DECISION

1.    Approve the Parks and Open Spaces Capital Programme and the allocation of Capital funding from s106. The estimated amount requested is £5,246,000 (including £627,000 reallocation of budget provision within the existing programme) and is subject to funding being confirmed through the Capital Governance Process.

2.    Authorise the Corporate Director of Communities, after consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources (or their nominee) to agree and enter into the terms and conditions of any agreements required to implement the programme.

3.    That a review is undertaken by the Parks Service that identifies any additional council play equipment that should be renewed or replaced on health and safety grounds, setting recommended dates for such action.

4.    That a report is brought back to the Mayor in Cabinet by the Corporate Director of Communities at the earliest opportunity identifying any such play equipment along with the costs of renewal and forming part of a structured, risk-based renewal and replacement rolling plan that ensures that health and safety risks in relation to children's play equipment is properly mitigated in a planned way going forward.

5.    To note the health and safety consideration in Paragraph 3.10 of the report and risk management section in 5.5 of the report.

6.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITIES (R. MISTRY)

Head of Arts, Parks and Events (C. Boyd)

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation introduced the report that sought approval of capital funding to support priority capital investment projects for parks and open spaces, including some housing estate sites.  Councillor Hossain explained that investment would enable the Parks Service to improve parks and open spaces, existing outdoor sporting facilities (and provide some new facilities) and enable playgrounds at a number of sites to be upgraded and have a minimum of 50% accessible play equipment.

Cabinet members welcomed the report and proposals, in particular noting:

·         That open spaces play a vital key role in supporting and wellbeing of residents across all ages and genders.

·         The investment would help to address a lack of adequate sporting facilities for young people in the borough.

·         Similar investment in other areas of the borough, especially Island of Dogs, would be welcome.

The Mayor welcomed the report and proposals and wished to stress that he was aware of the importance of Health and Safety in respect to any decision made in relation to children's play equipment. He indicated he understood that no inspection regime, however good, is infallible. Accordingly, the Mayor made an addition instruction that a review is undertaken identifying any additional council play equipment that should be renewed or replaced on health and safety grounds and setting recommended dates for such action.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1. Approves the Parks and Open Spaces Capital Programme and the allocation of Capital funding from s106. The estimated amount requested is £5,246,000 (including £627,000 reallocation of budget provision within the existing programme) and is subject to funding being confirmed through the Capital Governance Process.

2. Authorise the Corporate Director of Communities, after consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources (or their nominee) to agree and enter into the terms and conditions of any agreements required to implement the programme.

3. That a review is undertaken by the Parks Service that identifies any additional council play equipment that should be renewed or replaced on health and safety grounds, setting recommended dates for such action.

4. That a report is brought back to the Mayor in Cabinet by the Corporate Director of Communities at the earliest opportunity identifying any such play equipment along with the costs of renewal and forming part of a structured, risk-based renewal and replacement rolling plan that ensures that health and safety risks in relation to children's play equipment is properly mitigated in a planned way going forward.

5. To note the health and safety consideration in Paragraph 3.10 of the report and risk management section in 5.5 of the report.

6. To note the Equalities Impact Assessment considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.