Decision details

The report of the Director of Education, Skills, and Young People incorporating the Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) - Rolling Programme was presented for the Executive’s approval for submission to Welsh Government.

The report and SOP were presented by Councillor Dafydd Roberts, Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language for the Executive’s approval ahead of its submission to Welsh Government for the next phase of strategic infrastructure funding for the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, (formerly known as 21st Century Schools Programme). In November 2022 Welsh Government noted that it would be replacing the previous banded programme for capital investment in schools and colleges and moving to a regime of using a Strategic Outline Programme over 9 years. Under this regime, it is required to present a 9-year capital programme, including an indicative finance forecast for the 9 years to Welsh Government for consideration towards providing commitment and support for the first 3 years alongside support in principle for Years 4,5 and 6. Years 7 to 9 will reflect the Authority’s more long-term project pipeline. The SOP sets out the focus of this Authority’s 9-year rolling programme and details the proposed future schemes identified for investment over the course of the programme timeframe along with the estimated costs of the programme and funding impact.

It was resolved –

·      To approve the Strategic Outline Programme – Rolling Programme (SOP)

·      To authorise Officers to present the final version of the Strategic Outline Programme – Rolling Programme (SOP) to Welsh Government officials before the 31 March 2024 deadline.

·      That authority be delegated to the Director of Education, Skills and Young People in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Education and the Welsh Language, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Chief Executive, Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer and the Director of Function (Council Business)/Monitoring Officer to change the SOP if required, if the changes do not lead to substantial changes in terms of policy, principles, financial contribution, risk and harm to third party.