Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 24, 2026

Purpose: The report provides Members with an overview of the forecast financial position of the Council for 2025-26

Content: Resolved –   That the Executive:   (1)           Noted the current forecast positions and supported the     continued management of the Council’s budgets.   (2)           Approved the following new capital expenditure schemes as outlined in section 10.6 to Document “BC”, namely:   Sir Henry Mitchell House (SHMH) Building Improvements - £0.649m: Building improvements required at SHMH, the corporate headquarters and designated building for most Bradford Children and Families Trust (BCFT) staff.  The improvements will create a more suitable working environment, including additional space for meetings and conferences which are lacking in the existing building configuration.  The cost of the works will be funded from contingency budgets.   Swimming Pool Infrastructure Renewal - £0.636m: Capital works at four of the Councils swimming pools: Eccleshill Pool, Ilkley Pool & Lido, Shipley Pool, and Bowling Pool.  The extent of the proposed works to maintain these pools varies across the four sites, with the most substantive items of expenditure including the removal and replacement of filter vessels, grouting of the swimming pools, inlet pipe replacement (Ilkley Pool & Lido), balance tank repairs (Bowling Pool) and the supply and fitting of UPVC windows and socket trunking (Eccleshill Pool).   Family Hubs Start for Life Programme - £0.136m: A series of projects to support the transformation of family hubs to meet the needs of families across the district and reach the most vulnerable communities.  The programme comprises projects at Shipley Library Garden, Barkerend Birth Registration & Sensory Room, Farcliffe Sensory Garden, Reevy Sensory Room, and the addition of a second portacabin at Thornaby Hub, Clayton.  The work will be entirely funded by ring-fenced grant from the Department for Education.   Group Fitness Exercise Bikes – £0.060m: The purchase of 57 commercial-standard exercise bikes for use across three Council-owned sport and leisure facilities: Thornton Recreation Centre, Eccleshill Pool, and Sedbergh Sports and Leisure Centre. The bikes will replace existing units that, primarily due to their age no longer meet the required standards.  The proposal will be funded through borrowing, with repayments made via annual revenue contributions from existing budgets.          Haworth Road Play Area Outdoor Gym – £0.055m: The provision of an outdoor gym at Haworth Road Play Area.  Funding for the project will comprise a combination of external grant funding (£0.031m) and Community Infrastructure Levy (£0.024m).   Shearbridge Depot Workshop Extraction System – £0.050m: A new workshop extraction system at Shearbridge Depot to replace an existing system which is no longer at the required standard.  The acquisition will be met from contingency budgets.   Bowling Back Lane Transfer Station Weighbridge – £0.042m: A new weighbridge at Bowling Back Lane Transfer Station to allow for the weighing in and out of waste and recyclables.  The current weighbridge is at risk of failure and has been deemed to be beyond economic repair.  The acquisition will be met from contingency budgets.   Bolling Hall Museum Wheelchair Lift – £0.018m: The installation of a wheelchair lift at Bolling Hall Museum, to enable full step free access to the lower floors of the premises for visitors with mobility impairments.  The cost of the works will be met from contingency budgets.   Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grants - £0.105m: Adaptations to 3 carers homes to enable children with disabilities supported by the Bradford Children’s and Families Trust to continue to be supported in their own homes.   (3)           Noted the following capital expenditure be approved under           Section 5.31 of the Financial Regulations, as outlined in   section         10.7 to Document “BC”:   Infrastructure Works Bodies of Water - £0.150m: Works to manage water levels.   To be actioned by:  Strategic Director of Corporate Resources/s151   Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate                     (Matthew Cooper)