Agenda item

This report outlines proposals for the allocation of two council climate funding schemes and also provides an update on the ‘Together Towards Zero’ small grants scheme, along with a refreshed proposal for the management of the second phase of the scheme.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      In respect of the Brent Carbon Offset Fund:

(a)      To agree the future allocation policy for Brent’s Carbon Offset Fund, as outlined in section four of the report (60% to own housing stock; 30% to schools; 10% held in reserve for general use), and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, to have overall responsibility for the oversight and operationalisation of the policy, with an immediate opportunity to utilise as part of a bid to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

(2)      In respect of the Together Towards Zero Small Grants Scheme:

(a)      To approve the proposed amendment to raise the maximum amount payable to successful applicants to the Together Towards Zero Grant Scheme from £1,000 to £5,000.

(b)      To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Leisure to approve Together Towards Zero applications up to the overall value of £100k.

(c)      To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Leisure to approve any subsequent changes to the key grant documentation such as: guidance notes, application form, frequently asked questions, funding agreements, evidence of community support template and data protection and safeguarding pack.

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure & Climate Action) introduced a report outlining proposals for the allocation of two Council climate funding schemes and also providing an update on the “Together Towards Zero” small grants scheme alongside a refreshed proposal for the management of the second phase of the scheme.

In considering the report, Cabinet began by noting the proposed policy framework outlined for utilisation of the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund taking account of the specific GLA guidance on its use and available discretion in terms of how funding was allocated in relation to carbon reduction activity.  In recognising and commending the progress made to date in terms of the initial tranche of funding allocated and pipeline allocation policy, members were advised that approval was now being sought to extend future use of the available Fund to support energy efficiency improvements for both domestic and non-domestic properties as a means of assisting to tackle carbon emissions.  This would be based on a split involving 60% for use on the Council’s own housing stock; 30% on the Council’s Community and Foundation school estate and 10% held in reserve for general use (which it was confirmed would include match funding for grant and other project schemes).  The approach outlined would also support the opportunity available to bid for additional grant funding through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, as detailed within section 5 of the report.

An update was also provided on progress on the Brent “Together Towards Zero” small grants scheme to support environmentally friendly and green local community projects.  Having noted and welcomed the success of the first phase of the scheme, under which 35 projects had been awarded funding totalling £32,490, proposals were also outlined for the second phase of the scheme, due to launch in Autumn 2022.  Members were advised that the proposals included an increase in the maximum bid amount from £1,000 to £5,000 along with an updated assessment criteria as detailed within section 7 of the report, which had been designed to further encourage applications for more visible and ambitious community environmental projects. 

Members were supportive of the proposals outlined in the report, which it was felt reflected the Council’s innovative approach towards the development and use of its carbon offset funding contributions in a way that sought to maximise community engagement as well as the level of funding available.

Having considered the updates provided, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    In respect of the Brent Carbon Offset Fund:

(a)    To agree the future allocation policy for Brent’s Carbon Offset Fund, as outlined in section four of the report (60% to own housing stock; 30% to schools; 10% held in reserve for general use), and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, to have overall responsibility for the oversight and operationalisation of the policy, with an immediate opportunity to utilise as part of a bid to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

(2)    In respect of the Together Towards Zero Small Grants Scheme:

(a)    To approve the proposed amendment to raise the maximum amount payable to successful applicants to the Together Towards Zero Grant Scheme from £1,000 to £5,000.

(b)    To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Leisure to approve Together Towards Zero applications up to the overall value of £100k.

(c)    To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Leisure to approve any subsequent changes to the key grant documentation such as: guidance notes, application form, frequently asked questions, funding agreements, evidence of community support template and data protection and safeguarding pack.