Agenda and draft minutes

An apology of absence was received from Councillor Mrs L Birkett.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 07 February 2024.

It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel held on the 16 January 2024 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

No announcements were made by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in accordance with the Standing Orders and Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with Council’s Constitution.

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

No deputations were received at the meeting.

To receive a presentation from the Director of Planning and Regeneration providing an overview of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel.

The Panel received a presentation from the Director of Planning and Regeneration providing an overview of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel. The presentation provided details of the role and function of the Panel and then went into more specific details with regards to the various work streams relating to Climate Change, which fall within the Executive portfolio for Planning and Development.

Members of the Panel asked for clarification on how the Climate Change and Planning and Development Scrutiny Panels work in collaboration on the various Environment topics that fit within the Portfolio.

The Director of Planning and Regeneration addressed the Panel to confirm that the Panel would lead on the following matters: the Council’s Carbon Footprint, Climate Change Action Plan, Environment Strategy and Coastal Management.  In relation to the development of the Council’s new Environment Strategy it was acknowledged that there is likely to be a need for collaborative working with other Scrutiny Panels given the breadth of issues to be addressed. being developed.  With respect to Coastal Management, it was highlighted that this service area, delivered by Coastal Partners, has a clear focus on climate change resilience and adaptation.

Members thanked Officers for the detailed presentation.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the contents of the presentation.

To receive a Motion referred to the Panel by Council on the 09 April 2024.

The Panel were asked to consider a Motion referred from Council on the 09 April 2024. The Motion, originally received at Council in December 2023 had also previously been considered by the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel in March 2024.

The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager delivered a presentation providing an explanation for Members on the Climate and Nature (CAN) Private Members Bill. A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.

Members discussed the proposed CAN Bill at length. The key points that the Panel considered to pass to Council to assist with debate on the Motion were as set out below:

• the objectives of the CAN Bill to introduce further national legislation,  policy and targets in relation to both climate and nature matters were broadly welcomed by Panel members;
• it was noted that the future legislative programme of the new Government may include measures relating to both climate and nature matters;
• there is a need to consider the potential financial impacts (both positive and negative) of any future climate and nature legislative/policy changes and targets on the wider economy, local residents and local authorities at the Government policy-making stage;
• future climate and nature legislative/policy changes should be supported as appropriate at a local level, with local authorities playing an active role in delivery and engagement within the local community;
• the importance of clear and consistent measurement of climate and nature outcomes in framing future legislation, policy and targets, both nationally and internationally, was highlighted;
• the use of climate and nature expert scientific advisors in framing future legislation, policy and targets, and also associated delivery programmes was highlighted; 
• the Panel noted that the Motion referenced only one of the three MP’s that, following the recent general election, now represent parts of Fareham Borough. 

RESOLVED that the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel pass the above comments on to Council to assist with their debate on the Motion.

To consider any items of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of Climate Change Scrutiny Panel. This will include any decisions taken by individual Members during the same time period.

There were no items of Executive Business for the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel to consider at the meeting.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Climate Change Panel.

The Panel were asked to consider the Scrutiny Priorities for the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager set out a proposed work programme highlighting which items are likely to be considered at each meeting.

The Panel were asked to consider the Scrutiny Priorities for the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager addressed the Panel to provide an overview of a potential work programme, which had been set out to propose how various work streams underway by Officers could be delivered to the Panel throughout the municipal year. The Director of Planning and Regeneration addressed the Panel to confirm that the work programme is flexible and subject to change but requested that Members consider which items they wish to be brought before them for consideration.

Members asked that five items be considered for inclusion within the work programme, 1) 2023/24 Council Carbon Footprint Calculation; 2) Climate Change Action Plan 2023/24 Annual Update; 3) Coastal Management projects update; 4) Environment Strategy (approach to policy development and draft strategy); and 5) Hook Recreation Ground Renewable Project update. The Director of Planning and Regeneration confirmed that these topics will be incorporated into the work programme as appropriate throughout the municipal year.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel considered the Scrutiny Priorities.