Purpose

To request approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero for the Heat Network Efficiency Fund.

Decision

That the Director of Environment and Leisure:

i)                 Approves the Council entering into a grant agreement with the Department for Energy and Security and Net Zero for the Heat Network Efficiency Fund in the sum of £408,745.

Reasons for the decision

The Council has been successful in its application to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Heat Network Efficiency Fund. In order to receive grant funding, the Council is required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Alternative options considered

Officers have considered whether the package of improvement measures to the currently existing communal heat network at Granville Road can be achieved using the Council’s own resources but have concluded that without such additional grant funding it would not be possible. Officers are not aware of any other suitable sources of funding that would enable the Council to achieve the project aims.