Apologies: V Saynor

Cllr Fox welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them in advance for their time today, he then asked everyone present to introduce themselves due to this being his first meeting.

Councillor Jones declared an interest in matters to be considered under Item 6 appendices A,F,H,I,L of the Agenda – Programme Approvals - by virtue of Doncaster MBC being a recipient of Gainshare funding and was then joined by all the Councillors present in declaring the same interest. Councillor Fox and Councillor Wood – item 6 appendices C, E, J. Councillor Brookes – item 6 appendix D. Councillor Cheetham – item 6 appendixes B and G.

None.

None received.

Taken as read.  CB confirmed actions were undertaken.  CB also mentioned under Item 8 the wording was incorrect and relates to the previous item 7, so the minute itself does not reflect the decision.  CB to send the correct minute for item 8 to the Co-Chairs after this meeting for confirmation that the minute is accurate.

Minutes taken as a true record subject to Co-Chair sign off of the item 8 amendment.

Laurie Thomas presented this paper which seeks approval to progress ten SBCs (Strategic Business Cases) to development of OBCs (Outline Business Cases) which includes the release of development funding for one project. The paper also requests approval of grant for two projects. There is a request to include Heart of the City Expansion project in the GBF Programme. Finally, the report seeks approval for five change requests where projects that have already been approved but are now seeking changes to their existing agreements.

Gainshare Funding Programme.  The MCA agreed in March 2021 to twenty interim schemes accepted on to the pipeline, nineteen fall within the remit of this Board.  Ten schemes actually represent twelve of the nineteen, two lots of two have been amalgamated.

Housing Retrofit (Gainshare SBC)

Doncaster MBC is seeking £2.7m from the Gainshare cost of £4.45m. 

The project is a pilot which install Air Source Heat Pumps in 100 Council owned homes in order to test the effectiveness and impact of Air Source Heat Pumps in decarbonising the fuel supply to Council owned homes.  The project will also part fund external wall insulation to 250 Council homes and fully fund external wall insulation to 50 privately owned homes.

The benefits and outcomes are at an early stage, but the proposed benefits

are expected to include reduced emissions, health benefits, lower energy bills and 10-15 jobs supported.   It is a strategic fit and it is anticipated to be able to demonstrate value for money at full approval stage.

Gemma Smith said moving forward it is really important for us to have a look at this in the outline business case to evaluate potential of lower energy bills that air source heat pumps bring when powered by electricity and that being more expensive than gas.

The board considered and approved the project to progress to MCA for approval to proceed to outline business case (OBC).

RESOLVED – That the Housing and Infrastructure Board considered and approved:

1.    Progression of ‘Housing Retrofit’ SBC to the MCA (Mayoral Combined Authority) for approval to proceed to OBC for Gainshare funding to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) subject to the conditions set out in the Assurance Summary attached at appendix A.

Glassworks – Enhanced Capital Contributions (Gainshare SBC)

The project is seeking £2.60m from Gainshare funding towards total project costs of £17.37m.  The Glassworks is finalising construction on a 3.8-hectare site in the heart of Barnsley town centre.  The £200m scheme is a major priority for the Council and will deliver a new high-quality mix of retail and leisure facilities that will preserve and enhance the long term sustainability of the town centre through the creation of a new urban quarter with a revitalised and accessible market at its heart.  As a result of the COVID pandemic detailed negotiations with prospective tenants has revealed an increased funding gap in order to attract tenants.  The Gainshare funding is requested to be used as inducements for prospective tenants to create a fully occupied development.

Considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Colin Blackburn presented the report and ran through the presentation. Work had been ongoing over the past 9 months with the Environment Agency, the four Local Authorities and Yorkshire Water to prepare the Flood Catchment.  He noted that over the Summer a number of wider stakeholder workshops have been undertaken to obtain a wider input and views on the emerging draft Plan. 

CB confirmed that the intention is to bring a draft Plan to the next meeting for consideration and comment, with a view to bringing the final document to the December Board meeting for endorsement. The emerging Plan is being developed around the following four key themes which were further detailed:

• Theme 1: Responding to the climate emergency
• Theme 2: SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) investment
• Theme 3: Strengthening the use of technology and operational management
• Theme 4: Community engagement and resilience

Martin Swales commented that the presentation showed the significant extent of work that has clearly been undertaken by Local Authorities, MCA, Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and others, working together to ensure a coherent and coordinated plan, which is welcomed.

DA also confirmed his support for the emerging Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Housing and Infrastructure Board note the emerging content of the South Yorkshire Flood Catchment Plan

CB this was presented just for information.  We have an October and then hopefully one in December to be confirmed.

Cllr Fox asked if there were any questions – none.

None