Issue - meetings

To receive an update on actions taken for the Climate Change Action Plan and to receive Electric Vehicle Car Sharing Options report with recommendations to the Cabinet

The Group had before it a *report from the Climate and Sustainability Specialist providing an update on the Climate Change Action Plan.

The officer explained the Net Zero Advisory Group (NZAG) had a special meeting with Members of the Environment PDG and had discussed the RAG rated investment options available. NZAG discussions and Audit had highlighted the importance of ensuring that Climate Change was a consideration in the decision making process and business cases.

Consideration was given to:

·         A meeting with the Environment Agency was due to be held regarding Hydro Power which would be valuable with regard to feasibility

·         Fortnightly progress meetings were being held with Deletti partnership Electric Vehicle Chargepoint phase 2 delivery. Rural sites were the next logical step but less commercially attractive to providers

·         There had been no outreach to farmers regarding sustainable farming initiatives since the Mid Devon Show but there was plenty of information on the Council website to signpost interested parties to other organisations

·         The projected spend on the Hydro Schemes and consultants was an estimate and had yet to be decided and therefore did not affect the budget

·         The financial pressures on farmers

·         The use of consultants could open up greater funding streams

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

1.         That the Environment PDG notes and accepts this report as an update on the Council’s response to the Climate Emergency, documenting progress with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the wider Climate and Sustainability Programme.

2.         That the Environment PDG recommends to the Cabinet that the team with delegated authority (13 May 2021 Cabinet decision) lead next steps with regard to Environment PDG input regarding options for green travel hire schemes.

3.         That Environment PDG consult with Corporate Management Team (CMT) to formulate a method for a Climate and Sustainability Statement that can be consistently applied to all business cases. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet.

4.         That Environment PDG and Net Zero Advisory Group (NZAG) consult with CMT and the C&S Specialist to devise a consistent approach to climate change impact statements noted on committee reports. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes