Purpose

Following a successful bidding round, ABC is a recipient of the Warm Homes Grant Fund. This will enable Local Authorities to support home improvements to improve energy efficiency and decarbonisation. This fits into our agenda to decarbonise through just and fair means and gives a route to eligible private home owners to receive grants to improve the comfort of their homes and reduce fuel poverty and increase access to renewables. The funds are from central government, but a scheme needs to be managed by officers and procurement undertaken to seek a delivery partner. The report seeks that the project be noted and endorse and that expenditure of this grant (£1.5m over 2.5 yrs) be approved, with delegated authority given for procurement of contracts to support delivery. NB no match funding required except officer administration time. Recommended approach is through a direct award from a framework, seeking a contractor who can work outside a strict turn-key model - enabling ABC to develop a bespoke approach.

Decision

Delivery of the project note and endorses and expenditure of the grant approved. Authority delegated to the Head of Policy and Performance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Sustainability to enter into contracts for Warm Homes Local Grant delivery. The Solicitor to the council and Monitoring Officer be authorised to negotiate, finalise and complete all necessary legal agreements and other documents to give effect to the above.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - In house delivery - requiring hire of 2 full time members of staff for administration and additional funds to seek services of PAS2035 accredited consultants.
Option 2 - Turnkey contract - less flexible service - reduces ancilliary budget and funding for ABC time.
Option 3 -Mini competition - reduces ability for lower tier contractors to apply. Lengthy
Option 4 - extensive interviews - bespoke specification to allow A and A budget to be held and managed by ABC with contractor delivering works. Additional contract management support (employers agent) can be obtained with this route providing additional and independent checks and balances.