Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose: Approval to receive additional CRSTS and LEVI funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and spend the funding on the proposed Greater Manchester EVCI Concessionary Contract

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place which sought to provide an update on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for the Borough of Rochdale. The report also sought agreement to accept grant in excess of £500k in order to procure for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.   The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   Resolved: 1.    That it be agreed that the Council receive external grant funding in excess of £500,000 to deliver electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Low Emission Vehicle fund (LEVI); all as detailed in the report; 2.    That it be agreed that Council Officers in Economy & Place in consultation with Officers in Corporate Services be given delegated authority to prepare and submit Business Cases to TfGM for the expenditure of CRSTS and LEVI grants; 3.    That it be agreed that TfGM be authorised to undertake procurement and deliver the programme of works within the funds and that authority to procure, award and sign any contracts for Rochdale Council associated with the procurement of the Concession Agreement be delegated to the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance in consultation with the Director of Economy & Place and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Facilities Management; 4.    That it be agreed to enter into and to delegate authority to sign a Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding to the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance with the other nine GM Councils and GMCA/TfGM to clarify the rights, responsibilities and obligations of the Councils in relation to delivery of the LEVI Programme that are required to maintain delivery momentum in line with OZEV funding agreements.   Reason for decision: The Council’s scheme of delegation required approval to receive grant funding in excess of £500,000. Approval was required to procure works in excess of £500,000. To ensure that project timelines could be met via appropriate delegations, specifically the requirement to publish the tender before 23rd February 2025. To benefit from working collaboratively and the economies of scale from being part of the GM Combined Authority.   Alternatives considered and rejected: The Council could enter into its own contractual agreements, however due to the time, cost and complexity of this exercise, it was recommended that a collaborative approach was taken across Greater Manchester. The Council would also not be able to benefit from the Greater Manchester wide procurement activity on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.