Issue - meetings

Members considered a report requesting an increase in funding for the upgrade to lighting and communications systems at the Trinity Arts Centre.

£60,000 had previously been approved in November at the Corporate Policy and Resources committee for health and safety investments at the Trinity Arts Centre.  Following market testing, it had been identified that an additional £20,000 was required for lighting from the £500,000 capital budget allocated to the Trinity Arts Centre.

Following this introduction, Members provided comment, and asked questions on the report.  Further information was provided:

·         There was an able manager at the Trinity Arts Centre, which was in the process of improving.  This should be considered an investment;

·         The increase from the original figure of £60,000 was attributed to receiving quotations in excess of the original estimate.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to go to procurement without first getting the approval to spend.

The estimates were originally in the Business Plan for 2019-2024, but new estimates had flagged up that the budget of £60,000 would not be enough;

·         In future, more robust estimates should be gathered;

·         There were a number of risks at Trinity Arts Centre; one of these was a mechanical risk due to the requirement of using ladders.

At the end of discussions, the Chairman moved an amendment to the written recommendation; the written recommendations had previously been moved and seconded.  The amendment was accepted by committee, and therefore it was RESOLVED to:

Agree increased funding of up to £20,000 (with a margin of 10%) in order that the upgrade to lighting and communications systems at the Trinity Arts Centre may be carried out.