(Shadow Council Procedure Rules Section 6) Members of the public who live or work in the West Suffolk area are invited to put one question of not more than five minutes duration about the work of the Shadow Council to members of the Shadow Executive. A person who wishes to speak must register at least fifteen minutes before the time the meeting is scheduled to start.*
(Note: The maximum time to be set aside for this item is 30 minutes, but if all questions are dealt with sooner, or if there are no questions, the Shadow Council will proceed to the next business.
Each person may ask one question only. A total of five minutes will be allowed for the question to be put and answered. One further question will be allowed arising directly from the reply, provided that the original time limit of five minutes is not exceeded.
Written questions may be submitted by members of the public to the Interim Monitoring Officer no later than 10.00 am on Monday 18 February 2019. The written notification should detail the full question to be asked at the meeting of the Council.)*
*For further information, see Public Information Sheet attached to this agenda.
Minutes:
The following members of the public spoke under this agenda item:
1. Paul Rynsard of Bury St Edmunds, asked a question in connection with proposed future plans of West Suffolk Council for tackling idling engines of vehicles, particularly in the vicinity of children and schools.
In response, Councillor Susan Glossop, one of the Shadow Executive (Cabinet) Members for Planning and Growth, stated that the West Suffolk Councils were aware of the potential issues regarding vehicle idling, especially around sensitive locations such as schools. Together with other councils in Suffolk, steps had been taken to create an anti-idling campaign which would be launched in the coming months. Significant research had been undertaken to understand the best approach to tackle this issue and evidence had shown that campaigns developed between local authorities and other stakeholders were the most effective way to reduce vehicle idling.
Councillor Glossop added that evidence from around the country had shown that where enforcement of anti-idling legislation had been trialled, this had not proved effective; however, this did not rule out the use of the powers, but it was not the intention to use them routinely. Councillor Glossop also provided examples of where the Councils were currently working on projects to improve air quality.
As a supplementary closing statement, Mr Rynsard asked if the Shadow Council had taken note of the recent national children’s campaign on climate change, to which Members indicated their acknowledgement.
2. Therese Laker of Bury St Edmunds, asked a question in connection with whether the Shadow Council had a carbon management plan that set out how it would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and whether there was a capital budget linked to this plan.
In response, Councillor Lance Stanbury, the other Shadow Executive (Cabinet) Member with the responsibility for Planning and Growth, stated that the Councils monitored and managed greenhouse gas emissions and the potential environmental impacts. This was overseen by an environmental management group, which monitored progress and performance regarding this work. Councillor Stanbury provided examples of the Councils’ adopted greener environment management policies, and where capital investments had been made which not only promoted greater use of green energy, but also provided an income for the Councils, most notably the Toggam Solar Farm which was owned by Forest Heath District Council (FHDC). FHDC was the first carbon neutral district council in the country.
No supplementary question was asked.
3. Robert Possnett of Great Barton, asked a question in connection with whether the Shadow Council had plans for improving air quality through reducing its use of diesel vehicles.
In response, Councillor James Waters, Leader of the Shadow Council, explained that the waste management vehicles operated with diesel fuel, however, these were replaced when necessary with vehicles that generated less emissions. A review of waste collection rounds had been undertaken relatively recently which resulted in the adaptation of rounds which resulted in fewer diesel miles being driven and thus fewer CO2 emissions. The car fleet had petrol engines, with some having stop/start technology. As new ‘cleaner’ technologies became available, these would be investigated for use as and when vehicles required replacing.
In a supplementary statement, Mr Possnett encouraged the Shadow Council to accept the call of campaign group ‘Extinction Rebellion’ to declare a climate emergency. This was noted and Councillor Waters stated that appropriate action would be taken, as considered necessary.
4. Claire Unwin of Tuddenham, asked a question in connection with whether the Shadow Council would welcome an information and training session for staff and Members from Extinction Rebellion, in light of the recent international movement to combat climate change.
In response, Councillor James Waters, Leader of the Shadow Council, stated that a written reply would be prepared, which would also outline the Councils’ actions and plans already in place regarding this topic. New information and learning was welcomed; however it would be for the individual Members and staff to decide whether they would wish to attend such an event.
No supplementary question was asked.
5. Mrs Leathers of Bury St Edmunds, asked a question in connection with why all new houses were not built with solar panels already installed
In response, Councillor James Waters, Leader of the Shadow Council, stated that there was no planning policy currently in place to insist that new housing was built with solar panels. This was encouraged however, and the Councils worked with housing associations to encourage the use of solar energy. Other green energy initiatives were also encouraged such as battery storage and the installation of electric vehicle charging points on new developments.
In a supplementary question, Mrs Leathers asked whether the Shadow Council had considered providing solar farms in fields, as was the case in Dorset.
In response, Councillor Waters stated that Forest Heath District Council (FHDC) currently owned one of the largest council-owned solar farms in Europe, and West Suffolk Council would be looking to invest in further solar farms in the future. This had contributed to making FHDC carbon neutral.
(Councillor Max Clarke left the meeting at the conclusion of the item.)