Cabinet received a report of the Director of Corporate Resources setting out the end of year financial position 2017/18.
The report was introduced with particular reference to the key points set out in the executive summary, including the departmental position, the levels of contingency and resources for winter maintenance.
The report was welcomed, especially the additional £7 million available for social care. Road maintenance was also highlighted and the benefits of “Dragon Patcher” machines explained. Cabinet expressed their commitment to Hampshire roads being in the best possible condition in particular in light of the damage caused by severe winter weather. It was noted that £3 million was being made available from the Government for highway repairs following winter weather damage and that the report proposed adding £2 million to this. It was proposed and agreed that a further £1 million be added in order to match Government funding and make a total of £6 million available to purchase two Dragon Patcher machines and fund their operation. Cabinet heard that this was in addition to around £10 million being spent on highways through Operation Resilience and the general maintenance budget.
With an amendment to reflect the additional money for highway maintenance, the recommendations in the report were proposed and agreed. The decision record is attached.