Issue - meetings

That the content of the attached Cabinet report in preparation for the all-

Member workshop on 25 February 2020 be noted and promoted.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) presented a report to update the Committee on the Council’s response to the challenges of climate change.  He provided background information and referred to the key considerations.  He advised that it had been agreed that an all Member workshop would be held on 25 February, to engage with elected Members on the challenges of climate change.  The Chief Officer explained that the report to the meeting of Cabinet on 17 December, which was appended to the report, sets out the challenges to the public sector in general, and Flintshire County Council in particular, in meeting the Welsh Government’s target of a carbon neutral public sector by 2030. 

The Chair thanked the Chief Officer for a comprehensive report.

In response to the comments made by Councillor David Evans regarding the role of Planning in reducing carbon emissions, the Chief Officer commented on the Local Development Plan which would contain a suite of policies designed to address climate change.

Referring to the information on bio-diversity in the report, Councillor Kevin Hughes expressed the view that increasing the urban canopy  cover from 14.5 to 18% by 2033 was ambitious due to the impact of Ash die back.  Councillor Hughes asked if Flintshire could legally adopt a local procurement policy.  He also commented on the need for a proactive press and communication campaign to promote the Council’s approach to climate change.

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson commented on the use of enforcement in the private sector to ensure reduction in emissions.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas commented on the impact of climate change across all service areas in the Authority and reported on the corporate work being undertaken to respond to the challenge.

During discussion the Chief Officer responded to the further comments raised by Members concerning, flood risk, change in economies around renewables, reducing the use of plastic materials, and collaborative work with other local authorities.

The Chairman encouraged Members to promote awareness of the challenges of climate change with their local Town/Community Council.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Kevin Hughes  and seconded by Councillor Cindy Hinds.

RESOLVED:

That the content of the attached Cabinet report in preparation for the all-

Member workshop on 25 February 2020 be noted and promoted.