Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 18, 2025

Purpose: This report is the pre procurement report for the Department of Education (DfE) Capital condition programme.   Every year the council receive grant funding from the (DfE) to carry out condition works to the council’s maintained school`s. This work consist of various mechanical, electrical and building works.  Most of these are to upgrade existing buildings, including rewiring, boiler replacements, heating and water pipework replacement, roof replacements, window replacements, external structural works and playground reconstruction   A proposed programme of works has been identified for 2026/2027 plus provisional programmes for the subsequent two years. This can assist schools with an indication of when projects may take place, subject to the level of funding that may be available at that time. The programme may change depending on the financial allocation we receive from the DfE and if other urgent works at a school are identified.   

Content: For the reasons set out in this report and its appendices, Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  To the procurement of the proposed capital condition projects to be funded from existing unallocated DfE School Condition allocations, as identified in Appendix 1 to an aggregate investment of £2.4m. ii)  To the procurement of the proposed capital condition programme for projects funded from the DfE 2026/2027 School Condition allocation also identified in Appendix 1 up to an aggregate investment of £4.0million. iii)  To agree the contingency sum of £320K listed in the appendix, together with any remaining contingencies from earlier years are included as a general contingency for the whole programme. Where this is not required for the agreed programme it is to be used for further projects identified and approved under the scheme of delegation. iv)  To delegate authority to the Director of Property in consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources (s.151 and Chief Finance Officer) to extend the scope of the programme in the event the Council receives an allocation of capital funding from the DfE in 2026/27 excess of £4m, subject to the total costs not exceeding the level of DfE funding. v)  To delegate authority to the Director of Property to vary the scope of individual projects and to substitute projects in response to changes in priorities, extensions, or variations, to be limited to the total amount of the overall budget for the programme. vi)  To approve the re-procurement of the school’s programme for 26/27 and during that process to undertake pre-procurement supplier market engagement to enable the development of a sustainable procurement strategy for the future. This may include establishing an Open Framework or similar Commercial Agreement for minor works category for all Council services to use. This will provide a secure supply chain, best value and quicker route to market for all property services going forward.   vii)  To note that a further report will be presented to Cabinet to confirm the DfE 2026/2027 School Condition allocation.     Alternatives considered   a)  The projects identified in this report are those considered as being of a priority due to age and or potential failure that could impact on educational delivery at a school or have Health and Safety implications. Therefore, there is no real alternative other than replace the particular building element which has effectively reached the end of life. b)  The DfE funding is specifically provided for LAs to undertake a regular programme of capital planned condition works each year to maintain and enhance the facility and contribute to the educational achievements obtained.