Decision details

Approve continuation of the ‘Peterborough DNA’ programme up to September 2017 following receipt of a grant to the value of £3m from Innovate UK (formally the Technology Strategy Board) in March 2013; and Delegated authority to the Governance Board to authorise the award of an additional grant to Opportunity Peterborough Limited to the value of £286k 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 the Opportunity Peterborough Councillor Hiller is a member of the Opportunity Peterborough Board. However, as this Board is a company wholly owned by the Council there is no arising pecuniary interest issue.

Future Peterborough Framework

The full feasibility study submitted to Innovate UK can be viewed at: http://www.peterboroughfuturecity.co.uk/