Purpose

In February 2022, Cabinet approved a budget to support the decarbonisation of the Council’s corporate estate.

In November 2024, the Council applied to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS4) Phase 4. In March 2025, it was confirmed that the Council was successful in its application to fund the decarbonisation of the following 3 buildings.

·       Swinton Community Centre and Library

·       Springwell gardens Community Centre

·       115 Middle Lane South

A decision is therefore anticipated to approve the next phase of the Councils decarbonisation programme including:

1.    the use of external Capital funds alongside Council Capital match funding of approximately £335K

2.    to undertake a procurement to deliver the works associated with this scheme.

3.    the delivery of the works on the abovementioned 3 properties and an additional small site which is ineligible for PSDS funding, Peacock Lodge Children’s home.

Decision

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

Date of Decision:

16/05/25

Title:

PSDS Phase 4 Decarbonisation Works.

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director, Property and Facilities Services.

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

On Monday 14th February 2022, Cabinet gave authorisation of a Capital budget to identify and deliver a number of schemes to be funded through this budget and/or through external funding, where available.

Agenda for Cabinet on Monday 14 February 2022, 10.00 a.m. - Rotherham Council Item 107 Budget and Council Tax 2022/23 and Medium term Financial Strategy. Approved recommendation 11 of the Capital programme detailed in Appendix 3B ‘Operational Building Decarbonisation’ Capital project.

Printed minutes Monday 14-Feb-2022 10.00 Cabinet.pdf

Minute 107 refers.

‘Resolved:- That Cabinet recommend to Council: 1. Approval of the Budget and Financial Strategy for 2022/23 as set out in the report and appendices, including the proposed budget adjustments and investments, a basic Council Tax increase of 1.5% and an Adult Social Care precept of 3%.’’

The schemes would be retrospectively reported to cabinet on an annual basis (February) as part of the Climate Emergency Annual Report. 

Decision:

In February 2022, Cabinet approved a budget to support the decarbonisation of the Council’s corporate estate.

In November 2024, the Council applied to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS4) Phase 4 to decarbonise three buildings:

•         Swinton Community Centre and Library

•         Springwell gardens Community Centre

•         115 Middle Lane South

It was also proposed that an additional site, Peacock Lodge Children’s Home which is not eligible for PSDS funding using Council Capital is also delivered alongside these works.

In March 2025, it was confirmed that the Council was successful in its application to PSDS.

This decision is therefore to approve:

1. the use of external Capital funds alongside Council Capital match funding to a total budget of £422k.
2. to undertake a procurement to deliver the works associated with this scheme on the above 4 buildings:
3. the delivery of decarbonisation works on the abovementioned 4 properties.

Reasons for the Decision:

This decision has been made to continue to make progress towards the Council’s net zero by 2030 target whist supplementing Council allocated capital funding with available government grants.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The Council has also considered two other options:

1. To undertake no decarbonisation works or energy efficiency improvements on the above sites.

or

1. To undertake energy efficiency improvements only.

These options were rejected as these options would not make progress towards the Council’s decarbonisation targets. In addition, option 2 would not be cost effective as the council would lose access to the PSDS grant funding which requires the decarbonisation of heating systems..

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not applicable

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest identified.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

Not applicable

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services entitled PSDS Phase 4 Decarbonisation Works Officer Delegated Decision Report and associated appendices.

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to:

This decision has been made to continue to make progress towards the Council’s net zero by 2030 target whist supplementing Council allocated capital funding with available government grants.

I confirm that in making this decision, due regard was given to the seven principles of public life.

Signed by the Decision Maker:

Dated:          16th May 2025

Name:          Kevin Fisher                      

Job Title:     Assistant Director Property & Facilities Services

If you require any assistance in the completion of the decision record please contact the Governance Team governance@rotherham.gov.uk