Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approve the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure there is a comprehensive and up to date framework for the Council’s response to climate change.

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube.

Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations to Cabinet

Councillor de Whalley presented Cabinet with information on daily see surface temperatures, global warming and the climate change emergency.

The Climate Change Manager set out the background to the development of the Strategy and highlighted the work that had been undertaken to address carbon emissions both as an organisation and in the Council’s community leadership role in reducing the Borough’s carbon footprint. He also drew attention to section 5 of the draft Strategy, which detailed the activities undertaken to date.

Councillor Rust welcomed the links with the Marmot responsibilities and the positive impact it would have on disadvantaged communities.

Councillor Morley requested more detail on the budget and finances and it was confirmed that a number of projects had been funded and launched already, some projects were already included in the Capital Programme and those that were not already funded would utilise the remaining Climate Change reserve fund.  External funding opportunities and opportunities to lever in additional funding would also be looked at.

Cabinet were informed that regular updates would also be provided to the Environment and Community Panel.

Councillor de Whalley commented that many of the projects represented a “spend to save” approach and emphasised the importance of also recognising the social value generated by such initiatives.

Councillor Beales referred to exemplar projects delivered by the Council, including approaches to energy efficiency that would be considered at the Guildhall and within the Council’s Major Housing Programme.

Councillor Ring highlighted the associated health and wellbeing benefits and referred to households that remained reliant on heating oil. He also commented on the quality of infrastructure being incorporated into the Council’s housing developments.

Councillor Rust referred to fuel poverty and that there was a crisis resilience fund available that residents could apply for.  Councillor Ring commented that this was not just limited to those in receipt of certain benefits, it was available to anyone who earned up to a certain income.

Councillor de Whalley commented that the Beat your Bills Roadshows would continue to help residents seek efficiencies and signpost to grant funding opportunities.

Councillor Beales suggested that the Finance Portfolio Holder work with the Climate Change Team regarding reporting of finances, as required.

Councillor Beales referred to the show house at Florence Fields, which showcased the efficiencies and high quality of the Councils housing developments.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approve the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure there is a comprehensive and up to date framework for the Council’s response to climate change.