Decision details

The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication provided the Cabinet with the recommendations of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group, which met on the 28^th January 2020, to consider a report on the draft Wildflower Grass Management Policy for Rhondda Cynon Taf and a report on the action that can be taken in the Air Quality Management Areas, to ensure air quality improves across the County Borough.

In respect of the Wildflower Grass Management Policy report, the Service Director advised that the Steering Group were in favour of the proposals to increase the number of sites in wildflower management and to establish a Biodiversity website.

In respect of the Air Quality Management Areas report, the Service Director advised that the Steering Group spoke of the Clean Air Day on 20^th June 2020 and felt that the Council’s participation in the initiative would promote a positive message to its residents but agreed that the correct message would need to be conveyed, whether that be in respect of car sharing, cycling to work or tree planting. Furthermore, the Steering Group recommended that in addition to progressing with the short-term and practicable actions, the viable, long-term actions needed to be identified to include within the Council’s Highway Capital Programme for Cabinet consideration

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and the Welsh Language echoed the feelings of the Steering Group in relation to the Wildflower Grass Management Policy report. The Cabinet Member stated the importance of encouraging biodiversity but reiterated the need to convey to the public that it is not a cost-cutting exercise.

The Cabinet Member went on to speak of the Air Quality Management Areas report, commenting that, generally, air quality across RCT is contained and managed well, with just sixteen small areas identified.

The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to praise the Climate Change Steering Group on the vast amount of work undertaken in such a short period of time.

Speaking of the Wildflower Grass Management Policy, Members recognised the importance of signage and communication to ensure residents understand the need for biodiversity across the Borough.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            To note the content of the two reports considered by the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group on the 28^th January 2020; and

2.            The recommendations of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group:

               I.        To approve the Wildflower Grass Management Policy for Rhondda Cynon Taf

             II.         To continue progressing with the short-term and practicable actions identified in Table B of the Air Quality Management Areas report;

            III.        That having regard to the current local circumstances, the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services work with the Group Director of Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services to identify the viable, long-term actions from Table B of the Air Quality Management Areas report, to include in the Council’s Highway Capital Programme for Cabinet consideration; and

           IV.        That the Council seek to engage with its residents on the Clean Air Day, which is taking place on 20^th June 2020, which is funded by the Welsh government and forms part of the wider Clean Air Day campaign across the UK.