Councillor Janette Williamson introduced a report, which provided an update on the progress in delivering the Capital Programme 2017/18 as at the end of September 2017. It recommended that Cabinet agree an amended 2017/18 Capital Programme of £67.5 million which took into account re-profiling, new bids, revised grants etc. identified since the quarter 1 monitoring report.  Expenditure to date was £13.7 million.

Councillor Williamson informed the Cabinet of the five new bids which were in the Capital Programme:

·  Cyber security - £1.562m

·  Street Lighting - £0.5m

·  Eureka Project - £0.308m

·  Thermal pool covers - £0.15m

·  Collaborative working for Children’s Services - £0.102m

Councillor Stuart Whittingham welcomed the extra investment in street lighting on top of the previously agreed sum of £0.5m from the March Budget. Street lighting continued to be a concern to Members and the public and this extra investment would allow the Council to undertake more replacement of stock.

Councillor Phil Davies welcomed the financial assistance for the Eureka project which would be a fantastic development at Seacombe Ferry if it could be brought to Wirral, and which could bring 250,000 visitors each year. The Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, was also very keen on securing this project for Seacombe. There was a lot of work still to be undertaken on this project.

RESOLVED: That -

(1)  the expenditure at Quarter 2 of £13.7 million, with 50% of the financial year having elapsed, be noted;

(2)  the inclusion in the programme of the 5 new bids, at an additional capital cost of £2.6 million, be approved and referred to Council;

(3)  the revised Capital Programme of £67.5 million be agreed and referred to Council.