Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Sustainability Team Manager.

The committee received a report to provide a review of progress made in delivering the Dorset Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.  The committee welcomed Steven Ford, newly appointed Corporate Director Climate and Ecological.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion the following points were noted:

·            How the Council measured performance against the action plan and the development of key performance indicators and reporting against a RAG (Red Amber Green) rating so that performance on specific actions and the overall programme could be assessed

·            Reference to County farms and the Dorset County Pension Committee and ensuring that the Council was a leader in the area for ways of working

·            Resources available for work in the area was discussed and it was noted that climate change work was a Council priority and there was a direct team who worked with teams across the whole council.  There was flexibility to be able to bring in external expertise if required.

In accordance with the Constitution, at this point in the meeting it was proposed by J Andrews seconded by P Brown that the meeting continue beyond 3 hours.  This was supported by the committee.

At 1.00pm, the Chairman announced that the committee would adjourn for 5 minutes.

The committee reconvened at 1.07pm.

Discussion continued with points raised as follows:

·            Issues around communications and engagement with partners and communities were considered

·            The use of alternative technologies / sustainable energies including tidal technologies and hydrogen were being looked into, working with partners

·            The links to grid capacity issues were highlighted and information provided on discussions that had taken place on these issues

·            The internal governance for the strategy was being strengthened

·            A request was made for further information on comparison work with other local authorities, to be provided in future reports

·            Vehicle provision in the council was being considered and the potential future use of electric and/or hydrogen.  The risks in this area were noted

·            Links to the Local Plan were raised and discussed.

The following action points were requested in respect of the report:

·            Ensuring there was performance monitoring of measures linked to the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy – further information to be included on progress with actions in order to assess overall progress.  A RAG rating was also requested as part of this

·            Additional information to be provided in future reports as provided to councillors at a recent Planning webinar

·            Comparative information from other councils to be included in future reports

·            Further investigation of the use of wave and tidal power

·            A report relating to sustainable energy supply in Dorset and grid capacity to be made available to councillors.