A top South Kesteven District Councillor is 'saddened' at the district missing out on £950,000 on government funding, which it was given to use on energy efficiency projects.

However, the council says it is continuing to pursue its ambition of cutting carbon emissions and seek other grant support in its goals.

The Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Coun Dr Peter Moseley, said: "We are determined to hit our target of reducing carbon emissions by at least 30% by 2030.

"There is a lot of competition for grants, equipment, supplies and contractors to carry out the work in a crowded market place which is confirmation, if any were needed, that we are doing the right thing."

Last year, central government launched a £1Bn scheme known as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund, which aimed to help councils and other public bodies reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide by typically replacing old heating systems.

South Kesteven District Council applied for funding and was awarded £950,000.

However, supply chain pressures brought about by the pandemic, plus rocketing demand for energy efficient products, and the qualified contractors needed to install them, means SKDC cannot meet the deadlines set by central government.

For example, the councillor said it would take 8 months to source a heat pump and the council's supplier said it was unable to meet the deadlines.

Coun Moseley continued: "While we are naturally disappointed to not be able to capitalise on this round of funding, it does not change our ambitions,"

"The very tight timescales to qualify for this grant, with work having to be completed by March 2022 at the very latest, has contributed significantly to the supply chain pressures.

"Additionally, we are aware that the availability of suitably qualified contractors to complete the project is at a premium at the moment.

"We had to take into account the possibility of exceeding the grant deadline imposed, meaning we may have needed to pay some or all of the money back at that stage."

He added: "We are victims of a successful competition. I don't believe we are the only council to be affected like this. It's really disappointing. The bottom line is, it's out of our control. There's very little we could have done."

However, SKDC is to keep pushing for funding to help it meet its climate change ambitions. And with it enjoying success in seeking funding earlier, is hopeful it will achieve other funding for such work.

Coun Moseley added: "The work completed to date on reviewing the suitability of buildings for carbon reduction measures does, however, put us in a very strong position to bid into future funding streams for the work."

In the meantime, central government has announced it will seek a fresh round of applications early next month.