The Northumberland County Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 11 June 2024 focused on several key issues, including the approval of the Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 site sale, updates on the Ashwood Business Park Enterprise Zone, and the Bowes Court Housing Energy Improvements project.

Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 Site at East Sleekburn

The Cabinet approved the sale of the Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 (NEP3) site to Blackstone QTS. This decision is expected to bring significant private sector investment, creating jobs and infrastructure development. The project includes the establishment of a £110m Growth and Investment Endowment Fund. Councillor Stewart highlighted the potential job opportunities for Northumberland residents, while Councillor Wearmouth emphasised the careful construction of the deal and the site's potential for housing artificial intelligence (AI) centres. Councillor Watson confirmed central Government support for the proposal. The Cabinet resolved to enter into a new ‘buyback’ agreement with Blackstone QTS and to establish the Growth and Investment Endowment Fund.

Ashwood Business Park Enterprise Zone

Councillor Wearmouth presented an update on the Ashwood Business Park Enterprise Zone, highlighting the need for additional loan funding due to higher cost inflation on site works. The Cabinet approved an additional loan of £2,537,977 to the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to fund the proposed improvement works, bringing the total loan funding to £6,018,254. The development of the Business Park is expected to support the Council’s economic strategy.

Bowes Court Housing Energy Improvements

The Cabinet approved the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Bowes Court Housing Energy Improvements, part of the £20.71m Levelling Up Deep Dive (LUDD) funding awarded to Blyth in 2023. Councillor Wearmouth detailed the key points of the project, which aims to improve housing energy efficiency in Blyth. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Council’s s151 Officer to approve the Full Business Case (FBC) and established the project in the capital programme with a total project cost of £1,919,525.

Oracle Contract Refresh

The Cabinet approved the delegation of authority to progress procurement for the Oracle E-Business Cloud Solution core services. The expected value of the contract exceeds the £0.5m key decision threshold. Councillor Wearmouth introduced the report, and the Cabinet resolved to delegate authority to the Executive Director – Transformation and Resources to award the contract via a compliant procurement route.

Financial Performance 2023-24 – Position at the end of February 2024

The Cabinet reviewed the provisional outturn for the Council against the Budget for 2023-24. The Leader commended the Finance staff and Councillor Wearmouth for their efforts, resulting in a strong financial performance. Councillor Riddle highlighted the Todsteads Landslip project, which was completed ahead of time and under budget. The Cabinet approved several financial measures, including the use of Energising Blyth Deep Dive capital funds and the creation of reserves for unspent funds.

Loan to Branxton Parish Council

The Cabinet approved a loan facility of up to £1,300 to Branxton Parish Council to support their 2024-25 budget. Councillor Pattison reflected on the important role of parish councils and encouraged those facing difficulties to seek early assistance from the County Council.

Public and Community Transport Health Needs Assessment

Councillor Jones presented a report on public and community transport in Northumberland, identifying current provision, needs, and gaps. The Cabinet endorsed the action plan detailed in the report and resolved to lobby nationally for a continuation of the £2 cap fare to keep transport affordable. The Cabinet also called for action from the newly formed North East Combined Authority (NECA) to address key transport issues in rural areas.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the meeting.