Issue - items at meetings - The Future of Street Lighting

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1)            Approve the principle of formalising a £26m ‘Invest to Save’ city wide street lighting feasibility assessment with the Green Investment Bank or other potential investors. 

2)            Grant approval to officers to review ‘best practice’ approaches and solutions  including joint investment options with SE7 authorities.

3)            Give permission for officers to resource the preparation of  a detailed financial model to inform a full business case submission to a subsequent P&R Committee in late 2015/early 2016.

120.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Street Lighting Infrastructure Investment Options Business Case. The report presented an invest to save proposal for street lighting to provide greater efficiency and reduced outgoings in the longer term with a view to minimising the total ownership. Should it be decided to pursue a full business case submission funding for a full business case would be met from the street lighting budget.

120.2    Councillor Randall welcomed the report, but requested that appropriate measures be taken to ensure the heritage lampposts in the city were properly protected.

120.3    In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn the Executive Director explained that the savings would be achieved not only through reduced energy costs, but also through maintenance costs which would otherwise be significant; these costs would be annual unless there was a programme of renewal. Councillor Peltzer Dunn noted that he welcomed the report.

120.4    In response to queries raised by Councillor Morgan the Executive Director clarified that the work could now be progressed as the full audit of assets had been completed – this information was required before any modelling could take place. In relation to potential consultancy costs it was noted that detailed examination needed to be undertaken, but it was hoped the full amount allocated would not be required. Assurance was given that Officers would look at the best practice elsewhere and provide appropriate updates.

120.5    Councillor A. Norman agreed with the principles behind the work, but asked for assurance in relation to public safety at night time and the cost of consultants. In response to further points from Councillor A. Norman the Chair noted information had been shared with heritage groups in relation to the protection of heritage lampposts. Councillor Randall added that discussion had also taken place with the Heritage Commission. The Executive Director stated that there was no intention to replace heritage lampposts, these would be adapted, and the Team would be happy to have further discussions with heritage groups if there were ongoing concerns. In relation to night time safety it was clarified that the work would provide greater opportunities for residents to feel safe.

120.6    Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the proposals and hoped the works could be progressed as soon as possible.

120.7    The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

120.8    RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1)     Approve the principle of formalising a £26m ‘Invest to Save’ city wide street lighting feasibility assessment with the Green Investment Bank or other potential investors. 

2)     Grant approval to officers to review ‘best practice’ approaches and solutions including joint investment options with SE7 authorities.

3)     Give permission for officers to resource the preparation of a detailed financial model to inform a full business case submission to a subsequent P&R Committee in late 2015/early 2016.