Decision details

Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

(i)  To delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, following consultation with the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to enter into a legal agreement with Department for Communities & Local Government to deliver the CRUMBS project.

(ii)  To accept, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, the ERDF grant of £335,150 from the South East England ERDF Competitiveness Programme, and to act as Accountable Body for the project

(iii)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, revenue expenditure of £168,134 for the CRUMBS project in 2013-14 following receipt of the ERDF grant.

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, following consultation with the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to undertake such actions necessary to enable the successful delivery of the CRUMBS project and support the proposals in this report.

1. This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the City Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of the relevant Scrutiny Panel and the Public.  The matter requires a decision in order to enable a start of this project in December 2013.
2. CRUMBS will contribute towards the development of a more competitive and sustainable low-carbon economy in the City. The project offers supermarkets and office based businesses a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to landfill waste disposal. The project will:

·  Establish a recover-recycle-reuse network focussed on ‘in-date’ perishable food and office equipment

·  Increase the amount and value of business waste diverted from landfill

·  Reduce carbon emissions

·  Support 50 residents into volunteering and paid work

·  Alleviate the food poverty being experienced by our most disadvantaged residents

·  Support local charities and SME start-ups through the redistribution of unwanted office furniture and equipment

1. Reject the Grant Offer

To not accept the ERDF grant would result in the cancelation of the project and the loss of external funding to promote business growth, a reduction in carbon emissions, increased employment and reduced food poverty in the City

2. Delay the Implementation of the Project to 1^st April 2014

To delay commencement of the project would adversely impact on the main delivery partner (SCRATCH) as certainty is required by December 2013 regarding future demands on its premises.

None