Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations 1 and 2, with recommendation 3 being changed to (c) below, and an additional recommendation (d) below:

(c)        That a briefing for new Members following the election be arranged to highlight the work undertaken to date and the commitments of the Council moving forward, and that the Climate Change Strategy forms part of the Member Induction Programme; and

(d)       That the Council’s website be updated to include the Climate Change Strategy.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report and explained that in 2019 the Welsh Government (WG) called for the Public Sector to become carbon neutral by 2030.  Following that declaration, Cabinet resolved in December 2019 to a Climate Change Strategy which would set key aims and actions for creating a carbon neutral Council by 2030.

            The Climate Change Strategy detailed the Council’s work undertaken so far: its baseline carbon emissions; and areas that needed to be progressed and projected future state should those actions be completed to propel the Council towards its net zero carbon / carbon neutral goal by 2030.

            He said everybody was responsible for helping to reach the goal of carbon neutrality.  The new school in Mynydd Isa would be the first one in the county to be carbon neutral.  He thanked everybody involved, including the previous Cabinet Member who had been instrumental in driving it forward. 

            Councillor Bithell welcomed the report which was comprehensive and positive, adding that he was encouraged by the interest show in the subject by young people. 

            The Chief Officer (Environment and Economy) thanked Councillor Sean Bibby who was Chair of the Climate Change Board and had led the production of the document before Members. 

            In response to a comment from Councillor Butler, the Chief Officer (Education and Youth) explained that climate change played a key part of the strategy within schools and in the youth service, which provided support to people aged 11-25. 

            The Chief Officer (Environment and Economy) said a briefing on carbon reduction would be delivered to new Members following the election, and it would also form part of the induction programme.  The website would also be updated.       

RESOLVED:

(a)       That progress made in delivering carbon reduction measures to date be acknowledged;

(b)       That the Climate Change Strategy for 2022 – 2030 and its aims therein be endorsed;

(c)        That a briefing for new Members following the election be arranged to highlight the work undertaken to date and the commitments of the Council moving forward, and that the Climate Change Strategy forms part of the Member Induction Programme; and

(d)       That the Council’s website be updated to include the Climate Change Strategy.