Agenda item

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, which outlines the Council’s current position in respect of climate change and the proposed future work programme.

The Chief Executive presented his report to Members in respect of the Steering Group’s Forward Work Programme.

Members were reminded that the Council’s Cabinet revisited its commitment to becoming a Carbon Neutral Council, and set an ambitious target of achieving this by 2030, along with the residents and businesses of the County Borough.

The Chief Executive informed Members that the work programme sets an ambitious target and emphasised that the Council welcomes input from other organisations and individuals in helping to achieve the 2030 target.

In respect of frequency, Members were advised that meetings will be held on a monthly basis to provide the Steering Group with the opportunity to consider actions that are needed by the Council in respect of the Corporate Plan and the 2030 Net Zero targets.

The Chief Executive explained that the external members of the Steering Group could also agenda items for consideration, and that space had been allocated in the March meeting to consider these items. If the two external members wished to bring forward any agenda items, the Council officers would be prepared to work with the two members to undertake any research or write draft reports to support them. The Chief Executive welcomed their advice as to the best way to engage a wide range of community groups that had a direct interest in protecting the local environment.

Discussions ensued and a Member noted that the Council has to empower its communities. The Member emphasised the importance of sharing knowledge and models of good practice, particularly the importance of passing knowledge on to the next generation. Members were referred to the community in Rhydyfelin and how residents have been encouraged to plant  over 7000 bulbs in the area during the 2019/20 Municipal year.

In respect of the Council’s recycling policy, the Welsh Government has set each local authority the target of recyclingatleast70% of itshouseholdwasteby2025. Members were informed that theCouncil isalreadyverycloseto achievingthistarget. However, the Council wants to increase this level of ambition to atleast80%ofallhouseholdwasteby 2030. The Group Director- Prosperity, Development & Frontline Services emphasised that the Council cannot reach the 80% target without the commitment of residents throughout the County Borough.

Discussions continued and a number of Members emphasised the opportunities available to empower local communities. The Chief Executive voiced his agreement and stressed the importance of publicising the Council’s ongoing work to become Net Zero. Members agreed that the Council will need to work collaboratively with local community groups and town and community councillors. The Service Director of Communications and Democratic Services also stressed the importance of involving community youth forums. The Group agreed that education and engagement will be a key part of the Council’s strategy. 

In respect of renewable energy, a Member noted that there is currently no correlation between energy consumption and GDP. Another Member stressed the importance of managing resources for carbon consumption and informed the Group that good management of the forestry is how we will secure more carbon. 

A Member cautioned that there will be elements that are outside of the Group’s remit and that the Group should focus its work and take a realistic approach.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED to agree draftfourmonth workprogrammeto the 31^st of March 2020.