Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To approve the grant funding of £225,000 to deliver the SME Energy Reduction Programme – Phase 2.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place  to enter into grant agreements and make any associated decisions in order to distribute the funding in accordance with this report.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place to nominate a Council officer or officers as the Corporate Director, Place shall determine to sign on behalf of the Council any grant agreements and or offer letters necessary for the fulfilment of this scheme.

Acton by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Environmental Sustainability Officer (D. Esdaile)

Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm (Job Share) (Lead on Environment), introduced the report on phase two of the energy improvement grants programme for small and medium sized enterprises. She highlighted that the grants would enable businesses to reduce their carbon emissions whilst also reducing their costs which could then be re-invested into their businesses.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He noted concerns around emissions from gas boilers and heard reassurance that all projects were assessed for how much carbon emissions would be reduced. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out..

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the grant funding of £225,000 to deliver the SME Energy Reduction Programme – Phase 2.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place  to enter into grant agreements and make any associated decisions in order to distribute the funding in accordance with this report.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place to nominate a Council officer or officers as the Corporate Director, Place shall determine to sign on behalf of the Council any grant agreements and or offer letters necessary for the fulfilment of this scheme.