Agenda item

The Scrutiny & Elections Officer explained the background to the review, the evidence considered by the outgoing Committee, and the reasoning for the recommendations.  The report had been presented to Executive in March, with all recommendations approved for implementation.  The appendix attached gave further detail on expected timescales and delivery.

A Member queried why there was no target date set for recommendation 2.  The Chief Executive clarified that there was a two-phase process to the creation of new posts which could take a number of months.  Approval was required by Employment & Personal Committee, then the post needed to go through job design, person specification and job evaluation.  If growth was required in the budget, approval was then also required from Council.

A Member queried if there was a target date for submission to Committee.  The Chief Executive noted that lots of options were being considered alongside the Low Carbon Group, Housing Stock Management Group, Partnerships team, and Leisure Services.  The need for an additional post on top of existing arrangements was being assessed.

In relation to recommendation 5, the Monitoring Officer noted that the new post referred to was going to Committee in August 2023 for approval.  A Member queried why the post was not being recruited at the same time as the suggested operational officer post.  The Chief Executive noted that approval was likely to be required by Council following Committee.  A review of the Senior Management structure was currently taking place and a new officer had been assigned as lead for climate change.  Discussions were still taking place on operational leads and whether an additional post was required.

In relation to recommendation 7, a Member queried progress with the review.  The Chief Executive noted that the Low Carbon Group was supported by the Partnership team but involved council officers/members and external partners.  Separate to this Group, Council officers met to deliver Council specific projects related to carbon reduction of the Council estate and operations.  With the more recent structural changes and the shift away from operating as the Strategic Alliance the Council was now re-assessing mechanisms for delivering the Council’s carbon reduction target.  A Member asked that the target date be updated to reflect the situation.

Members requested a copy of the original review report completed and a copy of the 2019 motion to Council to understand the information gathered by the past Committee.

Members referred to a letter received by Committee Members in relation to the Council’s approach to climate change and agreed it was important to respond in relation to the Council’s position.

Moved by Councillor Carol Wood and seconded by Councillor Cathy Jeffrey

RESOLVED that (1) subject to the agreed amended target dates, Executive’s Response to the Review of Council’s Approach to Carbon Reduction be noted,

(2) the report and findings be made public, in accordance with Part 4.5.17(4) of the Council’s Constitution,

(3) officers monitor progress on the recommendations and report in six and twelve months’ time highlighting exceptions to delivery, in accordance with Part 3.6(1) of the Council’s Constitution.

Moved by Councillor Carol Wood and seconded by Councillor Jeanne Raspin

RESOLVED that (4) in reply to the letter received by Committee, a clear factual response stating the Council’s position be compiled.