Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 28 October 2021,

be received and approved as a correct record.

The Scrutiny Research Officer presented the report and advised Members that they would be considering the final recommendations to conclude the review into Climate Change Mitigation and for submission to the Cabinet meeting in June 2022.

The report set out all the information considered by Members throughout the review including the methodology used and some key themes that had been identified for potential recommendations.

Following the informal meeting of the Panel in February 2022 and further collaboration with the Council’s Assistant Director for Assets and Investment and Strategic Asset Manager for Assets and Investment, a draft set of recommendations had been compiled and were presented to Members for consideration.  The Panel were asked to note that an effort had been made to ensure that the wording of the recommendations reflected the essence of the Climate Change Strategy report (and its recommendations) that would also be submitted to Cabinet in June 2022, for approval.

Members proceeded to consider the recommendations and made a couple of suggestions/amendments to their content.

RESOLVED

that the following recommendations, with regard to the Climate Change Mitigation review, be submitted to Cabinet for consideration in June 2022:-

a)    to support the approval of a proposed target of net-zero by 2030 for the Council’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions;

b)    to support the approval of proposals to minimise Scope 3 emissions by 2050;

c)    to support the approval of the Climate Change Strategy, Climate Change Action Plan and Carbon Management Plan;

d)    to continue to ensure an increase in the number of electric charging points available to the Council and the wide public;

e)    continue with the commitment towards the expansion of the a greener transport fleet;

f)     continue to invest appropriately in renewable technology opportunities;

g)    to promote low carbon and sustainable procurement across the Council;

h)    to continue to support tree planting schemes within the District;

i)     to continue to support and promote energy saving initiatives for Ashfield residents and local businesses;

j)     In addition to the Green Rewards Scheme, consider other targeted recognition initiatives aimed at communities, educational institutions, and businesses to increase innovation, action, and awareness in Ashfield;

k)    to work with schools and community groups to improve knowledge and understanding of climate change mitigation;

l)     to explore the possibility of establishing wildlife friendly verges across the District as part of the Council’s commitment towards supporting nature and wildlife;

m)  to ensure that local businesses and communities are involved in implementing the key objectives set out within the Climate Change Strategy.