Decision details

Matter for Decision

The report referred to the City Council’s partnership working with the University of Cambridge to explore the potential for a city centre district heating scheme. The Council is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with the University, and establish a sponsors board.

The Council will have three members on the board, but only one vote. The report sought agreement to appoint those members, and on how the single vote will be operated.

Decision of the Leader

(i)                  Approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding listed in Appendix A of the Officer’s report.

(ii)                 Agreed to nominate two members from the largest Group on the Council (including at least one Executive Councillor), and to ask the Leader of the largest opposition Group to nominate one member, to represent the City Council on the Cambridge District Heating Scheme Sponsors Board.

(iii)          Agreed that the City Council’s vote in the District Heating Scheme Sponsors Board shall be used by the Executive Councillor, taking account of the views of the City Council’s representatives on the Board.

(iv)         Noted the update on progress with the project and proposed way forward.

(v)                Delegated authority to the Director for Environment to submit a bid for external funding to support development of the proposal from the Department for Energy & Climate Change.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The committee received a report from the Director of Environment.

The committee made the following comments on the report:

(i)                  Welcomed the partnership working with Cambridge University.

(ii)                 Welcomed the scheme but queried if it could deliver.

(iii)          In response to Members questions the Director of Environment acknowledged that a further review was required on the Mill Road Depot. This tied into the accommodation strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendations and endorsed them by 4 votes to 0.

The Leader approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Leader (and any Dispensations Granted)

Not applicable.