The Head of Corporate Strategy has submitted a report to provide an update on the decarbonisation programme and seek approval for the de-scoping of the programme to remain within budget and issue contracts for construction works.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.    Approve the de-scoping of the Decarbonisation Programme through the removal of the Ice Rink and Rose Hill Community Centre;

2.    Note that the full costs of decarbonisation works will utilise 100% of the Salix grant funding available, so there will no longer be any grant contribution available towards the enabling works, contrary to the earlier report to Cabinet;

3.    Note that the Head of Corporate Strategy will shortly execute the contract for both enabling and decarbonisation construction work on behalf of the Council, as previously delegated by Cabinet; and

4.    Note the update provided on the Decarbonisation Programme and solar farm investment.

The Head of Corporate Strategy had submitted a report to provide an update on the decarbonisation programme and seek approval for the de-scoping of the programme to remain within budget and issue contracts for construction works.

The Head of Corporate Strategy updated Cabinet with the latest position on the decarbonisation programme at the conclusion of which Cabinet agreed the following updated recommendations.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Approve the de-scoping of the Decarbonisation Programme through the removal of the Ice Rink and Rose Hill Community Centre;

2.    Note that the full costs of decarbonisation works will utilise 100% of the Salix grant funding available, so there will no longer be any grant contribution available towards the enabling works, contrary to the earlier report to Cabinet, but will be funded instead from capital reserves.

3.    Note that the Head of Corporate Strategy will shortly execute the contract for both enabling and decarbonisation construction work on behalf of the Council, as previously delegated by Cabinet; and

4.    Note the update provided on the Decarbonisation Programme and solar farm investment.

5.    Delegate to the Chief Executive authority to authorise additional spend or agree  such variations to the project as may be necessary, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance & Asset Management; Green Transport & Zero Carbon Oxford; and Culture, Leisure & Tourismto enable the project to progress in a timely manner.