Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Head of Housing and Property Services the Managing the Environment Development Group had recommended that the updated Climate Strategy and Action Plan be approved.

Arising from a *report of the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group had recommended that the updated Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan be approved.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment outlined the contents of the report stating that the Strategy and Action Plan was a compilation and summary of existing relevant documents and actions across the Council and a statement on central government policy and guidance.        The document had been updated as previously agreed to ensure its accuracy reflecting other updates and emerging guidance.  The authority had a good track record with the use of solar energy on housing stock and corporate buildings which promoted green credentials.

Consideration was given to:

·         The lack of specific targets and any monitoring scheme

·         The need for the strategy to be appropriate to the authority

·         The detail in the action plan

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr N V Davey and seconded by Cllr P H D Hare-Scott)

Notes: 

(i)           Cllr R L Stanley requested that his abstention from voting be recorded;

(ii)          *Report previously copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Head of Housing and Property Services providing Members with the updated Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for consideration

The Group had before it a report * from the Head of Housing and Property Services providing Members with the updated Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for consideration.

The Estates Manager explained that the Strategy and Action Plan was a compilation and summary of existing relevant documents and actions across the Council as well as a statement on central government policy and guidance.

The Officer highlighted the following areas which had been achieved since the adoption of the strategy:

·         Increase in the recycling rate – the rate was increasing and had exceeded 50%

·         Reducing Carbon Footprint of our offices and leisure centres – the arrangement the Council had with Anesco Energy Services (South) Ltd was realising energy savings in these buildings and that project was being built on when opportunity allowed during planned maintenance and replacement. The investment in solar PV on these buildings was also reaping rewards.

·         Adopt a Low Emissions Strategy – this was rolled on from the previous Corporate Plan and remained an action although low emissions improvements were being driven by Local Plan policy and the ECO Stars initiative.

·         Replacement of fleet with more eco-friendly vehicles - fleet replacement was ongoing as appropriate and current recycling vehicles met Euro 6.

·         Prepare action plan for maintenance of open spaces– this remained an action to be completed.

·         Reducing Fuel Poverty in Council Housing Stock – investment was ongoing and in addition to the extensive Solar PV installations included replacement boilers, controls and insulation, air-source heat pumps, solar thermal, trials of air to air heat pumps and consideration of other and emerging technology. Efforts were also being concentrated to provide a mains gas supply to all Housing Stock as the preferred source of energy.

·         Private Sector Housing was actively supporting that sector when able to do so. Actions included giving advice directly or via partners, enabling improvements via the former Green Deal and any replacement funding opportunity that became available.

·         A Green Infrastructure Assessment had been completed and formed part of the local plan evidence (it is not a specific plan or policy as originally intended).

·         The Eco Stars initiative in addition to the refuse vehicles and taxi operators had many local to national outside vehicle operators who used the roads in Mid Devon signed up to operating vehicles with lower emissions.

·         Mid Devon actively participated with the Low Emissions Partnership network to deliver improved air quality.

Discussion took place regarding recycled materials such as aggregates and what influence the authority had to insist that developers used recycled material and installed energy saving devices such as solar panels and insulation. 

It was AGREED that the Head of Planning and Regeneration be asked to provide information regarding this.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet approve the updated Climate Strategy and Action Plan.

(Proposed by Cllr D R Coren and seconded by Cllr R Evans)

Note: - * Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.