Issue - meetings

Having disclosed an Other Significant Interest, Councillor Daley was not present when this item was discussed.

The Committee considered a reference from the Cabinet updating the position with regard to the review which had been undertaken of the Museum East Wing Extension project.  It was noted that various actions had been taken already to ensure good procurement, project and contractor management arrangements for the future and further actions would be taken in the light of lessons learned through the post event review and investigation.  The Cabinet had agreed that the additional cost of the scheme compared to the original cost plan should be funded from balances, and had put in place arrangements to redress the consequences of the project in terms of the opportunity cost for the wider capital programme.

In response to questions by Members the Officers confirmed that the robustness of the new project management arrangements could be tested through the Internal Audit process and that a specific requirement to demonstrate the availability of sufficient funding in advance of commencement of work on capital projects was introduced into the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2011/12.

The Committee noted the outcome of the review of the Museum East Wing Extension project and the actions taken/to be taken in the light of lessons learned, but sounded a note of caution as to the reliability and impact of the arrangements to redress the consequences of the project in terms of the opportunity cost for the wider capital programme.

RESOLVED:  That the outcome of the review of the Museum East Wing Extension project and the actions taken/to be taken in the light of lessons learned be noted, and that the Officers be requested to report back to the Committee in twelve months’ time with an update on the impact and success of the arrangements to redress the consequences of the project in terms of the opportunity cost for the wider capital programme.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations set out in the exempt report of the Chief Executive be approved.