Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Economy and Public Protection.

The Cabinet Member responsible for the Economy Portfolio, and the Executive Director, Economy and Public Protection, submitted a report (previously circulated) to update Council progress towards the Council’s net zero target.

The Cabinet Member responsible for the Economy Portfolio gave context regarding the actions taken by the service area since the last update, and informed Members on some of the workings of the Climate Change Working Group.

Members posed questions on some of the issues discussed in the Climate Change Working Group, specifically around investigations into increased carbon emissions, and fuel bills at Council venues. The Chair of the working group also reiterated their belief that the Council must take into account future needs of Net Zero into their current developments.

Members also made reference to the Tree and Woodland Policy, questioning whether a new strategy needs to be implemented to account for the high volume of trees being planted.

Thanks was also passed to the Climate Change Working Group for their efforts.

RESOLVED – That Council notes the contents of the report.

Reasons - The recommendations are supported by the increasing public pressure to act on climate change, the Council may run the risk of significant damage to its reputation if it does not deliver on its stated commitment to dealing with the Council’s contribution to climate change.