REPORT TO PICKMERE PARISH COUNCIL
1st August 2023
AGENDA ITEM 9.4 SELECTION OF ENERGY PROVIDER FOR VILLAGE HALL AND PAVILION
1. REPORT OF ACTING CLERK
1.1 The 1-year fixed energy contracts for the Council’s buildings will end shortly – the Village Hall contracts (gas and electricity) in October 2023, and the Pavilion electricity contract in February 2024.
1.2 These contracts were entered into when the energy market was particularly volatile following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
1.3 It is now appropriate to seek further quotations for energy supplies, in particular for the VH, particularly since energy costs have fallen substantially since this time last year.
1.4 The energy market remains volatile and if quotations are received, they are valid for only a short period and this means that because of the time-lag involved, seeking Council approval prior to entering such contracts is not practicable. In 2022, the market was so volatile that the Clerk, in consultation with the Chair, entered into the current contracts on behalf of the Council on the basis of Standing Order powers to take action between meetings.
1.5 It is proposed that in this instance power should be delegated to the Clerk and a designated councillor to consider such quotations, and to decide and enter into appropriate contracts on behalf of the Council. Such decision would then be reported back to council at the earliest opportunity. Since Cllr P Knights is lead councillor in relation to property assets, which include the VH and the Pavilion, it is proposed that such powers be delegated to the Clerk in consultation with Cllr P Knights.
2. RECOMMENDATION
2.1 That the report be noted and power be delegated to the Clerk in consultation with Cllr P Knights to consider quotes for energy supplies for the Village Hall and Pavilion, and to enter into contracts for such supplies on behalf of the Parish Council. The Clerk and Cllr Knights are to report back to Council on their considerations and decisions at the earliest opportunity.
Jack Steel
Acting Clerk to the Parish Council