Agenda item

To present a draft action plan to meet the commitments of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration made by Council on 16 July 2019 and the Corporate Strategy objective to ‘tackle the climate change emergency’. The draft action plan should be seen as a summary of options to achieve carbon neutrality, since the detail will need to be consulted on with residents and stakeholders in order for it to be finalised.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Councillor and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘B’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report presented a draft action plan to meet the commitments of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration made by Council on 16 July 2019 and the Corporate Strategy objective to ‘tackle the climate change emergency’.  The Portfolio Holder referred to the dedicated Council team, the public and all the departments across the Council acting on the climate emergency – including stopping fuel poverty, making the streets safer for children and being as ambitious as possible. Councillor Bull seconded the recommendations in the report.  He thanked Officers for the work that had been undertaken acknowledging that there were many ways in which the action plan could be strengthened.  Councillor Bull commented on the omissions from the Annual Air Show.

Councillors considered the action plan comments included the need to move as quickly as possible, whilst supporting the principle in the plan expressing concern about the dismissal of the Air Show and the proposals for a congestion charge, the need for the working group to do further work as it had only met once, the role of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, emphasising that the plan was a living document and how eagerly the public were looking forward to contributing to the plan, the potential impact of electric cars and the need for financial input from Central Government.  A Councillor highlighted the number of proposals within the plan and encouraged Councillors to consider each initiative. A Councillor emphasised that BCP Council was showing the way in putting policies in place and offering an open door for investors. Councillors were informed of the quote from English Nature and the importance to protect the acid heathland.

A Councillor indicated that she was pleased to support this plan as her 6-year-old son was challenging her on what action was being taken.  A Councillor explained why she had previously voted against the motion on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.  She explained that she felt that the proposed action plan was too ambitious.

The Portfolio Holder in conclusion explained that the challenges were not underestimated, and the comments made were noted and would be raised with the Working Group.

RESOLVED that Council supports the following course of action:-

(a) Endorses the draft Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan as the basis for a public consultation with a final report back to Council.

(b) To take the delivery of this Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency commitments into account in setting the Medium Term Financial Plan, with a view to additional financial support being added to the Climate Change Reserve (£120k) and Salix Fund (£120k).

(c) Continues commitment to participate in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, single-use plastic reduction initiatives and work towards a plastic-free Council.

(d) Development of a new overarching Environment Strategy, to include climate change adaptation, mitigation, ecology and all related issues.

Voting: For – 71; Against – 0; Abstentions – 1