve months.