Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 23^rd March 2023.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 23^rd March 2023 as an accurate reflection.

To receive the report of the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication, which sets out the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee during the 2023-24 Municipal Year.

The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communications presented the Climate Change Cabinet Sub Committee Work Programme 2023-24 to Members.

The Chair empasised that Members were very keen on attending site visits. A Member confirmed that they welcomed the suggestion of site visits throuoght the County Borough.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED:

1.     To approve the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee Work Programme for the 2023-2024 Municipal Year, as attached as Appendix 1;

2.     To agree to undertake site visits during the Municipal Year to the proposed list of locations:

·       Launch of School Eco Awards;

·       Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Awel Taf, Rhydyfelin;

·       Soaring Supersaurus,Penrhys;

·       Canolfan Calon Taf; and

·       Welcome to our Woods –Crop Cycle

3.     To receive a future report of the Chair with the findings from each of the site visits.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, which provides Members with a first quarter position statement as part of an overview of the progress in delivering the Council’s Climate Change Strategy ‘Think Climate RCT’ agreed in June 2022.

The Performance Manager presented the ‘Think Climate RCT: The Council’s Tackling Climate Change Strategy 2022-2025’ to Members.

The Chair welcomed the report in this format and commented that she liked the hyperlinks contained within the report. The Chair noted that because procurement lays such a large part of the Council’s  Carbon Reduction then she would like to see more about procurement in the quarterly reports.

Discussions ensued and a Member noted that the report fits in well with the Council’s Corporate Plan and that the report highlights how much work is being done in the background by the Council to hit their targets. The Member referred to the Electric Vehicle report that is due to come to the Sub Committee in December and queried whether we could invite the National Grid to attend the meeting to see what their plans are for the future. The Chair agreed that this was a good suggestion and the Director of Corporate Estates agreed to liaise with the National Grid to arrange a suitable time.

Discussions continued and another Member welcomed the report and commented that it was useful to have all the information in one place and that this a useful tool for the public. Another Member agreed and welcomed this format going forward. In respect of the National Grid, a Member suggested that the Chair has a pre meeting with Officers prior to the December meeting to ascertain what the key issues are so that the necessary challenge can be provided to the National Grid.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED:

1.     To consider the information contained within the report;

2.     To invite the National Grid to attend a subsequent meeting of the Committee as part of the Sub Committee’s Work Programme; and

3.     To note the potential to further embed the Council’s response to Climate Change into the business of the Council as part of the development of the Council’s new Corporate Plan.

To receive the report of the Director of Prosperity and Development, which seeks to update Members on Local Places for Nature grant funded works undertaken in 22/23 and planned for 23/24 and 24/25.

The Director of Prosperity & Development presented the ‘Nature on your Doorstep’ to Members in order to Members on local places for nature grant funded works undertaken in 22/23 and planned for 24/25.

Discussions ensued and the Chair welcomed the report and noted that Cabinet Members previously met the Apprentices, however, the Chair suggested that it would be a good opportunity for Cabinet Members to meet with the Apprentices again on a site visit. Another Member agreed and noted that the Committee previously met the graduates and that it would be useful for the Committee to meet with the Apprentices.

Discussions continued and a Member noted that we have fantastic nature sites across the County Borough. The Member referred to the Carnetown    ponds and noted how pleased he was to see this on the list and once that area has been assessed, the Member requested if Officers could provide an update that could be shared with the community. Officers agreed to get back to Members as the area develops.

A Member praised the Council’s work with graduates and Apprentices and noted that this will play a huge part in our planning and development and praised such a detailed report.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED:

1.     To consider the progress reported, the planned expenditure and how this contributes to the broader objective of developing a Living Landscape project across RCT;

2.     To arrange a site meeting for the Committee to meet with the new Biodiversity Apprentices

To consider any items which the Chair by reason of special circumstances is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There was no urhent business to report.