Issue - meetings

To provide an update on three key elements of the Climate Change Programme.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the progress on the Climate Action Plan review.

B.    To note the progress on the Climate Programme and on funding projects in line with the Single Assurance Framework.

C.    To note the update on the Opportunity Fund bidding round.

The Strategic Planning Manager introduced the report which provided the Committee with an update on three key elements of the Climate Change Programme. Jim Cunningham, Interim Assistant Director Delivery was also in attendance virtually to support on this item.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Independent assessors were evaluating the Opportunity Fund bids, with a report expected by Friday. The final decisions would be made by the Investment Committee on 10th March.

b)    The Chair and members expressed concerns about the Committee’s limited role in the final funding decisions. Officers reassured members and committed to holding an informal meeting on 7 February to review applications and provide recommendations to the Investment Committee. A formal note from this meeting would be included in Investment Panel and Investment Committee papers. Consideration would also be given to ensuring committee representation at the Investment Panel meeting.

c)    The total funding requested from the Opportunity Fund exceeded £3 million, while the available budget stood at £1 million.

d)    Applications for the Opportunity Fund would be ranked based on strategic fit, value for money, and deliverability.

e)    The Committee discussed the feasibility of awarding partial funding to certain projects, with a preference for ensuring match-funding requirements were met.

f)     The Executive Director highlighted that additional capital could be considered if high-impact projects emerged.

g)    The Future Fens integrated adaptation project was under re-evaluation to ensure value for money and alignment with the Combined Authority’s priorities. Further details would be shared after discussions with the project’s Steering Group.

RESOLVED:

A.    To note the progress on the Climate Action Plan review

B.    To note the progress on the Climate Programme and on funding projects in line with the Single Assurance Framework

C.   To note the update on the Opportunity Fund bidding round

ACTION:

1.    Officers to set up a briefing session for Members to review the appraised Opportunity Fund Bids ahead of their presentation to the Investment Panel on 12 February. Comments from this session to be fed into both the Investment Panel and Committee.