Decisions

To secure Portfolio Holder approval to use Section 106 contributions held by the District Council for improvements to community sports facilities in Edwinstowe.

That Section 106 contribution of £57,732 secured through AG1180 and held by the District Council be used as a contribution to the installation of PV Solar Panels on the Edwinstowe Cricket Clubhouse and the erection of an artificial net facility at its ground at Forest Corner, Edwinstowe.

That the Council’s Capital Programme is increased by £57,732 funded by £53,882 Open Space Sports contribution and £3,850 Community Facilities contribution from Section 106 agreement AG1180.

This report is to present a business case for allocation of budget to facilitate an increase in the establishment of the Housing Maintenance Team to   provide adequate resources to respond effectively to the Awaabs Law, new damp, mould and disrepair regulations coming into force from October 2025.

For the Portfolio Holders and S.151 Officer to:

a)       Approve the allocation of £135,820 from the HRA Regulatory Compliance/Modernisation Reserve, as detailed in paragraph 7.1.8 of the report, to support an increase in establishment and associated running costs within the current financial year;

b)      Future ongoing costs will be incorporated into the base budget as part of the annual budget-setting process, to ensure continued delivery of the service in line with forthcoming Regulatory requirements;

c)       Approve the increase in the HRA Capital budget by up to £112,000 from the Major Repairs Reserve (MRR) to purchase 4x vehicles; and

d)      Note further regulation is expected in this area to expand on other hazards contained within the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment that may impact on resources.

To secure Portfolio Holder approval to utilise an additional capital grant awarded to the District Council through the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) Phase 2 Programme to enable the installation of pool cover at Dukeries Lesiure Centre to deliver energy and cost efficiency savings.

That the Portfolio Holder:

a)       agrees to utilise the capital grant of £32,203 awarded to progress the implementation of a pool cover at Dukeries Leisure Centre, Ollerton, and

b)       add a budget of up to £37,500 to the Council’s Capital programme, financed by the SPSF grant of £32,203 and £5,497 from Repairs & Renewals in order that the works can proceed.

The recommendations will contribute to the Council’s Community Plan 2023 – 2027 Ambition 6 – ‘Reduce the impact of climate change’.

To propose an Expression of Interest and application to the Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund for investment in new, energy efficient LED lighting for the Palace Theatre stage, to futureproof this historic, grade II listed venue and support improved sustainability in the long-term.

AGREED that

1.      The Portfolio Holder approves the proposal to submit an Expression of Interest in July and a full application in October to the Creative Foundations Fund should the EoI be successful;

2.      The Portfolio Holder approves a capital commitment in principle of between £50,000 and £80,000 (that being 10% of the total cost of the project, for which 5% minimum is required), dependant on the outcome of the application; and

3.      Should the application be successful, the Portfolio Holder will recommend an increase to the capital programme for the total cost of the project, estimated at between £500,000 and £800,000 including the NSDC contribution as detailed above to Cabinet for approval, together with formal approval for use of reserves for the Council’s capital commitment.