The Head of Regeneration and Planning presented a report of the Acting Section 151 Officer that set out the financial monitoring information for this Committee. The report provided a basis for Members to scrutinise budget performance for the Directorate and provided financial information for Quarter 2 (July-September 2015) as reported to Cabinet on 5 November 2015.

The report informed of the following key points:

·  Environment and Regulation: Highway Maintenance - was the largest component of this part of the Capital Programme, and so far £3.3 million of the £3.9 million budget had been spent. Energy schemes (LED Street Lighting) - competitive tendering process has resulted in a contract saving of £1.074 million with the scheme being successful in securing an interest-free loan. Coast Protection - aids to Navigation scheme will now be completed during the 2016/17 financial year. In respect of West Kirby Flood Alleviation the business case has been submitted to the Environment Agency. Approval to commence the scheme was awaited and anticipated to be primarily in 2016/17.

·  Housing: In order to allow people with disabilities to live more independently, Aids and Adaptations and Grants continue to be approved and the budget was committed. Incurring of the budget spend was determined by the grant applicant which meant that there would invariably be works approved remaining uncompleted during the year. The clearance programme involved complex legal processes and with potential Compulsory Purchase Orders, public enquiries and business relocations could impact on the delivery of the programme.

• Regeneration - Regional Growth Fund. Additional grant will be received to match the expenditure relating to this particular regeneration activity. Nearly £5 million has been provided from this and other growth funds to provide investment and assist with the regeneration and development of local businesses.

Members noted the summary figures as below:

Capital Programme 2015/16 at end of Quarter 2 (30 September)

Note: revisions reflect re-profiling of schemes from 2014/15 plus additional grant funding

Discussion took place regarding the proposed Hamilton Square Accessibility Improvements and historic links with previous spending on projects in the Square. Members debated the merits and their concerns regarding proposals to revitalise the area, noting the need to link the Square and other plans to improve and integrate Birkenhead Town Centre linking with local bus routes, and the Mersey Tunnel. Members noted that the proposal formed part of proposals within the Wirral 2020 Plan / Culture Strategy, to animate the Wirral Waterfront and develop Wirral’s culture, tourism and heritage.

Members agreed that Birkenhead Town and its immediate environs were of strategic importance to Wirral and that they would welcome a more in-depth look at the work that was going on in this area by the Committee. The specific way in which this was best done would be discussed and agreed between the Party Spokespersons and the Head of Regeneration and Planning.

Resolved: That

1)  the contents of the report be noted; and

2)  Members should look in more detail at the various initiatives taking place in and around Birkenhead Town Centre. The best way of doing this to be agreed between the Party Spokespersons and the Head of regeneration and Planning.