The minutes of the last meeting of the Programmes & Resources Committee held on the 1^st December 2023, were approved as a correct record.

There was no urgent business.

To note any questions or to receive any statements, representations, deputations and petitions which relate to the published reports on Part A of the Agenda.

No members of the public had given notice to make representations at the meeting.

Members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary, personal or prejudicial interests they may have in relation to items on the agenda for this meeting.

There was no declarations of interest.

Suzanne Fletcher, Head of Landscape & Engagement, Rebekah Newman, Lead Adviser, Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL), and Sarah Bird, Nature Recovery Officer were present for this item to update Members on the Authority’s progress in landscape and recovery since April 2023 and what that meant for the future.

Sarah and Rebekah then gave a presentation to Members on the work that had taken place regarding Landscape & Nature Recovery and FiPL

Members thanked the Officers for their presentations and asked if there was clarity from DEFRA regarding FiPL continuing beyond March 2025.  Suzanne informed Members that discussions were still ongoing, but because of its success, it was hopeful that it would continue in some form.

It was noted that a decision on whether or not the Authority would receive renewal of the European Diploma for Protected Areas would be made in February.

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

RESOLVED:

To note progress in delivering to the Peak District National Park Management Plan 2023-28 and Authority Plan landscape and nature recovery aim and targets.

Chris Dean, the Moors for the Future Partnership Manager, and Matt Scott-Campbell  Conservation and Land Management Programme Manager were present for this report, which sought  approval from Members to enter into agreements with Severn Trent Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water for them to fund the Moors for the Future to carry out peatland restoration activities through Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) 2025-30. A link to a video and map of the works area would be sent to Members.

Members welcomed the report and asked that they be provided with 4 or 5 key performance indicators that show the outcomes achieved by the project.  Chris reported that he would look at  including that in the presentation of the annual business plan which will happen in March 2025, just before the AMP8 project starts work.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Programmes and Resources Committee supports the proposed development and establishment of partnering agreements and associated contracts between PDNPA and Severn Trent Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water (Water Company partners) for MFFP to deliver AMP 8 habitat restoration aspirations (capital works) and associated research and communications outcomes.

Specifically:

1)            That the Authority will engage in new projects funded through the AMP8 programme up to a maximum value of £15 million between 2025-2030, and that acceptance of new contracts/agreements with water company partners under this authority is delegated to the Moors for the Future Partnership Manager (or the equivalent post for the time being managing the task), in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Finance Manager / Chief Finance Officer (or such other person appointed under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972).

2)            That the Authority may, subject to compliance with its procurement standing orders, enter into contracts in order to spend funds and deliver the required outcomes of the project.

Theresa Reid, the Head of People Management presented the report which was to approve the new Occupational Safety and Health Policy for 2024 which had been revised to take into account the changes that had occurred following the disestablishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Adviser post at the end of October 2023 as part of the organisation restructure.

Members queried how issues arising and day to day operations would be covered.  Theresa stated that staff had received training and were capable of covering for day to day operations, the external consultant would be extra support as needed.

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

RESOLVED:

That the revised Occupational Safety and Health Policy (2024) be approved as Authority policy from 26 January 2024.

Draft motion:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda items No’s 10, 11 and 12 to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information under S100 (A) (4) Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12 A, paragraph 1 ‘information relating to any individual’ and  paragraph 3 ‘information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)’.

RESOLVED:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of agenda items No’s 10, 11 and 12 to avoid the disclosure of Exempt Information under S100 (A) (4) Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12 A, paragraph 1 ‘information relating to any individual’ and  paragraph 3 ‘information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)’.