Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services advising of the overspend on the Bankside Primary School capital scheme, seeking authority to spend £1,593,000, outlining the key issues that the project encountered and providing assurances on the improvements which have been made to prevent re-occurrence of the issues which led to the overspend on, and delay of the project.

Further to Minute No. 41, 18^th July 2012, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which provided details of the overspend which had occurred on the Bankside Primary School capital scheme, sought authority to spend £1,593,000, outlined the key issues that the project had encountered and which provided assurances on the improvements which had been made to prevent a re-occurrence of the issues which led to the overspend on, and delay of the project.

The Board emphasised the need to ensure that the necessary lessons were learned from the situation detailed within the submitted report. In addition, it was highlighted that a more cohesive approach between directorates was required and in respect of future Design and Cost Reports relating to similar developments, it was noted that such reports would not be submitted to Executive Board until design freeze and costs were understood, so that Members were in possession of all relevant facts when determining such matters.

Having regard to the involvement of internal audit in this matter, it was suggested that consideration was given to the future role of internal audit in relation to such projects.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the submitted report, which provides details of the issues that contributed to the overspend of £1,593,000, be noted.

(b)  That authority to spend £1,593,000 be approved.