The Head of Environment and Climate Emergency, Mike Cockburn, introduced this report which detailed proposals for reinstating the Carbon Budget and proposed annual emissions limits (the Carbon Budgets) to allow the Council to measure its progress towards carbon net zero by 2030 as included in the Environment and Climate Emergency Policy.

Members were reassured that the target was difficult but was regarded as achievable by the external expert. The pandemic had helped in 2020 but future performance would require changes in many aspects of Council work such as building use, fleet operations, staff journeys, energy source.

Resolved – That

(1)  the proposed Carbon Budgets from 2020/21 to 2027/28 be approved;

(2)  the Annual Carbon Budget Performance Reports are tabled in June each year.