Decision details

Council considered a report relating to revisions to the 2025/26 Capital Programme and Strategy and requesting approval to the draft 2026/27 Capital Programme for consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance advised that the investments detailed in the report would deliver asset renewal and enhancements such as £1.8Million for fleet replacements, £535K for Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre upgrades, £1Million to repurpose the sports hall, and £500K for Ridlins track renewal.  There were also additional allocations including £490K for green space improvements and £650K for a deferred works reserve to manage urgent asset needs.

The following comments were made:

·         Reassurance was given that the existing Sports and Leisure Centre would have a life of at least 10 years and that the Gordon Craig Theatre would also continue with improvements to the infrastructure of the Theatre;

·         The additional funding for the Council’s environmental work was welcomed including renewing parks and green spaces for the enjoyment of all communities;

·         The impact of the changes referred to on the youngest people in the town was a positive step forward in future planning and making the town better for future generations;

·         Stevenage was a dementia and age friendly accredited town and the budget would enable more resources for all activities such as the dementia festival;

·         The work of the cross party Council’s Financial Security Group (CFSG) was acknowledged in the Budget process.

It was RESOLVED:

1.  That the General Fund growth bids identified for inclusion in the Capital Strategy (section 4.2, and Appendix A to the report) be approved in principle, including the proposed budget level in the deferred works reserve budget of £650K.

2.  That the virements in paragraph 4.3.5 of the report be approved.

3.  That the work of the Council’s Financial Security Group (CFSG) in reviewing all General Fund capital bids prior to inclusion in the final 2026/27 Capital Strategy to the February 2026 Cabinet be noted.

4.  Draft General Fund Capital Budget for 2025/26 to 2029/30 of £117Million, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be included into the Council’s budget setting processes for consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

5.  That the approach to resourcing the General Fund capital programme as outlined in the report (Paragraph 4.4) be approved.

6.  That the revenue contribution to capital, 2026/27 to 2028/29 as set out in table 2, paragraph 4.2.1 be included into the Council’s budget setting processes for consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

7.  That the approved revenue surplus in any year of up to £500K that can be allocated to the capital reserve to support capital expenditure be noted.

8.  That the proposed use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) contributions as set out in section 4.6 be included into the Council’s budget setting processes for consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

9.  That the legal implications of Section 24 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 in relation to financial decisions (capital) made by a council that is due to be abolished or reorganised in section 5.2 be noted.