Decision details

The Leader asked the Strategic Directors to move the Climate Change agenda forward at a greater pace than hitherto.  To this end, she saw the following four strand of work to be crucial:

·           the climate change actions that could be carried out by the SBC (including housing, planning, energy, estates, transport and regeneration);

·           the influencing of partners and businesses in climate change matters;

·           the lobbying of the Government for powers to drive forward the Climate Change agenda, along with appropriate additional funding; and

·           the community engagement with residents, including consultation and education, and involving as wide a cross-section of residents as possible.

The Leader noted that there were only a small number of “quick wins” examples in the documentation.  She therefore proposed an additional recommendation requesting a report to be submitted to the next Climate Change Working Group providing a comprehensive “quick wins” programme of projects for the next 12 months.

Members were given an assurance that the Climate Change Strategy consultation process would include young people, youth groups and local schools.

The Leader requested that an item be added to the agenda for the next Climate Change Working Group meeting on how the equalities impact of climate change could be assessed and how some of the potential negative impacts contained in the Equalities Impact Assessment could be mitigated.

Officers were asked to ensure that all future Executive reports contained paragraphs on Climate Change Implications.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the content of the draft Climate Change Strategy, Charter and Community Pledges be noted.

2.         That the Climate Change Strategy, Charter and Pledges be published for consultation from 18 February 2020 for five weeks.

3.         That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director: Planning and Regulation, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to make minor amendments as are necessary in the final preparation of the draft documents prior to consultation.

4.         That a report to be submitted to the next Climate Change Working Group providing a comprehensive “quick wins” programme of projects for the next 12 months.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; and 4. To quicken the pace of work on Climate Change.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.