Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet notes the report for information and supports the work of Group to date, with particular thanks to Councillors Ken and Susan Jones for their dedication and drive on this issue.

In the absence of the Cabinet Member (Environment), the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development presented a report to Cabinet that updated on progress of the Climate Emergency Task Group, the reasons why the working group was formed, the scope of the review and indicative first priorities for the group.

The Climate Emergency Working Group is planning activities in four key areas:

·         To cut the Council’s direct carbon emissions to net zero carbon by 2030;

·         To use the Council’s direct areas of wider influence;

·         To become a climate change leader for the borough; and

·         To investigate, promote and as required implement measures to help mitigate against the impacts of climate change.

The Leader commented on how Councillor Thulbourn, Vice Chair of the Group had been instrumental in the work of the group to date and extremely helpful in supporting the Chair, Councillor Ken Jones. Thanks, was also extended to Councillors Ken and Susan Jones for their tireless efforts in establishing a group that would help to make a real difference for its residents around air quality and climate change.

The Leader also updated on the tree planting programme that the Cabinet had committed to delivering over the next four years, reporting that 32,000 trees of the 110,000 target, had already been planted.

Members discussed how the Council could influence in other areas, for example the increased use of wood burners and coal fires across the borough. In response, Members were informed that the Council was looking to launch a campaign about the risks and pollution.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet notes the report for information and supports the work of Group to date, with particular thanks to Councillors Ken and Susan Jones for their dedication and drive on this issue.

Reason(s) for the decision:

Following the declaration of a Climate Emergency made by the Council in July 2019, a cross-party working group was established and asked to report back to Council detailing the proposed scope of the review and actions.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could do nothing and wait until national and international government policy changes. As detailed in the report, waiting is not an option due to the advancing risk of global warming.