Issue - meetings

The Strategy and Performance Manager presented the report which was seeking approval for the Authority to enter into agreements with the Protected Landscape Partnership and National Parks England to accept funding to continue to host Landscape Observatory in 2026-27.

The following was noted:

·         The final version of the budget to be submitted to DEFRA Funding Committee on Friday 10^th March 2026.

·         As a result of this work two posts within the Strategy and Performance Team have been back-filled in order to maintain the existing capacity of the team.

The recommendations as set out in the report were moved and seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1. That acceptance of funding for Landscape Observatory project work streams, as described in this report, of up to £650,000 for 2026-2027 is approved. Approval of the terms of funding is delegated to the Head of Resources in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer.
2. That authority be delegated to the Authority Solicitor to enter into and determine the terms and conditions of the funding agreement and all other legal documentation required for the project in the best interests of the Authority.
3. That approval be granted to incur expenditure up to £650,000 as detailed in the report, pursuant to Part 3, C3.(c), subject to compliance with the Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders.
4. That this project be monitored by Resources Committee and progress reported annually to the Members Forum.