Agenda item

To outline the Capital Strategy covering financial years 2023/24 - 2032/33 and the supporting funding framework, providing a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of local public services along with an overview of how associated risk is managed and the implications for future financial sustainability.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 6) to outline the Capital Strategy covering financial years 2023/24 - 2032/33 and the supporting funding framework, providing a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of local public services along with an overview of how associated risk is managed and the implications for future financial sustainability.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Ross Mackinnon and seconded by Councillor Dominic Boeck.

“That the Council adopts the following recommendations:

a)    That the Capital Strategy and supporting Capital Programme for the period 2023/24 – 2032/33 is approved (Appendix A).

b)    That the supporting Minimum Revenue Provision Policy (Appendix C) is approved, inclusive of retrospective change to the 2022/23 MRP policy.

c)    That the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Policy (Appendix D) is approved.

d)    That the proposed CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) Bids for inclusion in the Capital Programme (Appendix E) is approved.”

Councillor Mackinnon in introducing the report said he was delighted to propose a new ten year Capital Strategy and associated polices. The Administration proposed an investment in infrastructure over the next ten years of £393 million pounds to make sure West Berkshire remained a great place to live, work and learn. £207 million pounds of the strategy would be funded externally. 

Councillor Mackinnon explained that the Capital Programme was split across the six priorities of the Council Strategy. He highlighted a number of budget allocations such as £24 million to ensure vulnerable children and adults achieved better outcomes, £172 million to support residents in reaching their full potential and £616k to support our businesses to continue to develop and thrive in West Berkshire. There was also £145 million to develop infrastructure and housing, £27 million to maintain a green district and £22 million invested in business as usual. There was also investment in extending and refurbishing schools and towards disabled facility grants to help residents to continue to live independently at home. Investment was also being made in infrastructure, active travel and enhanced disabled access to the countryside. 

Councillor Mackinnon said that the Programme did not just maintain essential services but also invested in new schemes across all the priorities but it must be sustainable and affordable. There was an increase in borrowing over the medium term but some of the enhancements would reduce service costs and create income for the Council. The Council could choose not to invest and this remained an option. However, the Administration had opted for a positive approach, paying close attention to the need for affordability but also to enable the capital schemes proposed to be funded properly and have a positive impact for residents. He felt that overall the Capital Programme struck the right balance between new investment to support the Council’s priorities, continuing to fund core infrastructure and affordability.

AMENDMENT: Proposed by Councillor David Marsh and seconded by Councillor Steve Masters.

Original text:

Planning and consultancy to help deliver LRIE projects (£172,500 in 2023-24)

Proposed amendment:

£50k delivery vehicle for West Berks Food Bank

£25k extra for wildflower verges

£25k for urban trees

£30k extra for Newbury Town Centre Vision

£42,500 for Watermill Theatre (for refurbishment of restaurant, bar and event space as part of a strategy to grow income, helping to offset loss of Arts Council funding)

Total £172,500 to be fully funded by scrapping LRIE consultancy fees for 2023/24

(Cllr Dillon declared a pecuniary interest in this item as the JV is an investment vehicle for the organisation he worked for.  Cllr Dillon left the room for the duration of this item and did not vote).

Councillor Marsh talked to the proposed amendment and said there were a lot of things to like with the Capital Programme and a lot not to like. The proposed amendments were fully funded and the difference between those in the papers and displayed on screen was thanks to the S151 officer who found some alternative funding. The proposal for the food bank was suggested after Councillors spoke to them and were informed that a vehicle would help them make their deliveries as it was not sustainable to rely on volunteers. It was proposed to have an electric vehicle. Members were informed that wildlife verges had been very popular. That is why they were proposing additional verges and planting of more urban trees. It was felt that the consultation for the Newbury Town Centre Vision had been a good piece of work and they recommended additional funds to help the projects progress. They also proposed funding to the Watermill so they could make upgrades to their restaurant and bars to help generate income that was needed since the Arts Council had stopped its funding. The proposals would be funded by scrapping the LRIE consultancy fees for 2023/24.

Councillor Tony Vickers reported that he was not against the LRIE but he was uncomfortable about scrapping the consultancy fees as work was needed for progress to be made.  It had been 15 years with little progress and he felt that the consultancy fees should be retained in order to make progress.

Councillor Lynne Doherty said that a lot of the proposed amendments were commendable but she did not want to see the loss of the consultancy fees because progress was being made with a lot of work to come. She wanted to see job creation so people could stay local, there had been a lot of talk about Newbury Town Centre becoming dormant but this would be a risk if local job opportunities were not provided. The LRIE was dedicated employment land and she could not support any amendments that would delay its development.

Councillor Masters said that he seconded the amendment and that over the years there had been plenty to debate between the parties but today there was the opportunity to come to an agreement on the amendments.  As Councillor Marsh had said tree planting and wildflower verges were very popular with residents and were very modest in financial terms. With regards to food bank, last year the Green Party lobbied to give a one off payment to help support the predicted difficulties facing some residents. This did not happen but they kept the conversation going with the charity and they wanted to provide support for at least the next couple of years whilst the pandemic and cost of living crisis continued to impact residents. With regards to the Watermill Theatre there had been a motion to Council that had full support and there had been lots of campaigning against the loss of funding. If the lobbying was successful then the amount in the amendment would help underwrite some of the lost funding.

