DERBY City Council spent £15m less than it had budgeted on long-term programmes and buildings during the last financial year.

The authority had budgeted for £86.1m of capital expenditure during 2009-10 but spent £71.1m.

That money will instead be added to this year's programme.

The authority said there were a number of reasons for the under-spending.

For instance, in the regeneration and community department, about £5m less was spent than was budgeted for.

The difference was put down to a range of factors, including delays to some transport programmes, which meant work did not start in that financial year.

In addition, £250,000 which was due to be spent on upgrading CCTV systems was delayed because of the need to make sure the equipment would work with proposed new IT equipment.

The original supplier also pulled out of the project, meaning the council is having to re-tender for the work.

The housing department also saw delays to some of its schemes, including £1.2m improvements to estates.

That was put back to this year to allow more consultation with residents about how the money should be spent.

The capital programme did deliver large schemes last year, however.

They included the completion of the first phase of the Castleward Boulevard scheme, which included the refurbishment of MIdland Place and Wellington Street.

Grant aid was also given to shop owners within the Friar Gate conservation area and Cathedral Quarter to make repairs and improvements to historic buildings.