Purpose

This decision will enable the Council to
submit a funding bid to the Government led Salix scheme, which
could provide match funding for a carbon efficient upgrade of the
Clacton Leisure Centre oil fired boiler.
Salix Finance is a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme run on
behalf of Central Government, which delivers funding schemes to
support the public sector reduce carbon emissions in line with the
UK’s 2050 net zero target.
Previous estimates for a replacement boiler were in the region of
£400,000 and a successful Salix bid could fund up to 88% of
the overall cost. If the bid is successful, it should be noted that
the Council will be required to commit a minimum of 12% of the
cost.
The outcome of this decision will allow the Council to actively
seek out options to replace the existing oil fired boiler at
Clacton Leisure Centre with a carbon efficient alternative. This
will support the Council’s emerging Climate Change Action
Plan and potentially reduce energy costs at the site. The bid
requires submission by 25 November 2024 and the outcome should be
reported in May 2025. If the Council determines to accept the
funding in the event of a successful bid, the new boiler would
require installation by 31 March 2028.

Content

(a)To agree the exploration of external
funding opportunities to replace the existing oil fired boiler at
Clacton Leisure Centre with modern carbon efficient
alternative.
(b)To agree that £5,000 can be allocated from the Sports
Facilities revenue budget to engage a consultant to complete a
funding bid to ‘Salix’ on behalf of the Council.
Furthermore, to agree an exemption to the Council’s
procurement rules to appoint Heaton Design and Engineering to
undertake this work.