Agenda item

To receive the report of the Principal Accountant (& Deputy S151 Officer).

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations be approved, and recommended to Full Council:

a)    The Capital Programme is updated to include four new projects:

·         Generator for Server Room - £33k

·         Appledore Fish dock Energy Saving Works - £140k

·         TDC Energy Saving Works - £200k

·         Building Control – New Back-office System – Dataspace - £77k

b)    Increase the vehicle programme by an additional £2k per light van to support the transition to electric vehicles.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Principal Accountant (& Deputy S151 Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider, formulate and recommend updates to the Capital Programme 2026/27 to Full Council.

The Capital Programme includes new PIDs (Project Initiation Documents) which require authorisation from Members before inclusion.

In the absence of the Head of Communities & Place, the Head of Legal & Governance (& Monitoring Officer) strongly advocated for the Building Control System PID, highlighting that the current system is unfit for purpose, unmaintained, and poses significant risks. The department cannot wait for LGR implementation (potentially two years away). The new system would offer a much-improved client experience (self-service portal), align with new regulations, and facilitate Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting. As the PID had scored passed the threshold it should warrant member decision.

Also supporting the Building Control PID, Councillor R Lock argued that LGR should not delay the project, as implementation could take years. The new bespoke system would allow Torridge District Council to pioneer its use. The existing IDOC system is 22 years old, costly to maintain, and not fully compliant with building safety regulations.

It was confirmed that to increase the vehicle programme by £2,000 per light vehicle was sufficient.

In response to support from Councillor C Leather, Councillor R Lock proposed to add the Building Control PID to the Capital programme which Councillor C Leather seconded.

Responding to queries, the Building Control Manager confirmed that the system could be implemented fairly quickly, within two to three months of approval, as part of the data transfer is already in place from the existing application portal and highlighted the risks associated with not proceeding. Implementing the new system would mitigate those risks.

Whilst supporting the need for the Building Control PID, Councillor K James moved the recommendations in the report and proposed to include the Building Control PID. This was seconded by Councillor C Leather.

Following a question regarding potential future constraints from LGR, specifically if other merging councils would have different systems. The Chief Executive clarified that government announcements on LGR are expected before summer recess (June/July), with implementation by April 2028. Most services are expected to continue beyond this date until alignment processes are complete, suggesting a minimum of three years' longevity for the new system.

It was confirmed that there is approximately £1 million surplus in the capital programme, providing room to accommodate the cost of the Building Control System PID.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by Councillor C Leather and –

RESOLVED:

That it be recommended to Full Council:

a)    The Capital Programme is updated to include four new projects:

·         Generator for Server Room - £33k

·         Appledore Fish dock Energy Saving Works - £140k

·         TDC Energy Saving Works - £200k

·         Building Control – New Back-office System – Dataspace - £77k

b)    Increase the vehicle programme by an additional £2k per light van to support the transition to electric vehicles.

(Vote: For – unanimous)