Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

Decision

That an extension of the Low Carbon Dorset programme using European Regional Development Funding, pending contract, be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment set out a report on Low Carbon Dorset which was externally funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);  launched in April 2018 to run until March 2021.

The programme provided support to Dorset based Business, Community and Public Sector organisations to identify and deliver energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to reduce their carbon footprint. Support was provided in the form of free technical advice to help identify opportunities and a grant fund providing 40% of the costs of any eligible project.

Dorset Council was the accountable body for the programme and had a contract with the Ministry of Communities Housing and Local Government (MHCLG) to deliver the programme outcomes within a total budget of £6.44million. Delivery of the programme was overseen by an internal programme board.

Further ERDF funding became available in July 2019 and Dorset Council applied for an additional £5.86 million to extend the project to 2023 and expand its delivery. This was a two-stage application process which was now reaching completion and it is anticipated that the application would be successful, and a contract would be received shortly for signature by Dorset Council.  Members welcomed and supported the recommendation.

Decision

That an extension of the Low Carbon Dorset programme using European Regional Development Funding, pending contract, be approved.