Agenda item

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

(i)              Acknowledged activities undertaken and efforts made by NFDC and its partners between 1 January 2023 and 31st March 2024 in response to the declared Climate Change and Nature Emergency;

(ii)             Noted that as local leaders of place, NFDC, through its corporate plan, transformation programme and ongoing approaches to service delivery has made a clear commitment to the climate and nature emergency agenda, recognising UK Government’s legally binding net zero targets;

(iii)            Supported the ongoing delivery of the approved Climate Change and Nature Emergency Action Plan (Appendix 2), and by continuing to work with partners and the public, the Council will continue to play a key role; and

(iv)            Supported the continuing development of the longer-term Climate Change and Nature Emergency Strategy and Action Plan supported by the Members Climate Change and Nature Emergency Task and Finish Group.

KEY DECISION:

Yes.

PORTFOLIO:

Environment and Sustainability

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability reported he was pleased to present the report on the progress to address the climate change and nature emergency, which the council had declared in 2021.  A commitment had been made to publish an annual report providing an update on the progress.  The report highlighted the delivery of projects across all council services, with the list of activities growing year on year and how this was being embedded into day-to-day operations.  Examples of work included, the new public conveniences at Barton on Sea beach where the design specification had included use of sustainable materials and the retrofitting of 70 council properties using external funding to improve the energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, the energy bills for tenants as well as improving biodiversity in the community.  It was positive to see how these tangible projects made a difference in the community.

The data within the report demonstrated that it was necessary to increase the scale and pace of action significantly in order to meet local and national climate commitments.  The new Corporate Plan prioritised climate actions across four areas; carbon reduction, carbon adaption, national recovery and programme management. 

The strategic direction of the council would be guided over the next 12 months with a new member Task and Finish Group.  The Portfolio Holder reported he was optimistic that the drive to reduce carbon emissions would continue with positive outcomes to support services for residents, businesses and those visiting the forest.

The Climate and Sustainability Manager reported that the timing of the report had been realigned to the financial year and therefore the report included two years worth of carbon emission data.  This showed a small decrease in both the council operations data and the wider environment, which was a positive step.  The forthcoming Task and Finish Group would help to inform the development of the longer term strategy and action plan.

A Cabinet Member highlighted how the emission data by sector showed that the largest contributor was transport being responsible for 47% of emissions and the public sector was 1%.  He felt that it was important to look both inwardly at the council activities and the resulting carbon emissions, but that it was important to look outwardly to try and influence others in reducing their carbon impact.

A number of non Cabinet Members spoke in support of the report and recognised that working with partners was necessary in order to reduce carbon emissions.  Engagement work should be carried out in the local community.  Clarity was sought in relation to how partnership working with other organisations would be carried out.