Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Pat Cooper and Janet Tait.

To note any urgent items of business which the Chairman has consented to being considered under the provisions of Section 100(B) 4(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items of business to consider.

Members should declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non Statutory Interest as defined by the Members’ Code of Conduct in respect of:

a)  any business on the agenda

b)  any urgent additional items to be considered

c)  any matters arising out of those items

and if appropriate, withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 13^th September 2019

Moved by Councillor Natalie Hoy and seconded by Councillor Anne Clarke

RESOLVED that the Minutes of a Healthy Safe Clean & Green Communities Scrutiny committee meeting held on 13^th September 2019 be approved as a correct record.

(Members should contact the officer whose name appears on the List of Key Decisions for any further information.  NB: If Members wish to discuss an exempt report under this item, the meeting will need to move into exempt business and exclude the public in accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and Local Government Act 1972, Part 1, Schedule 12a for that part of the meeting only).

Committee considered the List of Key Decisions and items to be considered in private document.

Moved and seconded

RESOLVED that the List of Key Decisions be noted.

Committee considered a presentation provided by the Strategic Director – People in relation to the Council’s Carbon Reduction Plan 2019-2030.

Carbon footprint was the overall amount of climate change gas emissions we produced and was how negative impact upon the environment was measured.  It was the primary cause associated with climate change.

A growing global awareness of the effect of our carbon footprint had started to grow a global appetite for change; a need to move to a lower carbon lifestyle, to do things differently and to reduce, re-use, recycle and rethink.

The Council’s vision was for a District that balanced economic prosperity with environmental sustainability, improving the lives of people and the environment. 

The Climate Change Act 2008, legislated for all organisations to reduce their carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.  In 2010, the Council had developed an Energy Management Policy and had made incremental changes in reducing its emissions.  Some examples of this were; the Council’s refuse vehicles, in terms of vehicle and engine design, were now more environmentally friendly.  Bin hoisters on refuse vehicles had also been changed from fuel driven to electric lift, which charged whilst driving, so dramatically using less fuel.  Journey rationalisation in terms of routes, smart technologies, LEDs etc. 

Since 2013, the Council had already reduced its emissions, that could be measured, by 50% and the Strategic Director – People felt that the Council would be a lot further ahead of the Government’s 80% target by 2050.  It was noted, however, that the Government’s targets could change/increase over the coming years.

As a community leader, the Council had the opportunity to raise awareness of the potential to reduce emissions and influence change leading to economic and social benefits.  The Council’s Carbon Reduction Plan 2019-2030 set out8 thematic areas by which the Council aimed to reduce its carbon emissions;

1.    Sustainable Buildings and Workplaces

2.    Renewable Energy

3.    Low Carbon Fleet

4.    Transport

5.    Planning

6.    Community and Collaboration

7.    Biodiversity

8.    Procurement

As technology in the above areas and products evolved at a rapid pace, the Council’s Carbon Reduction Plan, Action Plan and Targets would be reviewed and updated regularly.  Senior Management Team would adopt a culture of ‘carbon consideration’ and each service would embed the Carbon Reduction Plan into their service plans to become part of everyday council planning.  The Carbon Reduction Plan would become part of the ‘corporate consciousness’ and a fundamental element of the Council’s new ‘Corporate Plan’.

To enable the Council to manage, monitor and review actions and consider new ideas, a ‘Carbon Reduction’ sub group had been established and the first meeting had taken place in September 2019.  A motion presented to Council in July 2019, requesting the Council to declare a 'Climate Emergency', had been referred to the Carbon Reduction sub group for consideration.

A Member deliberated what type of local employment opportunities would be available to future generations as we moved to a more carbon neutral environment.  He felt that effective use  ...  view the full minutes text for item 371.

Committee considered their Work Programme 2019/20.

Committee agreed the scoping document for the Review of Council’s partnership role in supporting children in care and care leavers.

Moved by Councillor Natalie Hoy and seconded by Councillor Peter Roberts

RESOLVED that (1) the Work Programme be noted,

(2) the scoping document for the Review of Council’s partnership role in supporting children in care and care leavers, be agreed.

The meeting concluded at 1107 hours.