Agenda item

Before presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste referred to the recent joint meeting that had taken place between the Environment OSC and the Rural and Communities OSC which had discussed the Council’s response to Storm Henk. It was noted that the Council had taken a very proactive response to Storm Henk and it was also noted that what had historically been considered as “freak” events were now becoming increasingly frequent and that proper prevention was cheaper and less disruptive to residents than on going reactive responses.

As part of the Council’s declaration on Climate Emergency, a carbon reduction target of at least 30% of the Councils own operations had been agreed by 2030 and the Committee received annual updates.

A Climate Action Reserve Fund of £300,000 had been established within the 2023/24 financial year to proactively work towards the target.  Good progress had been made in reducing the Council’s carbon emissions, but further investment was required across the various areas of the Council in order for a continued reduction to be sustained.  The Council also needed to respond proactively to the sharp increase in utility costs (electricity and gas).  Targeted upgrades had been made to reduce on going utility costs and to sustain a significant reduction in carbon emissions. 

Projects with a financial payback had been chosen which gave value for money for Council Tax payers.

The report detailed those projects that had been confirmed and those planned which included the installation of pool covers at Bourne and Stamford Leisure Centres to reduce heat loss which was a significant reduction in their operational costs and a significant improvement in related carbon emissions.

Other projects included the upgraded of LED lighting to the 3G football pitch at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre and the installation of upgraded energy efficient LED lighting to the sports halls at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.  Energy reductions and cost savings would be carefully monitored once the projects were completed and carbon emissions and energy efficiency initiatives would be reported later in the year.

Savings within the report were briefly discussed and a question asked about a pool cover for Grantham Meres Leisure Centre. It was stated that currently information about the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre couldn’t be discussed at the meeting, but information could be given to the Committee after the meeting.

The Vice-Chairman of the Environment OSC then gave a speech advocating the topping up of the Climate Change Reserve Fund.  It was not just an investment but a commitment.  Climate change posed an existential threat to the planet with extreme weather, rising temperatures, flooding, the loss of bio- diversity which was affecting eco systems.  Action was required from all sections of the society including the Council and by replenishing the Climate Change Reserve Fund annually showed the Council’s commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and moving towards a more sustainable low carbon future.   The fund was crucial for financing initiatives that aimed to reduce greenhouse emissions and invested in renewable energy infrastructures and showed that the Council was serious about confronting climate change head on and the cost of inaction out weighted the investment required to safeguard communities. She asked the Committee to support a recommendation for annually replenishing the Climate Change Reserve Fund.

A brief discussion on ideas followed and it was stated that any ideas should be communicated to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste.

A comment was made in respect of current reserve and any carry over. It was confirmed that any unspent funds would be carried over to the next year.  Clarity was sought in respect of the figure and it was confirmed that the Committee were recommending that the Climate Action Reserve Fund to be topped up annually.

The recommendations as outlined within the report were proposed and seconded and unanimously AGREED.

Recommendation:

That the Environment OSC

1.     Notes the updates and projects funded to date utilising the Climate Change Reserve Fund.

2.     Recommends that the Reserve balance of the Climate Change Reserve Fund is replenished annually following the review of the financial Outturn 2023/24.