(KEY DECISION)

Report No. 184/2017 from the Director for Places was received.

Head of Property Services, Mr A Edwards, introduced the report, the purpose of which was to authorise the release of sufficient funding to enable the completion of a programme of works that addressed maintenance issues in the Schools that were required for completion over the next 18 months and support the smooth transition to Academy Status.  The approvals requested would ensure that works could be completed with the minimum of delays.

During discussion the following points were raised:

1. The recommendations ask for delegations to the Head of Property Services in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, all works would be subject to Rutland County Council Contract Procedure Rules;
2. Funds provided to schools undergoing academisation would be released subject to conditions and would be transferred in stage payments as elements of the works were completed.  The scope of works would be defined and agreed in advance and any additional requirements would not be funded; and
3. In future there would be consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education for reports relating to Capital Maintenance within Schools.

DECISION

1. Cabinet AUTHORISED:

i.              The release of up to £410k of School Condition Allocation (previously known as Capital Maintenance Fund) to support the overall programme during Financial Years 2017/18 and 2018/19.

ii.            The Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth, Trading Services and Resources and the Director for Resources to manage the programme of works and commit funding within an overall budget of £410k.

iii.           The Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth, Trading Services and Resources to agree the scope of work necessary to support the conversion of schools to Academies.

iv.           The Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth, Trading Services and Resources and the Director for Resources to agree the transfer of funds at a suitable point to a school undergoing Academisation.

v.            The Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Growth, Trading Services and Resources and the Director for Resources to agree a contribution of up to 10% of the works costs on an annual basis to support the Locally Co-ordinated Voluntary Aided Programme grant at St Mary’s and St John’s at North Luffenham during Financial Years 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Reasons for Decision

1.    The release of funds as set out in Report No. 184/2017 would ensure that the Council could enter into a programme of works to address issues on Council maintained schools and support the transition, where applicable, to Academy Status.

2.    The proposed delegations would ensure that Rutland County Council would be able to move forward without delay.

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Mr A Edwards left the meeting and did not return.

Mrs A Grinney joined the meeting.

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