The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services addressed Members providing an update on the financial position of the capital programme. Councillor Hebb advised there was £69million currently in the capital programme, with current works on hold estimated £3.9 million, he continued there were reasons for a number of reasons for example the expansion of East Tilbury Primary School was not a case of if but when the work to be completed. 

The Portfolio Holder commented that the Aveley Hub would be presented to Cabinet later in the year and highlighted the schemes and allocations which had Council approval, however were dependent on development or third parties, such as the  A13 Widening.

Councillor Halden notified Members the East Tilbury expansion was to assist with the closure of the Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). He continued to advise Cabinet that the School alongside the St Clere’s Trust offered assist by expanding the school and enrolling the Children from the PRU.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transportation commented that the A13 Widening scheme was due to start work in November 2017, with the aim to complete in 2018/19.

Councillor Coxshall commented that it was thanks to investment from the Government that such programmes were being completed. He continued by stating that Grays Town Centre was dirty and dated, it was now a place that residents wanted to work and live in.

The Leader of the Council mentioned the Housing Revenue Account Schemes and highlighted the programme also delivered major works to void properties which was required to bring them up to a rentable standard. He stated it was easier to complete the works necessary on properties when they were void rather than when residents had moved in.

Resolvedthat Cabinet:

1.    Note the General Fund capital programme is projected to have available resources of £3.999m as at 31 March 2018 with this funding carried forward to 2018/19 to fund schemes currently in progress;

2.    In addition, there is a further £116.740m in the approved programme that is under development and/or dependent on third party actions as set out in paragraph 3.6;

3.    Note the Housing Revenue Account capital programme is projected to have no unused resources in 2017/18.