Agenda item

The report was introduced by Chris Dean, head of the Moors for the Future Partnership (MFFP). The report brought before Members a new reporting process for the business of the Moors for the Future Partnership in the form of a Business Strategy to 2030 and an annual Business Plan.

The Chair invited Cllr Priestley, as Chair of the MFFP, to speak on the report.  Cllr Priestley reported that although she was new to the MFFP, she was impressed with how the Team worked and was aware of funding issues.  She had attended a Strategic Management Board Meeting where the Business Strategy had been well received and she recommended it to the Authority.

Members asked if there were ways that the Peak District National Park Foundation could work with Moors for the Future to provide further funding for the partnership. Officers confirmed that meetings were already set up to discuss  this.

Members were concerned about how the MFFP communicates with moorland owners who might wish to continue to use moorland burning as a management technique.  Officers confirmed that all the land that the MFFP work over  is covered by habitat regulations, meaning that consent is required from Natural England to carry out management activities. Using management burning to manage vegetation over deep peat is banned without proper licensing and was therefore not a major issue. Officers stated that MFFP always try to cultivate positive relations with landowners and work in partnership.  Landowner permission is required for all the work the partnership engages with.

Members highlighted that the report raised some underlying issues surrounding the funding of long-term contracts for MFFP employees and asked what steps were being taken to resolve these. Officers replied that this was an issue that they had not quite solved but that things were hopeful with the new Environmental Land Management Scheme proposals being more long-term. Officers also confirmed that they were working on increasing financial reserves to fund a year’s worth of salaries which would bring more confidence and flexibility to their operations.

Members asked how MFFP planned to educate communities about the work that they do. The Head of Moors for the Future  said that this was an area that he would like to do more work in but it was restricted by available funding.  The Bogtastic Van is currently being funded through Utility Company funds and much use is being made of social campaigns to reduce the use of disposable barbeques in moorland areas.of disposable barbecues in moorland areas.

It was noted that the figure in the second bullet point of paragraph 7.2 of the report referred to 560K tonnes but the Business Plan referred to 560 tonnes, it was assumed this was an error and both should state 560K tonnes.  The Officer apologised for the error and confirmed that the documents would be checked and amended before being finalised.

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

RESOLVED

1.     To approve a new reporting process which replaces the previous operational plan with a long-term Business Strategy to 2030 (to be constantly rolled forward so it always has at least a 5 year future). In addition, an annual Business Plan will be presented to committee for approval in late winter each year. At this time members will also expect a general update on the progress of the Partnership’s work and this Business planning process. Any changes and updating to the Business Strategy are delegated to the Moors for the Future Partnership Manager in consultation with the Head of Assets and Enterprise. 

2.     To approve the Business Strategy and the remit and instruction this gives the Partnership team in developing business. Maintained to at least a five-year horizon.

3.     To approve the 2023 – 2024 annual Business Plan working within the Authority’s Standing Orders to develop business within the agreed Business strategy.