Agenda item

*HC 54/21        

The Committee considered a report that provided the second update on progress against the Climate Change and Biodiversity Action Plan since its adoption.

In discussion, the following points were raised:

(a)  For future iterations of the Action Plan, Members requested that the colour coding was defined;

(b)  A Member questioned the stringent requirements for private landlords in relation to rental properties being let no more than a ‘Class C’ in terms of heating and insulation that was to come into effect in the next few years.  In reply, officers highlighted section 4.3(a) of the published agenda report that referenced the fact that the Council had benefited from a funding opportunity to either initiate or enhance enforcement procedures in association with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations;

(c)   It was highlighted that there was growing evidence that heat pumps were both less energy efficient than gas boilers and were not a cost effective solution.  In response, it was acknowledged that this was a particularly complex area of work and there were a number of alternative options (e.g. neighbourhood heating systems) that required consideration;

(d)  Some Members stated that the Council should not make progress against its Action Plan at the expense of marginalising or alienating its residents.  As a consequence, there was a need for both strong leadership and a good Communications Strategy that Members, officers and the local community could adhere to;

(e)  In the future, it was intended that the Action Plan reviews would be incorporated within the wider Natural Environment Thematic Delivery Plan reviews.  Moreover, it was noted that the Natural Environment Hub Advisory Group would have a key role to play in this regard and reviewing the feedback from the Citizens Panel.

It was then RESOLVED that the updated Climate Change and Biodiversity Action Plan (as set out at Appendix A of the presented agenda report) be approved.

(NOTE: THESE DECISIONS WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM THURSDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2021, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MINUTES HC 49/21 PART 2, HC 50/21 PART 2, HC 52/21 PART 7 WHICH ARE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON 15 FEBRUARY 2022, UNLESS CALLED IN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULE 18)