To consider the Scrutiny Capital Programme Review Report.

1.  That delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to respond to the recommendations of the Corporate Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee by way of a Scrutiny Recommendation, Action and Implementation Plan (“SCRAIP”).

2.  That the recommendations to delegate authority to the Property and Procurement Manager be amended to the Head of Finance and Resources.

At the meeting of the Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 May 2012, Members resolved to conduct a review of the Capital Programme.

The Committee developed the terms of reference for the review at its meeting on 12 June 2012 and appointed members to the Capital Programme Working Group.

Its starting point was to establish what the Council’s policy was for developing a Capital Programme and how it contributes to delivering on the outcomes of its strategic priorities: For Maidstone to have a growing economy; For Maidstone to be a decent place to live; andCorporate and Customer Excellence.

The Working Group sought to establish a means by which the Council could continue to deliver an ambitious Capital Programme, exploring borrowing options and innovative ways of utilising the Council’s available finances and assets.

The Working Group’s investigations naturally progressed to considering the Council’s involvement in development which contribute to and promote economic growth.  These included Woking Borough Council’s ventures as Woking Borough Homes Ltd and Wolsley Place Shopping Centre.  The Trafford Centre and Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre were also evaluated.

Members of the Working Group conducted a wide range of desktop research and explored the concept of land assembly and acquisition in relationship to Maidstone so that they could establish whether or not Maidstone Borough Council should have a future role in shaping Maidstone. An expert witness was identified for this purpose from Smiths Gore.

Having considered the evidence, the Committee approved a wide range of recommendations that will enable transparency, continuity and forward planning in the Council’s Capital Programme.  There is a definite focus on making efficient and effective use of the Council’s and Maidstone’s assets which includes land and property and the knowledge and innovation of both staff and residents.  The recommendations in this report embody a sense of belonging and community that will help shape the future of Maidstone with the people of Maidstone for the people of Maidstone.

The Committee’s long term commitment to engaging fully with the Council’s medium term financial strategy in order to continue to make tangible financial recommendations as part of its remit, is reflected in the recommendations made.

The Cabinet considered the Capital Programme Review Report and were supportive of the recommendations made.  It was recommended by Officers that the various recommended delegations to the Property and Procurement Manager should be amended to the Head of Finance and Resources.

The Cabinet could decide not to endorse any of the recommendations within the Capital Programme report, however the recommendations are based on evidence from a range of sources and support the Council’s objectives with regard to ensuring “effective, cost effective services are delivered across the borough”.