Decision details

To release the necessary funds to allow the programme of works at maintained schools to proceed.

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of People (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the release of capital funding for the schools’ summer works programme 2022; devolved formula capital to maintained schools; and Section 106 funding for Heighington Primary, Hurworth Primary and Hurworth Secondary School capital works.

The submitted report stated that the Department for Education (DfE) had allocated £169,396 of School Condition funding for 2021/22 to address capital maintenance needs across the Borough’s five maintained schools; the annual summer works programme for 2022 had been compiled using the information from local authority commissioned surveys covering building condition and electrical and mechanical services; that a list of the highest priority works had been developed in conjunction with Building Services; and that the DfE had also allocated £43,141 of Devolved Formula Capital (DVA) to Darlington maintained schools for 2021/22 to help support ongoing capital needs.  Particular reference was also made to the release of Section 106 funding to improve education provision in Heighington and to enhance education facilities in Hurworth Primary and Secondary schools.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the DfE School Condition Allocation of £169,396, be released, to support the 2022 maintained schools’ summer works programme, and that the Group Director of People, be given delegated responsibility to approve individual schemes.

(b)  That the 2021/22 DfE Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) of £43,141, be released.

(c)  That the Section 106 funding of £156,515 from Bellway Homes and £133,533 from Kew Land Limited, be released, to improve the education provision in the village of Heighington.

(d)  That the Section 106 funding of £106,666 from Bellway Homes and £193,985 from Miller Homes, be released, to enhance educational facilities in Hurworth Primary and Secondary Schools.

REASONS – (a) The release of the funds would enable capital investment to be undertaken in the areas identified with the greatest need, in terms of asset management priorities.

(b)  Detailed planning to identify priorities had been undertaken which ensured effective use of all investment.