Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources presented the report which provided a forecast financial position to the end of March, 2020 across all Portfolio, and also provide details of any significant adverse and/or favourable variances.

The overall financial position as forecast at 31^st December, 2019 indicated a nil variance against a total in year capital budget of £23.7m, and it was anticipated that all in year capital expenditure would be fully funded.

The following points were then raised by Members:-

Active Living Services – Splash Pad

A Member said when this was previously reported to Committee the funding was estimated at £144k.  He asked why this figure had now reduced to £110k and also requested an update on progress of the splash pad.

In response the Chief Officer Resources said she understood that the figure of £144,699k in the previous report was an error.  No additional monies had been allocated to the project other than the £110k funded by Welsh Government.

A discussion ensued when the Corporate Director Social Services explained that a request for additional money was made to Welsh Government, and they granted £20k, however, this additional funding was subject to a deadline for spending the monies.  This was not possible as a definite site had not been agreed so the extra funding did not come to fruition.  In relation to the Festival Park site, he was aware that discussions were currently taking place regarding a possible change in ownership of the site, and a report would be submitted when more information was available.

A Member said Parc Bryn Bach would have been a more suitable site for the project and felt that this had not been adequately pursued.

Another Member felt it was time to consider other options, rather than ‘sitting’ on the money, and the Corporate Director confirmed that another option was being considered in the event that the Festival Park site does not materialise.

A discussion ensued when a Member asked whether it was intended to revisit the option for the project at Parc Bryn Bach.

The Corporate Director explained that one of the problems initially was the lack of ground required for the project.  Also the Leisure Trust did not see it as a financially viable project for them in terms of the extensive equipment required and the ongoing maintenance cost of the facility. 

CCTV Update

A Member asked whether the Police were able to access the Council’s CCTV system.

The Chief Officer Resources said they did not have access and when they require footage we download it and provide it to them.  However, access for the Police was being considered but it was a complex in terms of technology.

A Member requested that an update on CCTV be provided for a future meeting.

The Chair agreed that a report would be scheduled into the Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee’s Forward Work Programme.

Electric Vehicle Charge Points

In response to question raised by a Member regarding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6