Agenda item

Report of the BHE Chief Funding Director

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Funding Director requesting £159,760 over 18 months as a strategic initiative to support the establishment of the London Climate Action Week Secretariat as an independent organisation, with a contribution to the costs of the LCAW 2023 event. The Chief Funding Director introduced the report and presented the proposal for Members.

A Member, also Lead Member for Climate Action for the BHE Board, sought assurance that the funding would not be used towards the City Corporation’s planned Net Zero Delivery Summit, as this would effectively be subsidising the City Corporation’s own work, and suggested BHE consider hosting its own event during London Climate Action Week. The Chief Funding Director confirmed that the funding would be entirely separate to the City Corporation’s work, although mutual opportunities to promote the event would be utilised. The Chief Funding Director added officers would welcome consideration on hosting a BHE event, noting that there had been funder events in previous years.

In response to questions from Members, the Chief Funding Director advised that officers would seek to take advantages of any learning opportunities, and that the debrief report on last year’s event could be shared with the Committee following the meeting. The Committee noted that whilst this proposal was within the scope of Bridging Divides, the BHE Board also held a designated fund for climate action which could be used for additional related work which was not suitable or eligible for funding though CBT.

Noting the financial information provided in respect of Ashden Climate Solutions, the BHE & Charities Finance Director explained officers’ approach to organisations with deficits, which was considered in context on a case-by-case basis.

RESOLVED – That the Grants Committee of the BHE Board, in the discharge of functions for the City Corporation as Trustee of BHE and solely in the charity’s best interests:

i)              Approve a grant of £159,760 over 18 months to Ashden Climate Solutions (charity no. 1104153), towards the costs of establishing the London Climate Action Week Secretariat as an independently registered organisation, with a contribution towards the costs of LCAW 2023.