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.

(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.

(i)To complete the bid internally – this is not considered viable, due to the short timescale to complete the bid and a lack of staffing resources due to other pressures within the service.
(ii)Not to submit the bid – it is considered good value to fund a consultant to submit this bid and if successful, this has the potential to attract significant funding to the Council and contribute positively towards the Council’s Climate Change policy.