Decision details

In December 2023, Lichfield District Council (LDC) successfully submitted a bid on behalf of Shenstone Parish Council for Heat Networks Development Funding.

A number of supporting documents were included as part of the bid including:

•           Rural Communities Energy Fund Feasibility Study

•           The stakeholder SSI Plc confirmation of the potential direct award which secured the match funding

•           Stakeholder Shenstone Parish Council's letter of support

•           Indicative costs for the DPD work and Project Management

The bid was supported by Lichfield District Councils lead Cabinet Member, the Service lead and S151 officer.

Following a compliant procurement process; the Council received one compliant bid from Hi Group who as part of their quality submission, have proven demonstrated experience of:

•           Technical capacity

•           Knowledge and experience

•           Challenges and solutions

•           Project management

•           Stakeholder engagement

Hi Group scored 82.5% on their quality submission.

The total value of the Contract is £150,000. This will consist of 67% Grant Funding and the remaining 33% will be match funded by Hi Group.

This evaluation process was led by Councillor David Thompson and SSI (specialist contracting division of South Staffordshire Plc) team where Tenders were evaluated individually and then collectively moderated by LDC Procurement Team.

The outcome of the study will be provided to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and ill inform future stages of the potential project.

As part of the social value commitment, Hi Group have committed to providing a monthly newsletter to the Shenstone community, three community events and a dedicated community email address for questions and concerns.

These benefits will be quantified and reported on regularly through the project to demonstrate achievement and ensure outcomes are met by the awarded consultants.

Shenstone Parish Council (SPC) wishes to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified consultant to undertake a review of the possible options for minimising carbon emissions within Shenstone and Stonnall the two rural area defined villages within the SPC boundary by determining the viability of a heat network using the aquifer that flows beneath the area.