OFFICER DECISION
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Decision: To award £100k UKSPF capital funding to the BioRenewables Development Centre for investment to support the Bio Yorkshire Initiative through the Rural England Prosperity Fund |
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Decision Date: 18th June 2024 |
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Type of Decision: Director Key |
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Non-Key |
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Portfolio Area that decision relates to: |
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Leader (inc Corporate Services, Policy, Strategy & Partnerships) |
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Environment and Climate Emergency |
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Economy & Culture
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Finance, Performance, Major Projects & Equalities |
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Children, Young People and Education |
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Transport |
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Health, Wellbeing and Adults Social Care |
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Housing, Planning & Safer Communities |
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Background/ Decision Summary
As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund York has been allocated £400k capital from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to implement an investment plan that was agreed by DEFRA in January 2023. This funding can be spent only in designated rural areas as shown on the DEFRA MagicMap, and only on capital items. In October 2022, CYC Executive gave delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place to implement this Investment Plan, in consultation with the relevant Executive Members and the York UKSPF Partnership Board. This delegation was reconfirmed in October 2023 when Executive considered the results of a light touch review of the programme. Due to the senior management restructure, the decision has been made by the COO who is able to make any decisions that are delegated to any Directors.
As part of our York REPF investment plan, the Executive Member and Partnership Board agreed to invest £100k in the BioRenewables Development Centre (BDC) at Dunnington, with the objective of providing tangible support to the Bio Yorkshire initiative which is a joint project of the University of York, Askham Bryan College and FERA Science. BDC is a subsidiary of the University of York and would invest the funds in equipment and facilities at their Dunnington site which would enable companies to pilot production of new industrial products utilizing waste from other processes.
Discussions with BDC have led to a final plan for investing this funding in facilities in Dunnington which will expend the capabilities of the centre. Design work has included detailed consideration of the Council’s requirements under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Legal have concluded that the proposed investment is permitted under the Act.
The grant requires completion of a Best Value form as it has not been awarded through a competitive process. This form has been duly completed.
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Options Considered:
Option 1: Award £100k funding to BDC
Option 2: Do not award funding to BDC
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Options Rejected: Option 2: As the Partnership Board and Executive Member have approved the proposal and Legal have advised that the investment is permitted, the option to decline BDC’s proposal has been rejected.
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Consultation Process: Consultation took place with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Partnership Board, chaired by Cllr Pete Kilbane, in November 2023 and April 2024 and the proposal has the support of both.
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Implications |
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Crime & Disorder |
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Equalities |
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Highways |
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Human Resources |
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Legal |
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ICT |
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Financial |
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Affordability |
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Property |
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Climate Change |
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Health |
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Other |
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Environment |
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Human Rights |
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Implications Contact: |
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Simon Brereton |
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Level of Risk: Acceptable |
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Wards Affected: |
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All Wards |
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Fishergate |
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Holgate |
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Rural West York |
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Acomb |
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Fulford & Heslington |
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Hull Road |
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Strensall |
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Bishopthorpe |
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Guildhall |
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Huntington & New Earswick |
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Westfield |
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Clifton |
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Haxby & Wigginton |
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Micklegate |
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Wheldrake |
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Copmanthorpe |
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Heworth |
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Osbaldwick & Derwent |
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Dringhouses & Woodthorpe |
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Heworth Without |
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Rawcliffe & Clifton |
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Comments/Observations: UKSPF funding is available through the REPF, with decisions on implementation delegated to the Corporate Director in consultation with the Executive Member. Due to the senior management restructure, the decision has been made by the COO who is able to make any decisions that are delegated to any Directors. The project clearly aligns with the Investment Plan and the underpinning strategic framework.
Decision: To award £100k UKSPF capital funding to the BioRenewables Development Centre for investment to support the Bio Yorkshire Initiative through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
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Decision Made by: Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer Contact Details: ian.floyd@york.gov.uk
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On behalf of: Ian Floyd |
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To be implemented by: |
Simon Brereton |
Head of Economy |
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On Completion – Signed off by:
Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer |
Date: 18.06.24 |
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