Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1) for the PSDS 3b project (RAMM & Riverside) not proceed any further, following consideration of the outcomes of the Year 1 exploration, design, and pricing stages; and

(2) for Officers to allocate time to progress matters in preparation for future funding opportunities to secure monies required to decarbonise both sites.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which summarised the outcome of the work undertaken to date in exploring the implementation of decarbonisation measures at Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and the Riverside Leisure Centre. This was funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme 3b grant from central government. The report also requested that due to challenges at both sites and the immovable grant funding spend deadline, that the project presented too much risk to the council to proceed.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the sites had the highest carbon emissions across the Council's corporate estate;

·         the grant had commenced in March 2023 for a two-year period, with the first year focussed on feasibility and design to explore heat decarbonisation measures;

·         the outcome of the first years’ work had identified significant challenges in delivering within the time frame, budget and quality parameters required at both sites. These challenges could not be overcome and sufficient progress was made in the remainder of this financial year to meet requirements of the grant;

·         the project ultimately presented a large risk, exposing the Council to unacceptable levels of uncertainty and financial risk;

·         the money spent to date had not been wasted and both sites remained a high priority and the Council had extensive feasibility and technical design information which could be built on; and

·         the Council was in a strong position for future grant funding and further Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme applications, with an expected funding announcement in late autumn.

Cllrs Mitchell and Moore as opposition group leaders spoke on the item and raised a number of points and questions, which were responded to by the Leader, further in this minute.

Councillor Jobson as an opposition group leader had submitted questions prior to the meeting which were responded and are supplemented to the minutes.

The Leader spoke on this item and in responding to questions and questions raised, made the following points:-

·         this was a resolved matter for the Executive approve;

·         the total costs incurred to date by the Council were £638,643.93 and the total grant money paid was  £465,701.55, which left an outstanding balance of £172,942.38 which would be paid to the Council on 16 October 2024 leaving zero cost to the Council;

·         officers had been managing the project to try and complete the work on time but it was not possible and Executive Members had not been contacted by contractors;

·         he was satisfied with the information provided from Officers on this matter and that the project couldn’t be completed on time;

·         the Riverside work was 11 weeks late from the original deadline for the submission and there was a lack of detail provided to the Council including contractual conditions and risk allocation;

·         the proposed recommendations would prevent the Council from inheriting a large cost;

·         no Council money had been spent, other than what had been retained from the government grant and the allocated £871,000 had not been spent and remained in the budget; and

·         thanks were given to the officers for their hard work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106