To approve Herefordshire Council's participation in the second phase of the European Regional Development Funded Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) led by Worcestershire County Council.

This three year project will offer 50% capital grants of up to £20,000 to small and medium sized business in Herefordshire to support investment in energy efficiency, waste and water reduction projects.

Led by Worcestershire County Council this project will support businesses across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. 

The total grant allocation for businesses in Herefordshire is £244,800

The required match funding contribution from Herefordshire Council is £16,176 in addition to a maximum liability of £37,476 for a potential gap of private sector leverage towards the administration costs of the project

That:

(a)       Herefordshire Council participates in the second phase of the Business Energy Efficiency Programme; and

(b)       match funding of £16,174 be approved; and

(c)       the council underwrites a maximum sum of £37,476 should private sector leverage towards the administration costs of the project not be realised.

1.         Not to participate in the project. This is not recommended as it will not result in the provision of business assistance, technical support and capital grants to Herefordshire. This assistance will support businesses increase competitiveness, to minimise their utility costs and to reduce their carbon emissions. This will result in a risk of not achieving the council's strategic objectives within the Core Strategy, Carbon Management plan, Marches LEPs Energy Strategy and Strategic Economic Plan.