Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors S Dugan and M Daniells.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 17 January 2023.

It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel held on the 17 January 2023 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman made the following announcements: -

Firstly, I would like to welcome everyone and thank you for your interest in attending this panel.

I felt it was a good opportunity to note that the Osborn Road replacement car park will be constructed with potential for solar PV panels and battery storage.  Two-fold wins as there will be no requirement for lighting upper levels creating a carbon reduction benefit as well as less transportation of building materials, energy usage in construction; also making fuller use of an already existing multi storey in close proximity.  We will hear more about this later on in tonight’s agenda.

Fareham Live too is set to deliver efficiencies in energy giving a lower carbon footprint with the intended lighting and heating installations.  These adding to our Scope 3 savings.  As is very evident ‘every little helps’ and we hope the public will help support us too by doing their own savings.  We are aware many businesses are helping contribute to overall reductions with their own savings plans, reducing their energy consumption, reducing transport emissions etc and we would encourage (as we are doing ourselves) reviewing and sharing of new innovations and working practices.

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 the meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

A deputation was received from Mr Andy Rolfe from Fareham and Gosport Friends of the Earth.

To receive a presentation by the Policy, Resources and Engagement Officer providing details on the Council’s Carbon Footprint for 2022/23.

A presentation was received from the Policy, Research and Engagement Officer, updating Members on the Council’s Carbon Footprint for 2022/23.

Members asked what the potential impact the Government’s Environment Act may have on the emissions from refuse vehicles with the increase in movements. A number of statutory waste collections, including glass and food will be required and this in turn may impact the Council’s Carbon Footprint moving forward. Officers explained that there are a number of factors within emerging policies and legislation from Government that will have both positive and negative impacts on the Council’s vehicle emissions. The Vehicle Replacement Programme that was agreed by the Executive in May this year will be reviewed annually to ensure that the existing fleet of refuse vehicles is monitored to minimise the impact the additional refuse collections will have on the Council’s Carbon Footprint.

The Panel thanked Officers for their work in calculating the Council’s Carbon Footprint as this data is a significant tool to assist in focusing the projects within the Climate Change Action Plan. It was agreed that the data is positive and with larger projects being developed it is hoped that this downward trend will continue and grow over the next twelve months.

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

To consider an update from the Policy, Resources and Engagement Manager on prevailing climate change matters, including the Annual Review of the Climate Change Action Plan 2022/23.

A report with supporting presentation was received from the Policy, Research and Engagement Team on the annual review of the Climate Change Action Plan. The presentation provided an overview of the Climate Change Action Plan and highlighted the key areas within the annual review of the plan.

The Chairman commended the excellent work of the team and also praised the Officers for contributing towards the reduction in electricity use at the Civic Offices as this has seen a decrease of 7% in 2022/23.

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

To receive a presentation providing an overview of the Council’s Opportunities Plan and how the Year 1 project proposals relate to the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel.

The Panel received a presentation from the Policy, Research and Engagement Manager providing an overview of the Council’s Opportunities Plan which is currently under development. The presentation focused on the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel and the significant Year 1 project proposals which will be considered by the Executive on 04 September 2023.

RESOLVED that the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel note the contents of the 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 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 Panel to consider.

The Director of Planning and Regeneration addressed the Panel to explain that this item is for the Panel to consider any Executive decisions which directly relate to the Climate Change Action Plan, and on this occasion, there have not been any taken since the last meeting. It was highlighted that although this Panel does not get the opportunity to directly scrutinise decisions falling within the remit of other Scrutiny Panels, Members of the Panel are able to influence the decision making process by either speaking at another Scrutiny Panel or the Executive itself.

The contents of the previous presentation also explained to Members that a change to Executive reports is currently being piloted to ensure that relevant information is included within reports to address Environmental Considerations and when appropriate a Carbon Impact Assessment appendix. The aim is to roll this out fully for the September Executive meeting.

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

The Chairman asked that Members of the Panel consider the scrutiny priorities for the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel.

Members enquired about the progress being made to secure a date for Hampshire County Council (HCC) to attend a meeting of the Panel following the scoping report agreed last year. Officers explained that HCC have agreed to attend a meeting within this municipal year. Officers will work to secure a date in due course.

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