Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence received at thee meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 27 May 2021.

It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel held on the 27 May 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman made the following announcement:-

Although I have no formal announcement, I would like to take this opportunity the welcome those members of the public who are joining us at our meeting today, and in particular our young residents who are in attendance. It is great to see young members of the community take an interest in the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel, especially as much of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan is ultimately for the good of future generations.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

A deputation was received in person from Anne Stephenson in reference to item 6 – Climate Change Action Plan Update Summary.

To consider an update from the Policy, Resources and Engagement Manager on the pravialing climate change matters.

The Panel received a presentation from the Policy, Research and Engagement Manager. The presentation provided Members with an overview of the progress being made against the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), which was adopted by the Executive on the 07 June 2021.

A great deal of work has been carried out by officers in progressing the Action Plan. Members commented on the amount of information that had been presented to them and asked if they were able to receive a report rather than a presentation to allow them more time to analyse the content. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager advised that officers would look at presenting the information either in advance of the meeting and/or in a different format in the future where possible.

Currently the main focus of the CCAP is to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and with vehicle fuel emissions being large proportion of the Council’s footprint this has already been extensively researched. Members raised concerns over the cost implications and changing market for greener fuel options. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager reassured the Panel that there would be a measured approach before any options were put forward for decisions.

The Panel asked several questions pertaining to public transport, walking and cycling facilities across the borough to aid in reducing the boroughs carbon footprint. Officers advised that although this falls within the remit of the Highways authority, Hampshire County Council, the Council is working closely with officers at Hampshire County Council to gain information on potential opportunities for schemes to be rolled out across the Borough.

Members took part in a lengthy discussion and agreed that officers had made a great start in progressing the CCAP. Members also commented on the need for the Council to set a good example to residents and suggested that staff training at all levels be made a priority.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel note the contents of the presentation.

To consider a presentation from the Policy, Resources and Engagement Manager providing details on the work of the Greening Campaign within the Fareham Borough.

The Panel received a presentation from the Policy, Research and Engagement Manager on the Greening Campaign which is due to be trialled in Titchfield later this month. The overview provided details of the scheme and how, if successful, it will be rolled out to other areas of the Borough next year.

Members asked if it would be possible to trial in other areas. The Policy, Research and Engagement Manager advised that the aim of the campaign is to ensure success for the long term in changing people’s habits and it is felt that this will be easier to measure with a smaller trial.

Members suggested that the scheme could also be trialled amongst staff with departments being challenged against each other to be greener at home and in the office. This could help reduce the carbon footprint for the Council as well as raising awareness among staff.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel note the contents of the presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the calculation of the Carbon Footprint associated with the delivery of Council services for the financial year 2020/21.

The Panel received a report and supporting presentation by the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the Council’s latest carbon footprint calculation. The presentation was delivered by the Senior Policy, Research and Engagement Officer which provided an overview of how the carbon footprint is calculated.

The Senior Policy, Research and Engagement Officer explained that although the figures are encouraging, the direct impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Council’s carbon footprint has made it challenging to use the data and to make any predictions. Members enquired as to whether the information could be provided more regularly so that a clearer picture could be made. Officers explained that a vast amount of data and resourcing is required to make the calculation so at this time it is not possible to obtain the figures more regularly. It is hoped that over time, officers will be able to gather the evidence required more easily so that the Council’s carbon footprint can be monitored more effectively.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel note the contents of the report and supporting presentation.

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

No comments were received.

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

The Chairman invited Members to consider the priorities for the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel.

It was suggested that an item on the Council’s housing stock be brought to a future meeting of the Panel to inform Members of the work being carried out with both new and existing Council homes against the Climate Change Action Plan. Officers advised that the Climate Change Action Plan Update Summary will be a standard item on the agenda for the Panel and this would be brought by way of an update at next meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel considered the priorities for the Panel.