Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ceara Roopchand, and Jade Woods. It was noted that Councillor Peter Clark attended the meeting as a substitute for Councillor Ceara Roopchand.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 24 February 2026

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 February were agreed by the Committee.

In accordance with the Committee’s work programme, Members are invited to consider and comment on an officer presentation on the Climate Change Adaptations Plan.

The Committee received a presentation on the draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan from officers, including the Head of Climate Action and supporting officers. The Chair invited members to raise questions throughout the presentation.

Officers stated that the report had been brought to Committee to inform its development prior to submission to Cabinet. It was emphasised that climate change was no longer a future concern but an ongoing issue affecting the UK, including Stevenage. It was noted that average global temperatures had already increased by approximately 1.3°C and were projected to continue rising.

The Committee acknowledged that climate change impacts were increasingly relevant to local government service delivery and long-term planning.

The Committee was advised that future projections indicated:

• Hotter, drier summers and milder, wetter winters
• Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events

• Increase in number of hot days (above 25°C)
• Slight increase in annual rainfall, but with greater seasonal variation and intensity

Members discussed the implications of seasonal rainfall changes, noting that while overall rainfall may increase, summer water shortages and winter flooding risks would both intensify.

The Committee further noted that extreme weather events, such as storms, flooding, and heatwaves, had already occurred locally and were expected to become more frequent and severe.

Officers outlined the broader policy framework, including:

• International agreements such as the Paris Agreement
• Development of global adaptation frameworks and indicators
• UK legislative requirements under the Climate Change Act 2008

• Climate Change Risk Assessments (CCRA) on a five-year cycle
• National Adaptation Programmes (NAP), currently NAP3 (2023–2028)
• Adaptation Reporting Power (ARP) requiring organisations to assess and report risks

The Committee was informed that a local Climate Change Risk Assessment had been completed in 2024, identifying 45 climate-related risks to council operations, assets, and services.

Key points included:

• Risks were categorised by climate drivers such as flooding, drought, storms, and extreme heat
• Impacts were assessed on services including housing, green spaces, infrastructure, and public health
• Risks were evaluated using likelihood and impact scoring, aligned with existing corporate risk frameworks

Members noted that:

• Most risks were currently low to medium but would increase significantly under 2°C and 4°C warming scenarios
• Engagement with Heads of Service had been undertaken to embed climate considerations across the organisation

Natural Environment - Risks identified included:

• Damage to parks, woodlands, and green spaces
• Tree loss due to pests, disease, and climate stress
• Increased maintenance costs

Members discussed:

• Risks of tree failure and associated liabilities
• Need for climate-resilient planting strategies
• Data gaps in tree inventories and carbon baselines

A specific high-risk example was highlighted at Fairlands Valley Park, where:

• Water temperature and runoff could increase algal blooms
• Impacts could include biodiversity loss, health risks, and reduced recreational use
• Existing mitigation included water quality monitoring and treatment

Proposed actions included improved monitoring and exploration of alternative treatment methods.

Health, Community, and Built Environment - Key risks included:

• Poor air quality during heatwaves
• Increased pests and food safety risks
• Damp, mould, and structural issues in buildings
• Increased demand on council services

Members noted:

• Potential increases in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Members are invited to consider the Cabinet Portfolio holders response to the Committee’s review of recycling in flat blocks.

The Committee considered the response to its review of recycling in flat blocks. Officers reported that the recommendation to introduce recycling champions had been supported, with an emphasis on effective recognition and improved data from combined kerbside collection vehicles.

Progress was noted on several initiatives, including the implementation of new food waste collections, the design and installation of clear pictorial signage in bin stores, and the introduction of simplified recycling systems for residents.

Additional accessibility measures, such as a braille signage option and narrated instructional videos, had also been delivered. The Committee further noted that mobile CCTV at bring bank sites would be reviewed alongside wider enforcement measures, with hotspot locations to be identified, and that proposals for locations such as Vardon Road flats would be considered as part of the wider improvement programme, including resident consultation and potential use of recycling bags.

The Committee also noted measures to address fly tipping, including the installation of locks on bin stores and the introduction of three wheeled bins where practical.

Members sought clarification regarding the differing delivery timescales for bin stickers and signage. Officers advised that the current flat block improvement programme would be rolled out over the coming months and would ensure that the council was compliant in terms of food waste recycling; and future flat block improvements over phases would see improvements to signage, stickers and bins in other locations as part of a longer term initiative. The first phase is expected to be completed by late summer.

The Committee welcomed the detailed responses and noted the update.

Members are invited to consider the delivery of the Committee’s work programme for 2025-26 and to bring forward possible items for consideration for the Committee’s work programme for 2026-27.

The Committee considered the Work Programme for 2025–2026. Members noted the items completed during the current year, including the review of waste and recycling and ongoing work relating to the climate change emergency. It was further noted that some items had not been progressed due to time constraints, and that previous considerations had included cycling and several one-off topics.

The Chair invited Members to propose items for inclusion in the 2026-2027 Work Programme. It was suggested that the enforcement of fly-tipping should form a key area of focus, reflecting concerns raised in previous discussions. Members indicated general agreement with this proposal, and no alternative topics were put forward.

It was noted that fly-tipping be included as the primary item within the Committee’s Work Programme for 2026–2027.

The Committee received a reminder from officers that the action tracker would be presented to the Committee during the Summer. This would enable Members to review progress against previous recommendations and determine whether further scrutiny or follow-up work was required. It was noted that the tracker would also be updated to remove outdated items and ensure continued relevance.

It was RESOLVED that the action tracker would be refreshed and brought back to a future meeting for review.

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part I Business

To consider the following motions –

1.  That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.  That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part II Business.