Issue - meetings

Councillor Wesley Harcourt noted that this was a timely report following the recent headlines on the media regarding flooding, wild fires and extreme hot weather. This strategy set out the Council’s approach to delivering its target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the borough by 2030 as well as the benefits it would bring to its residents. It was based on the work of the resident-led Climate and Ecological Emergency Commission, reported recently at Cabinet. The Council had also set up a strategic implementation group to explore the ways to implement the climate change measures on this strategy and put them into practice.

The Leader explained that the pandemic had been a hindrance on focusing on the climate strategy. However, action was urgently needed as the world was facing a climate emergency with extreme climate changes happening globally. It was paramount to make changes and find ways to protect and improve the environment. This strategy was a road map which would be improved as it moved forward with residents involvement and review.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS PRESENT:

1.     To approve the strategy and action plan.

2.     To note the significant investment required to achieve net zero, in excess of £2bn for the whole borough, and that delivery of the strategy is dependent on substantial external financing.

3.     To note the importance of a green economic recovery to support this transition.

4.     To note the complexity of delivering a major programme to decarbonise the council’s buildings and other assets.