Councillor Marsh suggested that the vote on the amendments be split into two parts; one covering the wildflower and urban tree proposals and the other for the remaining schemes to be funded by the reduction in the LRIE consultation fees. Councillor Rick Jones agreed to a split vote.

The Amendment for £25k extra funding for wildflower verges and £25k for urban trees was put to the vote and duly RESOLVED.

FOR the Amendments:

Councillors Rick Jones, Adrian Abbs, Steve Ardagh-Walter, Phil Barnett, Jeff Beck, Dennis Benneyworth, Dominic Boeck, Graham Bridgman, Jeff Brooks, Jeff Cant, Hilary Cole, James Cole, Jeremy Cottam, Carolyne Culver, Lynne Doherty, Billy Drummond, Clive Hooker, Owen Jeffery, Tony Linden, Ross Mackinnon, Alan Macro, Thomas Marino, David Marsh, Steve Masters, Geoff Mayes, Andy Moore, Biyi Oloko, Erik Pattenden, Claire Rowles, Garth Simpson, Richard Somner, Joanne Stewart, Martha Vickers, Tony Vickers, Andrew Williamson, Keith Woodhams and Howard Woollaston

AGAINST the Amendments: None

ABSTAIN: Councillor Alan Law

The Amendment for £50k delivery vehicle for West Berks Food Bank, £30k extra for Newbury Town Centre Vision and £42,500 for Watermill Theatre was put to the vote and declared LOST.

FOR the Amendments:

Councillors Carolyne Culver, David Marsh and Steve Masters

AGAINST the Amendments:

Rick Jones, Dennis Benneyworth, Dominic Boeck, Graham Bridgman, Jeff Cant, Hilary Cole, James Cole, Lynne Doherty, Clive Hooker, Tony Linden, Ross Mackinnon, Thomas Marino, Geoff Mayes, Biyi Oloko, Claire Rowles, Garth Simpson, Richard Somner and Howard Woollaston

ABSTAIN:

Alan Law, Adrian Abbs, Steve Ardagh-Walter, Phil Barnett, Jeff Brooks, Jeremy Cottam, Billy Drummond, Owen Jeffery, Alan Macro, Geoff Mayes, Andy Moore, Erik Pattenden, Claire Rowles, Martha Vickers, Tony Vickers, Andrew Williamson and Keith Woodhams

Councillor Jeff Brooks informed that apart from the project at Monks Lane the Liberal Democrat Group were going to support capital investment.  The Administration stated that they were spending £393.7 million over the next ten years but £207 million was coming through CIL and S106 contributions, and the rest via borrowing. It was vital to invest in infrastructure and schools.

Councillor Tony Linden reported that he was pleased to see the proposed Capital Programme and informed that he had been involved in two of the projects for Calcot School. With regards to the Multi Use Games Area, this used to be in his ward and it was an excellent project.  He also welcomed the work being undertaken on the Lido.

Councillor Adrian Abbs said that he was concerned about the public’s understanding of the Capital Strategy as it lacked detail on the projects and there was little detail on tackling the Climate Emergency. He gave examples of how he felt the report lacked clarity such as the two lines for storage at the West Berkshire Museum costing over £800k with no explanation, how there was no detail for meeting the Playing Pitch Strategy or what was being delivered for active travel. Councillor Abbs said it was good to see invest to save projects such as solar panels but questioned why were they spread over a number of years instead of being up front and thus making more revenue income.  He mentioned that more focus should be given to parking outside schools and a better understanding on how the Council was achieving its aims for the Climate Emergency Strategy.

Councillor Carolyne Culver said that she welcomed the ongoing funding of Member community bids as it was an example of how the Council was being responsive to community priorities. She also welcomed the funding of village speed limits as she received more complaints about speeding than anything else apart from potholes, she recommended that there be more Speed Limit Review Panels during the year. 

Councillor Doherty stated that Members were about to agree a Strategy that would spend a lot of money on exciting projects. Councillor Abbs said residents would not understand whilst Councillor Brooks talked about the money, but Councillor Doherty said she wanted to talk about the projects, not as the Leader but as a Ward Councillor. She said that there were some exciting projects planned for Newbury, they were investing in young people and this programme would make a difference to their lives. Two new primary schools had been opened during the current Administration and a third one was planned. She made reference to how she had worked with young people to provide facilities in Victoria Park and how as a young person growing up in the area she had enjoyed the Lido. She was proud to see the Council future proofing the Lido for future generations. 

Councillor Jeff Beck mentioned the modelling work for the Robin Hood roundabout and along the A4 that would give benefits to thousands of people who used the area every day and would improve safety for pedestrians. He also made reference to the improvements proposed for care homes.

Councillor Marsh thanked Councillors who had voted for the amendments and said it was good to see Councillors coming together. He mentioned that there were many good projects proposed including the funds for a new classroom at Falklands School. He agreed that it was good that the Member community bids scheme had been retained but asked for more transparency around decisions and how money was to be spent.

