Decision details

The report seeks approval for continued delivery of the Peterborough DNA programme, now known as the ‘Future Peterborough Framework’ through Opportunity Peterborough as outlined in the report following receipt of a grant from Innovate UK (formally the Technology Strategy Board) in March 2013. The report follows three previous key decisions to approve the delivery of the Peterborough DNA programme and will be the final tranche of funding.

Approve continuation of the ‘Peterborough DNA’ programme up to March 2019; and authorise the award of a grant to Opportunity Peterborough Limited to the value of £240,848 for accumulated and prospective projects under the Peterborough DNA programme.

The recommendations are necessary to ensure that the city is able to continue to deliver the Peterborough DNA programme agreed with, and funded by, Innovate UK.

The only alternative option would be to return the remaining grant to Innovate UK. This is not considered to be an appropriate option as all the work funded by Innovate UK continues to meet challenges identified by the city in the Sustainable Community Strategy and other strategic city documents. A return of the funds and non-delivery of this programme would have a negative impact on the city’s profile and reputation among other key government departments, thus potentially impacting on its ability to attract investment from both the private and public sector.

In relation to Opportunity Peterborough, Councillor Hiller is a member of the Opportunity board. However, as Opportunity Peterborough Limited is a company wholly owned by the Council there is no arising pecuniary interest issue

None.