A report by the Director of Neighbourhood Services updated on the Climate Emergency Action Plan, which had been in development since the declaration of a climate emergency by the Council in July 2019.

Nicki Butterworth, Director of Neighbourhood Services, introduced the report and the Plan which had included over 400 actions covering a wide range of headings and was alongside a senior internal action group with all Directors to drive actions from the Action Plan. Members noted achievements such as funding for tree planting programme and the new ways of working as a Council which had been accelerated by the Covid pandemic.

Members questions aspects of the plan and how Members could be involved.

Councillor Steve Foulkes proposed an amendment to the recommendation that the Working Group be increased to 7 Members to reflect the host committee to make 3:2:1:1 to allow all parties from the host committee to have a place.

This was seconded by Councillor Christina Muspratt.

Members voted on the amendment and it was approved without dissent.

Members then voted on the substantive proposal as amended.

Resolved: That

(1)  the actions that have been taken since the Council declared an Environment and Climate Emergency in July 2019 be noted and endorsed;

(2)  the emerging Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan

attached as Appendix 1 to this report be endorsed;

(3)  an Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Members' Working Group be established to act as a Task and Finish Group and develop an Environment and Climate Emergency Policy with a membership of 7 with a proportion of 3:2:1:1.

(4)  the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Members’ Working Group be instructed to report back to this Committee at a future meeting with recommendations for the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy;

(5)  the Monitoring Officer be authorised as proper officer to carry out the wishes of the Group Leaders in allocating Members to membership and substitute membership of the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy Members’ Working Group and to appoint those Members with effect from the date at which the proper officer is advised of the names of such Members.