Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive

Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts & Tourism, Housing and Communities introduced the report which provided an update on the Council’s response to the Climate Emergency.

The Cabinet received questions from Amy Davis in relation to this report, which were received under agenda item 5 – Public Participation and Questions from Councillors, and a statement was read out on behalf of Amy Davis. A copy of the statement is available to read in agenda supplement 2 on the Council’s website here.

Additional questions and a statement were submitted from Bill Jarvis, although these were received after the deadline for their receipt. Cllr Clewer explained that these questions would receive a response after this meeting. A copy of the statement is available to read in agenda supplement 2 on the Council’s website here.

Cllr Clewer reminded Cabinet that a commitment was made to provide six-monthly progress updates on actions the council is taking to reduce carbon generation in Wiltshire. This is the third progress report to Cabinet following updates in October 2019 and July 2020. He commented specifically on the work being undertaken by the Council on investment in the existing council housing stock to increase its energy efficiency, Salisbury River Park Scheme, Green Homes Grant Scheme, Local Plan Review and conversion of streetlights to LED’s

He referred to the discussion document in Appendix 1 setting out the proposed approach to developing a draft Climate Strategy and its outline content, navigating engagement and consultation through to final adoption. The document also introduces the provisional delivery themes, which will shape the organisation’s approach to realising its climate ambitions. It was anticipated that the strategy would be adopted by Full Council following consultation during 2021.

Cabinet members congratulated Cllr Clewer and the officer team for the progress made with the projects and schemes detailed in the report, and encouraged them to continue their good work. It was noted that the Street lighting programme had completed 21,300 conversions to LED lights. The Cabinet were also informed of the preparations for a Green and Blue

Infrastructure Strategy to sit alongside the Local Plan Review. The strategy will both inform and support the implementation of policies within the Local Plan. It also plays an important role, as a corporate document, alongside the Climate Strategy that will be focused on delivering improvements to the natural environment and has shared objectives.

Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Chair of the Environment Select Committee reported that the Committee had considered the report of the Global Warming & Climate Change Task Group at its meeting on 13 January 2021.  The Committee welcomed the level of detailed evidence contained in the report and the Committee is fully convinced about the Council’s commitment to the process. The Committee will respond further in due course. 

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, congratulated Cllr Clewer and his officer team for the progress and developments made to date. He commented further on the Council’s commitment to be carbon zero by 2030 and questioned whether the infrastructure would be in place. 

Comments from members included the need to consider moving journeys to the most efficient and lowest emissions travel, to consider planning applications for incinerators very carefully and in light of the Council’s ambitions in relation to reductions in carbon emissions, the need to build zero carbon homes in Wiltshire, Local Plan update, leisure centres heating, school buses emissions, new government funding for EV charging points, light spill from A36 upgrade scheme, impact of COVID-19 on expected carbon reduction figures.

Resolved:

1. That Cabinet notes the actions taken in response to the climate emergency following the last update in July 2020.

2. That Cabinet gives delegated authority to the Director of Economic Development and Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts & Tourism, Housing and Communities, to proceed to:

Reason for decision:

To provide Cabinet with an update on actions taken in response to the

climate emergency.

To ensure Wiltshire has in place a strategy to structure its response

towards its 2030 climate ambitions.