Decision details

The Corporate Policy and Consultation Manager provided the Sub-Committee with the Climate Change Engagement Plan, which outlined how the Council proposed to communicate and involve stakeholders in developing its approach to working together to achieve its climate targets.

The plan set out how the Council intends to engage with residents, schools, businesses, staff and the third sector on considering greener and more sustainable lifestyle choices whilst raising the profile and increasing awareness about climate change.

The Chair took the opportunity to thank the officer and colleagues for the work undertaken to produce the robust Engagement Plan before Members. The Chair was encouraged to note the RCT Climate Change Engagement Plan would seek to engage with residents, schools, businesses, staff and the third sector and cover the wider community and individuals.

The Chair highlighted the importance of the Council staff, 80% of which live within the County Borough, and commended them for contributing to the ambitious climate targets outlined within the report.

The Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure echoed the Chair’s comments and thanked the officer for the excellent report. The Cabinet Member emphasised the importance of engaging with young people and was of the view that their enthusiasm would be key in helping the Council meet its target. The Cabinet Member stated that she was encouraged by the thorough plan, which would see all areas of the Local Authority working together.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language praised the meaningful involvement from RCT staff and was pleased to see that their comments and suggestions had been taken on board. The Cabinet Member was of the view that the Council should further seek to influence other public sector bodies that operate within the County Borough to contribute to the wider decarbonisation of RCT.

The Director of Corporate Estates advised the Cabinet Member that collaborative work with other organisations within RCT was already taking place. The Director advised that work was underway with both the Local Health Board and Transport for Wales.

The Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained in the report and the proposed engagement approach;

2.    To approve the approach outlined; and

3.    To develop the approach going forward and deliver on the communications and engagement activity, there is a need for existing staff support, initially provided by the named responsible officers, working in partnership with key environmental stakeholders.