Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities seeking acceptance of £1.6 million funding from the European Regional Development Fund to support a Cross-Channel Programme focused on increasing environmental and maritime skills and act as the Accountable Body for the Programme.

(i)  To delegate authority to the Director, Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to enter into a legal agreement with the Managing Authority of the EU Interreg France (Channel) England Programme to deliver the BEEMS project.

(ii)  To accept, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, the ERDF grant of £830,955 (€1,332,513) from the European Regional Development Fund and £747,017 from BEEMS partners contributions on behalf of the BEEMS Partnership and act as Accountable Body.

(iii)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, revenue expenditure of £1,661,910 (€2,665,027) for the BEEMS project.

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Director, Environment and Economy, in consultation with the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to undertake such actions necessary to enable the successful delivery of the BEEMS project and support the proposals in this report.

1.  As skills gaps hinder economic growth, BEEMS will add value to the strategic drive for a more competitive and sustainable low-carbon regional economy.  It will afford the marine renewable energy industry and supply chains operating in the Solent offshore wind development zone additional competitive advantage and build stronger communities by ensuring local people are skilled and ready for work. 

2.  Priority action includes the preparation of a cross border employment strategy and skills plan with dedicated education, training and apprenticeship pathways to maximise flexible workforce development, support local people with low level skills into work and meet the future needs of sector employers.

1.  To not accept the ERDF grant on behalf of the BEEMS Partnership would result in the cancelation of the project and the loss of external funding to promote the growth of green skills and renewable technology in the sub-region, and with partners.

2.  To not accept to act as the Accountable Body nor enter into a legal agreement with the EU Interreg France (Channel) England Programme by the due date would result in a delay in the commencement of the project.