Purpose

At its meeting of 14th May 2025, Council approved the use of up to £390,075 of UK Shared Prosperity (UKJSPF) resources for sustainability projects, with individual decisions to be delegated to the Director for Communities (formerly referred to as the Head of Housing and Health) in consultation with the Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability.
Using this funding, (a) £75,100 is now to be allocated as match-funding, to be added to partner contributions, to enable Brompton Bike Hire Limited to provide installation for Greater Anglia of bike hire hubs at Hertford East and Ware Stations for journeys to and from the stations and (b) up to £57,000 for the installation of solar PV panels at BEAM, Hertford (with the contractor and exact amount subject to the outcome of a tender exercise to be launched in mid-September 2026).
The decision is being made by the Director for Communities having consulted the Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, with a record of the member's agreement hold on file by the Director for Communities.

Decision

Use UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) resources earmarked by Council for sustainability projects to provide:
* £76,100 match-funding for two Brompton bike hire hubs, at Hertford East and Ware Stations
* up to £57,000 (subject to a tendering exercise) for the installation of solar PV panels on the roof of BEAM, Hertford.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - do not approve funding for either or both of the project. NOT RECOMMENDED because (a) match-funding from partners has been received for the Brompton bike hire hubs and (b) the solar PV installation project will be subject to a tendering exercise, thus value-for-money can be assured. Additionally, these projects are the outcome of considerable work by officers including Legal, Finance and Procurement officers which gives assurance of the probity of the schemes.
Option 2 - proceed. RECOMMENDED as this will further Council's priority for environmental sustainability projects to be funded using the council's allocation of UKSPF monies.