Agenda item

The Head of Programme Delivery for the Moors for the Future Partnership introduced the report which was to enter into an agreement with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the North Pennines AONB to deliver the first phase of activities in the setting up and supporting the Great North Bog (GNB) initiative.

The initial idea was developed by the three senior officers of the Moors for the Future Partnership, Yorkshire Peat Partnership and the North Pennines AONB Partnership, which has now been taken forward by the CEO’s of the parent organisations of these partnerships.  DEFRA have agreed to funding and some support costs, and the Environment Agency have also made funding available.

Members asked how it was decided on where the funding would  go and how it would be managed across the group.  The Head of Programme Delivery informed Members that Terms of Reference were being put together with the relevant partners to make the GNB run efficiently.

The Chair thanked the Head of Programme Delivery for his report and what could turn out to be an exciting partnership.

The recommendation as set out in the report was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

That the Authority supports the proposed delegated function for fundraising and spending to support the setting up of the Great North Bog Initiative.

Specifically:

1.         That the Authority supports the delegated function for the Head of Programme Delivery to accept funds from the Environment Agency and Defra to a maximum of £400,000 in FY 2020/21 in consultation with Director of Conservation and Planning, Head of Finance and Head of Legal services for the support costs of the Great North Bog Initiative.

2.         That the Authority supports the delegated function for the Head of Programme delivery to fundraise and accept funds to a maximum of £1.2M in FY 2021/22 to 2025 in consultation with Director of Conservation and Planning, Head of Finance and Head of Legal services for the support costs of the Great North Bog Initiative.

3.         That the Authority supports delegated function for the Head of Programme Delivery in consultation with Director of Conservation and Planning, Head of Finance and Head of Legal services to enter into arrangements with the other two Partnership leads, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and North Pennines AONB (Durham County Council).

4.         That the Authority may, subject to compliance with its procurement standing orders, enter into contracts for the delivery of the project.