Issue - meetings

Climate Change is recognised as one of the leading global issues facing society today. This is shown through the Council’s adoption of its ambitious Climate Change Action Plan in January 2020. This report provides an update on the targets and actions within the second year of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved to:

(1)      Consider and note the targets and actions contained in Year 2 of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan including those that were partially implemented in Year 1.

(2)      Note the new targets included to best facilitate a green recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee received a report providing an update on the targets and actions within the second year of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Climate Change Action Plan: Following a question from a Member, the Officer explained that some of the set targets originally set within the Climate Change Action Plan had not been completely delivered in year 1. The report included an update for those targets which had been partially completed to let the Committee know of the progress of individual objectives.

b)            Electric vehicles: Following a question from a Member, the Officer confirmed that the Council currently owns one electric pool car. The Officer noted that quotes were being undertaken on the price of electric vans, and due to the developing nature of the market, it would be hopeful that price decreases would be seen in the near future.

c)            Tree planting: Members raised concerns regarding the number of trees that would need planting. The Officer noted that a pre-mapping exercise was being undertaken, and agreed that they would return to Committee with details regarding what would be planted in 2021. Members noted Surrey County Council’s policy to replace dying trees, and explained that they were in touch with Surrey to try and amend this policy, to adopt a more flexible approach.

d)            Electric vehicle charging points: Members noted the recent E.V Forum which discussed the plans for charging points across Surrey. The Officer noted that work was underway to find suitable locations in existing properties and sites for charging points to be installed.

e)            Engagement: Following a question from a Member, the Officer noted that they were working closely with the Communications team in order to broaden engagement to local residents. This includes a recent article in the Borough Insight, e-Borough Insight, thorough information on the Council website and the possibility of a quarterly output of messaging. Members spoke about the possibility of physical literature, in order to be inclusive to any resident without access to the internet.

f)             Climate Change Task Group: Members spoke about the Climate Change Task Group and spoke about the possibility of this group re-forming. In his absence, the Vice-Chair confirmed he would pass this information to the Committee Chair.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved unanimously to:

(1)      Consider and note the targets and actions contained in Year 2 of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan including those that were partially implemented in Year 1.

(2)      Note the new targets included to best facilitate a green recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.