URL: https://wokingham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1593

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To inform members of the capital programme outturn for 2025/2026, seek approval for the relevant budget carry forwards and demonstrate effective and safe use of our resources to deliver service improvements and service continuity through capital investments.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive: 1) noted the outturn position of the capital programme for 2025/26 as summarised in the report below and set out in detail in appendix A. 2) approved and noted the proposed carry forwards in the capital programme as set out in Appendix B. 3) noted and approved the following budget adjustments to the capital programme which include; a) An additional £11,607 capital budget in 2025/26 towards classroom, toilet & corridor improvements at Robert Piggott Infant School. This additional budget requirement is funded from a donation received to the Council. b) An additional capital budget of £3,176,775 for works associated with the diversion of water mains at Winnersh Triangle Park & Ride. The budget is funded in full, from a third party contribution covering £310,120 spend in 2025/26 and the remainder in 2026/27. c) A number of planned projects funded via revenue budgets however under accounting rules require them to be treated as capital expenditure in the 2025/26 financial year. All spend is fully funded. These include; i. A capital budget of £20,350 for the purchase of a woodchipper at Dinton Pastures. The budget is funded by a revenue contribution to capital. ii. A capital budget of £11,775 for the purchase of a commercial dishwasher at Dinton Pastures. The budget is funded by a revenue contribution to capital. iii. A capital budget of £15,585 for the purchase of a commercial latex printer. The budget is funded by a revenue contribution to capital. iv. A capital budget of £223,166 for the replacement of 3G pitch at Arborfield Green Leisure Centre. The additional budget is funded by an earmarked sinking fund reserve. v. A capital budget of £7,807 for Adult Social Care - Maintenance & Refurbishment works at Adult Care centres. The additional budget is a top up to an existing capital budget and is funded by a revenue contribution to capital. Total capital works £35,931. d) An additional £79,000 capital budget for 2026/27 for the delivery of inclusion focused equipment and adaptations in mainstream schools. The additional budget will be fully funded from a ringfenced grant the Council have received called Afghan Resettlement Programme – Integration support. e) An additional £80,000 capital budget for 2026/27 funded from Barkham Parish Council, covering a £30,000 contribution to cover the full cost of delivering a new bus shelter at the Bull bus stop and a £50,000 contribution to a new pedestrian crossing on Biggs Lane. Both contributions are subject to final legal agreements being signed. f) An additional capital budget of £352,921 in 2026/27 for Disabled Facilities Grant. This is funded in full, from additional ringfenced grant received of £93,862 in 2025/26, plus an additional £259,059 confirmed for 2026/27 (total grant award for 2026/27 is £1,334,715). The additional budget will be used to carry out changes to people’s homes to allow them to continue living in their residence. g) An additional capital budget of £12,000 in 2026/27 for Beach works at Dinton Activity Centre. Works include a floating walkway, fencing and beach works. The budget is funding by a ringfence grant from the Paddle Trust and use of earmarked reserves. h) An additional capital budget of £50,000 in 2026/27 funded by Wokingham Town Council as a contribution to the Reading Road Active Travel works at Woosehill Roundabout. Total works estimated at c£770,000. i)  An additional capital budget of £83,167 in 2026/27 for a pool water recovery system at Loddon Leisure Centre. The budget is fully funded by a ringfenced grant from Sports England swimming pool support fund grant. j) Subject to grant confirmation, an additional capital budget of £125,000 in 2026/27 for the Carbon Reduction works in the Housing Revenue Account. The budget is for works to Council properties to convert houses to a low carbon heated home. The budget is a further allocation of a ringfenced grant. The Council will match the grant award within existing approved capital budgets. 4) Noted and approved a capital budget of £3,150,000 for the acquisition and works for six homes for use as temporary accommodation and housing for families as part of the Afghan Resettlement Programme. The capital budget will be funded from 230 grant, developer contributions and HRA borrowing. Delegation for the acquisition of properties will be given to the Director of Resources and Assets and the Director of Childrens, Adults, Housing and Health Services in consultation with the Executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan.

Date of Decision: June 25, 2026