Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion (3/21), submitted by Councillor Kunes:

‘This Council has recognised the scientific and moral need to act decisively on ‘climate change’ for sometime and has introduced a portfolio, policy and measures to significantly reduce its impact on its carbon emissions and the environment, with an intent to support these going forward with a specific budget. It is now the right time with this Council focussed activity well underway for us to now declare a ‘climate emergency’ to magnify the global message of the need for action to local residents, businesses and partners in West Norfolk and signal our strong commitment to help them make positive changes.‘

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The following Notice of Motion (3/21), was proposed by Councillor Kunes and seconded by Councillor Dark:

‘This Council has recognised the scientific and moral need to act decisively on ‘climate change’ for sometime and has introduced a portfolio, policy and measures to significantly reduce its impact on its carbon emissions and the environment, with an intent to support these going forward with a specific budget. It is now the right time with this Council focussed activity well underway for us to now declare a ‘climate emergency’ to magnify the global message of the need for action to local residents, businesses and partners in West Norfolk and signal our strong commitment to help them make positive changes.‘

In proposing the Motion Councillor Kunes explained that proposing this now was as a clear plan of Action was now in place, there was a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2035.  He acknowledged the need to engage with businesses and households to make reductions.  He confirmed liaison with the Chamber of Commerce on the matter.

Councillor Joyce spoke on the Motion reminding members of the need to slow down the change in the climate and to follow the science.

Councillor de Whalley drew attention to the low lying elements West Norfolk and sea level increases. He commented on the corporate emissions that the action plan concentrated on.  He encouraged public consultation and proposed an amendment that the motion includes a commensurate commitment in staffing and resources rather than specific budget.

Councillor Kemp seconded the amendment and commented that the strategy and Action Plan didn’t go far enough, and the Council should provide district heating using creative methods such as utilising the Ouse.

Councillor Ryves supported the amendment reminding Members of the need to educate the community, and that a proportion of the new Communication officers time be spent on that.

Councillor A Tyler sought clarification of who would decide what commensurate was. 

Councillor de Whalley summed up in that it would make it clear that sufficient resources were being allocated to the climate emergency.

On being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Councillor Morley made comments from Councillor Parish who was not present. 

In summing up Councillor Dark drew attention to the importance of the position of declaring the Climate Emergency.  He drew attention to the work done so far, and that planned, and drew attention that they wouldn’t declare until the full extent was known.  He drew attention to the forthcoming financial report coming to Cabinet which was allocating £1m of funding over a 4 year period to deliver on Climate Change.

Councillor Kunes drew attention to a proposal to hold an exhibition in the Corn Exchange on green issues which the public and businesses would be encouraged to attend.

With the required number of supporters Councillor Dark requested a recorded vote on the Motion.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be carried.