Agenda item

(a)  That the principle of investment of Basic Need capital grant in East Berkshire College to create a new Higher Education facility in Slough and attract £1m from the TVBLEP be approved;

(b)  That the Strategic Director for Regeneration, Housing and Resources be given delegated authority, following consultation with the S151 officer, Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education and Children to explore the proposal further and, if agreed finalise the terms and values within the bid, with the investment by Slough capped at £2m; and

(c)  That the principle of an appropriate adjustment to the capital programme be recommended to Council.

The Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to the principle of investment of Basic Need capital grant in East Berkshire College to create a new higher education facility in Slough and attract £1m from Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP).

Commissioners were advised that there was a change to recommendation (b) with delegated authority to explore the proposal, and if appropriate finalise terms, to the Strategic Director, Regeneration, Housing & Resources, not the Chief Executive as had been stated in the report.

An opportunity had arisen to attract £1m funding from TVBLEP skills capital funding to create a Slough Institute for Higher Education (SIHE) at the Langley Campus of East Berkshire College.  The terms of the grant required match funding and in principle approval was sought to make this available and provide much needed higher education in the borough.  The financial implications and risks of using Basic Need funding for these purposed were noted.  Commissioners supported the principle of enhancing HE provision in the Slough and agreed that the opportunities should be explored.  The project was part of a wider £31m investment programme at the College which included more FE places, including for Learners with Difficulties and Disabilities, and 200 places for pupils aged between 14-16 in partnership with local schools.  Through the proposed investment SIHE aimed to double 185 HE places taken up by Slough residents and also intended to increase partnership working with local schools, promote employability and foster business innovation. 

After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed the investment in principle and gave the necessary delegations to explore and finalise terms if appropriate.  The principle of adjusting the Capital Programme would also be recommended to full Council on 21^st July 2015.

Resolved –

(a)  That the principle of investment of Basic Need capital grant in East Berkshire College to create a new Higher Education facility in Slough and attract £1m from the TVBLEP be approved;

(b)  That the Strategic Director for Regeneration, Housing and Resources be given delegated authority, following consultation with the S151 officer, Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education and Children to explore the proposal further and, if agreed finalise the terms and values within the bid, with the investment by Slough capped at £2m; and

Recommended –

(c)  That the principle of an appropriate adjustment to the capital programme be recommended to Council.