Decision

The Cabinet has decided to approve spending for kitchen refurbishment, structural restoration works, and broadband top up vouchers.

Analysis

outcome: The spending for all three projects was approved by the Cabinet.

summary: The decision involves approving spending for kitchen refurbishment at Hartford Bridge Traveller Site, structural restoration works at Woodhorn Heapstead, and broadband top up vouchers.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve spending for kitchen refurbishment, structural restoration works, and broadband top up vouchers.

reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to the allocation of funds for these projects and potential impact on other budget areas.

affected_stakeholders: ["Travellers at Hartford Bridge", "Residents near Woodhorn Heapstead", "Broadband users receiving top up vouchers"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=387

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report summarises proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the Capital Strategy Group on 29 July 2025.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   Hartford Bridge Traveller Site Kitchen Refurbishment 1)    Cabinet approve the spend of £0.029 million in 2025-26 to replace 6 kitchens at Hartford Bridge Travellers Site. This spend will be funded by the Council from the existing Hartford Kitchen project in the capital programme.   Woodhorn Structural Works 2)    Cabinet approve the additional spend of £1.456 million for the Woodhorn Heapstead 1 and 2 structural restoration works. This will increase the overall project costs from £1.298 million to £2.754 million as profiled in table 7.10. This additional spend will be funded from external funding of £0.973 million and Council funding of £0.483 million which will be reallocated from the existing Property Stewardship Fund project in the capital programme. 3)    Cabinet approve the amendment to the capital programme to reallocate £0.483 million from the Property Stewardship Fund project to the Woodhorn Heapstead project as profiled in table 7.10. 4)    Cabinet approve the amendment to the capital programme to include £0.973 million of external funding in the Woodhorn Heapstead project as profiled in table 7.10. 5)    Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Place and Regeneration to enter into a construction contract up to the value of £2.505 million for the structural restoration works and scaffolding for the Heapsteads at Woodhorn Museum.   Gainshare Top Up Vouchers 6)    Cabinet approve the additional spend of £2.000 million (£0.556 million in 2025-26 and £1.444 million in 2026-27) for broadband top up vouchers. This will increase the overall project costs from £1.500 million to £3.500 million. This additional spend will be externally funded from BDUK Gainshare funds. 7) Cabinet approve the amendment to the capital programme for the Community Broadband - Top Up Vouchers project to match the profiling in table 8.14.

Date of Decision: September 3, 2025