Agenda item

The South Kesteven Climate Action Strategy sets out the Council’s proposed approach to addressing carbon emissions and climate change within the district of South Kesteven.

The Cabinet Member for Waste Services and Climate Change emphasised that this was first draft presented and comments from Councillors, public, people with expertise were welcomed.

The Sustainability and Climate Change Officer provided a presentation to the Committee that outlined information in relation to the Climate Action Strategy:

·       South Kesteven District Council’s declaration of a climate emergency

·       Climate change impacts locally

·       Land projected to be below the annual flood level for 2025

·       Climate Action Strategy overview

·       The 2030 vision

·       Climate Action Strategy format

·       Climate Action Strategy structure

·       Key district information

·       Policy areas

·       Monitoring progress

·       Climate Action Plan

·       Next steps

The Chairman suggested that the timeline of the document be amended to go out for public consultation initially before being heard by Cabinet. 

The Cabinet Member for Waste Services and Climate Change confirmed that this was the first draft of the Strategy, and the next stage was public and professional consultation. It was suggested the document be brought back to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the new term, before being heard by Cabinet and then Full Council.

It was noted that the ‘monitoring progress’ section of the Strategy showed that carbon emissions had reduced over the last 15 years, however, the reality of the reduction was inflicted by heavy industries no longer burning solid fuels. It was suggested that the ‘monitoring progress’ section of the strategy be removed and replaced with targets on current carbon emission statistics and what the Council aim to achieve in a particular timeframe.

The historic context of 38% carbon emission reduction achieved by the Council had been included within the Strategy. The national reduction in carbon emissions over the last 15 years had been due in large part to the introduction of low-carbon electricity generation across the UK. It was noted that the rate of the reduction percentage achieved to date would not meet the Government net-zero target by 2050, if it continued on the same trajectory.

It was highlighted that the initial Strategy would have policies developed under the eight areas. At that point, specific projects would be taken forward and KPIs would be put into place.

One Member noted that the Strategy seemed inadequate for short term and long term to meet the impending problem of climate change. Page numbering, grammar and format concerns of the Strategy document were also raised.

A concern was raised that the Strategy lacked specificity and the Council had failed to conduct a risk analysis, particularly regarding adaptation to climate change. It was noted that meaningful smart targets were not included within the strategy for each of the eight areas outlined.

One Member emphasised that the main reduction in carbon emissions for the Council was due to the pandemic, change of office buildings to the Picture House and the closure of Deepings Leisure Centre.

It was clarified that all feedback was welcomed from Members, experts and public on the first draft provided of the Climate Action Strategy.

One Member requested that the next draft of the document contained an in-depth sense of urgency.

It was noted that holistic risks of climate change should be considered at a local and national level.

The Cabinet Member for Waste Services and Climate Changed confirmed that smart objectives would be produced for each project proposed within the Climate Action Strategy.

It was queried as to whether consultation responses would be included and whether the document could be shortened.

The Sustainability and Climate Change Officer confirmed that formatting of the Strategy would be considered. The Strategy would be a static document, setting framework for action and the Climate Action Plan would be a live document which would integrate public consultation feedback received.

One Member highlighted that the Committee had discussed climate change in length. It was felt that the Strategy should be further developed for the timeframe of lengthy discussion taken place on the strategy.

It was noted that the Strategy could include immediate actions taken to mitigate the impact of climate change on residents within the district.

Members discussed the possibility of installing solar panels on Council assets.

A query was raised on whether grants were available from government to support residents and the Council for the installation of solar panels.

The Sustainability and Climate Change Officer highlighted that there were several sources of funding available including public sector buildings. A separate scheme for private households was available (Home Energy Upgrade Scheme) and was government funded to provide energy efficiency upgrades to eligible private households within the district.

One Member queried the methodology of solar panels and whether there was a designated Officer within the Council who took control of solar panels.

There was not an Officer who was solely responsible for the remit of solar panels. The main source of funding that could be considered for the Council’s buildings would be a fabric first approach, where other efficiency measures such as insulation would be considered first.

One Member suggested that the Housing Revenue Account be utilised to install solar panels on the Council’s housing stock, which would also reduce utility costs for lower income residents.

The intention of the Climate Action Plan was to use the eight policy areas and the objectives to set out the Council’s projects and actions plans, which would be presented to the Committee at a future meeting.

One Member emphasised the need for a clear table of strategic risks within the Strategy.

It was noted that public consultation could not commence during the pre-election period for the election taking place on 4 May 2023.

The Cabinet Member for Waste Services and Climate Change suggested that communications be sent out to publicise the climate action strategy and to encourage feedback and comments from the public.

Members thanked all Officers involved in producing the first draft of the Climate Action Strategy.

It was proposed, seconded, and AGREED that the Committee:

1.    Notes the content of the South Kesteven Climate Action Strategy

2.    Recommends that the Climate Action Strategy goes out to consultation and is then brought back to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

3.    Delegates to the Chief Finance Officer to take forward development of the Climate Action Plan.