Councillor Tony Vickers said he was concerned about the presentation of the Capital Programme. Previously the programme was over three years but now it was a ten year programme. Although it was presented well, so you could tell one year from another, there was a lot of zeros in the columns. To a member of the public reading the document it looked as if the money was running out. He said that future reports should revert back to a three year plan with more detail added and simpler explanations. 

Councillor Masters said that it was nice to hear about all the great projects being proposed across many wards and the Leader had spoken about the Lido.  However his party wished to see a greater focus on the environment and would continue to pursue this moving forward. . He also asked if the Portfolio Holder could reassure residents that the work at Theale Railway Station would be completed as it was long overdue.

Councillor Richard Somner said he was pleased to once again see proposals to invest heavily in the district’s roads and keeping people moving safely on the highway. There was £7 million investment over the next three years on carriageway resurfacing. There were also extensive structures and street light replacement and investment in drainage. He highlighted the extensive public rights of way program, the school streets project and public transport. Councillor Somner also said that there was over £6 million planned for upgrading Theale and Newbury stations. With regards to Theale he said that there had been a lot of external issues but discussions would continue to find a resolution. With regards to the Environmental Strategy, he mentioned the completion over the next two years of the Thatcham surface water management plan and investment in other flood risk areas such as Hampstead Norreys and Clay Hill.  He said that Councillor Beck had already mentioned the upgrade to the Robin Hood roundabout but there was also further progress being planned on the new Local Transport Plan. 

With regards to flood alleviation work, Councillor Jeremy Cottam mentioned that the Town Councils also had a big role to play in the projects.

Councillor Alan Macro said that with regards to Theale station he had been campaigning to get better access for years. He explained how getting access to the station for anyone with mobility issues was very difficult. He asked for the works to finally begin. Councillor Macro also mentioned that he continued to get complaints from residents regarding the Theale bypass with every increasing traffic volumes and HGV movements at night. He said that there was insufficient funding to alleviate the problem and asked that this be progressed.

Councillor Alan Law said that he wanted to comment to some of the statements made. He said that Councillor Vickers could only find the layout of the report to criticise yet he found it very clear, Councillor Brooks could only criticise were the funds were coming from when this was a strategy of capital works and the funds had been very well managed and Councillor Marsh had said it was not very transparent yet he felt the report was very transparent.

Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter said that Councillor Abbs had said that there was little in the strategy regarding the environment.  In response to that he referred to the long list of expenditure around active travel and flood protection to mention just a couple. There were many things this Council was doing to alleviate its impact on the environment. With regards to electric vehicles there were funds in place to add additional on street charging for residents who did not have off street parking. The number of electric vehicles on the road was still small but the Council wanted to be ahead of the curve. 

Councillor Howard Woollaston provided an update on the works being carried out on the Lido and said that it would be open in July as planned. It would be a much better offer with a water slide and an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Councillor Dominic Boeck reported that he was pleased to hear the positive comments from Members on his side and from the Green Party but was disappointed by the negative comments from the Liberal Democrats about presentation and content. As a lot of the positives had already been discussed he wanted to mention the education aspects of the report including maintenance of our schools, facilities for young people, early years settings and primary schools, and especially support for the special needs setting. There was a new primary school to the north of Newbury and extensions in schools to increase spaces. This would allow more parents to send their children to schools of their choice.  He was delighted to recommend the paper. 

Councillor Mackinnon thanked everyone for their kind words and for contributing to the debate. He was pleased to hear how the Capital Strategy was benefitting wards across the district. With regards to Theale station he hoped the work would soon be completed, work had started on the bridge but the Council was reliant on Network Rail to get the project finished. With regards to traffic noise in Theale, the survey had been delayed but it was expected that the work would be completed this year. He agreed that speeding was an issue in rural wards and this would be looked at.  He also agreed that the Members’ bids scheme should continue to help with local issues. He referred to the Liberal Democrats’ comments and said that with regards to funding, grants did not just appear, a lot of hard work had to be put into getting them awarded. External funding helped to reduce the tax burden on residents.  He did not want to go back to a three year programme as it would be too short term. With regards to a lack of detail he said that there was a line by line spreadsheet informing of every project.

The Motion was put to the vote and duly RESOLVED.

FOR the Motion:

Councillors Rick Jones, Alan Law, Steve Ardagh-Walter, Dennis Benneyworth, Dominic Boeck, Jeff Beck, Graham Bridgman, Jeff Cant, Hilary Cole, James Cole, Carolyne Culver, Lynne Doherty, Clive Hooker, Tony Linden, Ross Mackinnon, Thomas Marino, David Marsh, Steve Masters, Biyi Oloko, Claire Rowles, Garth Simpson, Richard Somner, Joanne Stewart, Andrew Williamson and Howard Woollaston

AGAINST the Motion: None

ABSTAIN:

Councillors Adrian Abbs, Phil Barnett, Jeff Brooks, Jeremy Cottam, Billy Drummond, Owen Jeffery, Alan Macro, Geoff Mayes, Andy Moore, Erik Pattenden, Martha Vickers, Tony Vickers and Keith Woodhams