Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment to report.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment set out the recommendation to Full Council in respect of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy Consultation Results. In presenting the strategy he referred to the following: -

·       The main area of concern remained around the target for the Council to achieve a Carbon neutral position.

·       This was set at an achievable and realistic date of 2040.

·       Where appropriate and in response to public consultation, discussions with Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee and individual members, the strategy and action plan documents had been amended.

·       Highlighted that the strategy was a living document and a short survey remained open for the public to continue to make comments.

·       Further investigations and developments would continue as technologies developed.

·       There was a growth in the detail in respect of Hydrogen energy

·       If adopted and as set out in the Council Plan, the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy document would impact on what and how the council provided its services in the future.

• The Council was awarded £19 million by Government to spend on properties within the Dorset Council area to reduce carbon emissions and running costs.

·       He thanked officers for their work on the document and consultation process.

Following discussion at Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee on 12 May 2021 and having heard the committee debate, the Executive Director for Place confirmed that he was making the following recommendation:

“That Cabinet consider the outcomes of the consultation and amendments to the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan and recommended its final approval to Full Council”. 

In making this recommendation, the Executive Director confirmed that the recommendation sheet and the extract notes of the informal meeting of Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee were circulated to Cabinet as a supplement to this meeting.

The Chairman invited the Chairman of the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee to address the meeting:

·       He confirmed that the scrutiny committee discussed the report, acknowledging the budget implications and potential impact on the council tax for the residents of Dorset.

·       If the targets of the strategy were brought forward on a quicker timeframe, that cost burden on the taxpayer could be quite significant.

·       Overall, the scrutiny committee was satisfied the target dates were achievable.

·       Funding needed to be timetabled with performance deadlines and strategic project dates for officers to be able to deliver the strategy.

·       He suggested that the scrutiny committee carry out quarterly performance reviews. 

The Chairman invited non-executive members to ask questions of the Portfolio Holder: -

• Misgivings were expressed that further work was required on adaptions, other greenhouse gases and ecology. But minor changes had been welcomed.
• Most consultees were content with the overall targets.

Following debate and the opportunity to ask questions, the Portfolio Holder advised that he intended to recommend that the Dorset Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy be considered by Full Council for adoption.

Cabinet confirmed that they supported this recommendation.

Recommendation to Full Council from the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment

That the Dorset Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan be considered by Full Council for adoption.