To agree the proposed programme of works as set out in appendix A and appendix B, incorporates a series of planned project works to enable Council to deliver on its obligations to maintain buildings fit for purpose utilising £3,707k capital budget subject to approval at council budget meeting of 10 February 2023.

That:

a) To approve the implementation recommendation of full Council by Property Services with regards the estates capital building improvement programme 2023/25 as set out in appendix A and B at a combined total cost of not more than £3,707k; and

b) the director for resources and assurance be authorised to take all operational decisions to deliver the projects detailed in the appendices and to spend within the approved overall budget of £3,707k and income to fund the works received.

1. A lack or no investment in the council’s property portfolio through expenditure on a programme of capital improvement work on its property assets would result in both degrade and a depreciation in those assets which will have a negative bearing on the condition of the estate and fail to protect the value of the council’s property assets.

2. A lack of investment in capital work to the council’s estate assets would ultimately lead to their deterioration which will eventually make the assets no longer fit for their intended purpose. In turn this will have an impact on any services located in such properties, to the extent that they may have to be closed and service delivery would be severely impacted.

3. The absence of capital investment through improvement works to buildings that are leased by the council would render those properties unlettable because they are either non-compliant or are not fit for occupation which will result in a subsequent loss of revenue to the council and potential breach of statutory and legal obligations.

4. Not investing capital on Council’s assets means that the Council will not be able to improve them or their components and apply new or updated strategies and policies of the Council such as strategic asset planning and low carbon management.

5. Deferring the capital investment will merely lead to further deterioration of estate assets which in turn is likely to mean that investment costs will increase over time in line with inflation i.e. building and labour costs. The required improvement works have been assessed and prioritised based upon select criteria which covers health & safely, operational need/impact and lifecycle/value. Investment is therefore targeted and spent on the assets requiring work rather than other property assets that are considered less eligible.