Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider the interim findings and recommendations of the Environment and Climate Change Taskforce, which has been established to ensure that the Council uses the opportunity to review and assess its existing activities and future opportunities in response to increased societal awareness of environmental issues.  The Taskforce will explore how the Council can enhance its environmental stewardship, recognising the need for balance with other urgent social and economic priorities.

RESOLVED:

That:

1.       progress made by the Taskforce to date be noted and support be confirmed for the approach being taken, including the following proposals under consideration outlined in section 1 of Report No: CAB/WS/20/009:

a.       Explore ways we can reduce and measure our carbon use through systems used in the sector such as carbon budgeting, consideringthe aim to become a carbon neutral authority by 2030;

b.       Explore and embed where possible new ways of working and processes that are more environmentally friendly that could have wider benefits, such as cost savings or health improvements.

2.       The following initial recommendations be considered and:

a.       it be agreed that the Taskforce Terms of Reference are updated to better reflect the working of the Taskforce and link to Council’s declaration of a climate emergency and awareness of environmental challenges, as laid out in section 3;

b.       it be agreed to advise the Barley Homes Shareholder Advisory Group regarding future recommendations of the Taskforce;

c.       the proposed objectives and amendments for the West Suffolk Strategic Framework 2020-24 be agreed, as laid out in section 4;

d.       it be agreed that the West Suffolk Local Plan should include a specific strategic objective regarding the environment and climate change challenges, as laid out in section 4;

e.       the recommendations for the 2020/21 budget, as set out in Section 5, be approved, specifically for up to £18,000 to be available from the Medium Term Financial Strategy Reserve to meet the additional cost of purchase of electric vehicles.

Additional Recommendations (Addendum to Report No: CAB/WS/20/009)

RESOLVED:

That:

f.       The West Suffolk Environmental Statement 2018/19, as contained in Appendix B to Report No: CAB/WS/20/009, be noted; and

g.       for future years, the Environmental Statement be included in the Council’s Annual Report, starting with the 2019/20 Annual Report, as laid in section 4.2 of Report No: CAB/WS/20/009.