Issue - meetings

Rebecca Spore (Director of Infrastructure), Mark Cheverton (Head of Real Estate Services), Andrew White (Principal Estates Manager - Education Estate) and Julianna Munoz (Community and Domestic Energy Support Officer) were in attendance for this item.

1.         Chairman sought agreement from members that item 15 and 16 be discussed together on the basis that the proposals were the same across two school sites. Members agreed.

2.      Further to questions and comments from Members, the discussion covered the following:

•        Members endorsed the recommendation, noting that 38 Kent schools were currently on the pathway. Mrs Dawkins also asked for it to be noted that supported the scheme as  as local member for St Nicholas School in Canterbury.

•        Mr White explained the fixed term grant and the decisions made once the lease had expired. A decision would be made in 25 years’ time on options to renewal with the County Council and associated operator. Mrs Menez clarified that schools had been encouraged to work with Laser Energy (KCC owned) in the procurement of solar panels, however, this would have required additional investment from the schools at a time when schools were not in a financial position to invest additional capital spend.  In response to Members questions it was noted that heat pumps had currently not been part of the programme but could be an aspect to explore at a later date.

•        Members queried whether any incentives would be available for the school. Mrs Menez responded that schools had to make an initial capital investment and would look to make a longer term saving and recuperate costs within 25 years.

•        In response to queries about available loan schemes, Mrs spore confirmed that KCC has had a loan system for schools in place for a number of years.  However, this came with associated risks for both the school and the Council.

RESOLVED that the proposed decision be endorsed, namely that the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance agree to:

1.      authorise the granting of a Lease in excess of 20 years to Solar for Schools in order that a new solar panel installation can be built within the grounds of St. Nicholas’ School, Canterbury to serve the school; and

2.      delegate authority to the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as required to implement this.