Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to update Cabinet on the progress towards the Council’s net zero target and its nature recovery ambition.

The report explained that the increase in emissions for 2024/25 was partially due to the opening of Hopetown and works on the Dolphin Centre, the rise in admissions at Allington Way is still be confirmed and investigations are still ongoing. The Climate Change Officer have been working with officers across the Council to revise the Climate Change Action Plan. It was also reported that a new tool had been developed to identify potential projects that will require funding, Officers are working with the North East and Net Zero Hub to help support officers with finding funding. It was also explained that the Ecologist will be developing a nature recovery action plan, which will align with the regional nature recovery strategy which is currently in development for the Tees Valley.

RESOLVED - It is recommended that Cabinet acknowledges the report.

REASON - The recommendations support our declaration to act on climate change and nature depletion. We run the risk of significant damage to our reputation if we do not deliver on our stated commitments to dealing with the Council’s contribution to climate change and ambition for nature recovery.