Plans to invest nearly £3.5 million in Portsmouth’s community and civic assets are being hailed as helping to futureproof the city ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.
Portsmouth City Council will vote on its annual budget in February, with proposals from the council’s administration set to include a wide range of investment aimed at ensuring the city is in the strongest possible position for the future.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the council, said: “This could be one of our last budgets before Local Government Reorganisation establishes a new council covering a much larger area than Portsmouth. That council is likely to inherit a very challenging financial situation from Hampshire County Council, so we want to make sure that money is invested in things that are important to Portsmouth residents while we still can.
“Our capital budget plans are aimed at making sure we keep the things Portsmouth communities rely on and take pride in, and they are in the best possible condition as a future council may not have the money available, nor the same Portsmouth-centric focus to invest in them.”
The proposals form part of the council’s capital budget, which is used for major one-off projects and statutory improvements. Capital funding cannot be used to support the ongoing delivery of council services, such as pressures linked to temporary accommodation or social care.
If approved, the investment programme would support a wide range of facilities across the city. Plans include funding for cultural venues such as Cumberland House Museum and the Kings Theatre regeneration scheme, alongside community facilities including the Somerstown Hub. Major tourist attractions such as the D-Day Story and Spinnaker Tower are also included, along with enterprise centres that support hundreds of local businesses.
Funding is also earmarked for much-loved public spaces, including the Guildhall Cenotaph, Southsea Rose Gardens and playparks across Portsmouth.
The budget proposals will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on 2 February. If accepted, they will then be debated at a Full Council meeting on 24 February, where a final decision will be made.
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