Agenda item

DECISION

That the draft Climate Change Strategy goes out to public consultation this autumn and a final version be brought back to Cabinet and Council in Spring 2022 for approval.

Portfolio Holders and Officer

PS/SB

REASON FOR DECISION

The Climate Change & Environment Manager presented a report, which provided the background to the accompanying draft Climate Change Strategy for the geographical area covered by the new South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP).

The document was the next step in the authorities’ Climate Change aspirations, moving beyond the confines of individual carbon footprints and emissions to look at the wider issues for Climate Change in the local communities.

The Partnership could not deliver this strategy in isolation and a new South and East Lincolnshire Climate Action Network (SELCAN) would be established to bring together all relevant partners and ensure delivery at all levels as work progressed towards a net zero ambition.

The draft Climate Change Strategy sought to provide an overarching framework to reduce emissions as a whole across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland.  It identified the strategic themes central to helping achieve the carbon reduction ambitions not just of the three Councils but of the UK as a whole, as the nation sought to be net zero by 2050.

The inclusion of South Holland within the strategy had been taken very recently and so this current draft was quite ‘light touch’ at the current time in relation to that.  As the consultation period progressed and further discussions were held, additional context would be added to ensure the document was as balanced as possible for the three Councils.  The three-way approach would give greater strength in drawing down necessary funding as efforts could be shown to be based on a clear strategic need.

It was envisaged that delivery of the Strategy would be the responsibility of the SELCAN with the support the Partnership.  SELCAN would bring together stakeholder representatives from across the area, including relevant authorities, business leaders, non-governmental organisations and communities.  Careful thought would be given to managing this successfully given the geographical scale of the area it covered.

The Strategy had used currently available data alongside recognised local priorities as the rationale for a number of key themes relevant to the area: Transport; Built Environment; Energy/Renewables; Business; Agriculture/Food; Water (Flood Risk and Drought) and Natural Environment.  Under each theme, the key challenges and opportunities had been identified together with a series of strategic actions that needed to be taken forward.  These would form the basis of the delivery plan, which SELCAN would coordinate once established.

It was important to note that while the Strategy focused on driving down carbon emissions, it also sought to promote a more sustainable approach which, as well as helping to address Climate Change issues, would bring wider benefits for the local communities including improved health and wellbeing outcomes, economic prosperity and social value.

If the Strategy was to succeed, it was important that it reflected the aspirations of the local area and, therefore, engagement in its development was key.  In order to achieve this, it was intended a period of public consultation on the draft Strategy would be held in November/December 2021.  Stakeholder workshops would also be arranged with attendees tasked at looking at the individual themes in detail and given the opportunity to bring forward anything they felt had been missed.

Following the consultation period, a revised Climate Change Strategy would be compiled and brought back to Cabinet in early 2022 seeking recommendation of its approval to Council.  Once Council has approved the document, the newly established SELCAN would be asked to adopt the Strategy and move forward with the delivery plan.

By taking the lead on developing a Climate Change Strategy for South and East Lincolnshire, the Councils of Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland were sending a clear message both locally, and nationally, that they were committed to playing their part in tackling the challenges Climate Change presented.  Success could not be achieved in isolation and in fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones, the three Councils would promote a coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing a global issue.  Successful delivery of this Strategy would ultimately lead to more vibrant, cohesive and healthier communities, which would appreciate the importance of a balanced, sustainable future in delivering multiple benefits for everyone.

The Climate Change & Environment Manager added that the SELCP partnership with South Holland District Council was very recent and SHDC had not had the opportunity to take this report through their scrutiny process; therefore, there would be a minor delay in terms of consultation, but she was confident that the process could still move forward within the proposed timeline.

The Leader asked Members to consider the draft Climate Change Strategy and agree for it to go out to public consultation in the autumn.  A final version would then be brought back to Cabinet and Council in Spring 2022 for approval.

During debate, Members commended the strategy and noted the minimal cost to the Council owing the external funding that had been sourced.  There was reference to the importance of the provision of public transport.  The Deputy Leader stressed how the strategy’s aim for a sustainable future would positively impact the local area.

OTHER OPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

None.

RECORD OF ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

RECORD OF ANY DISPENSATION GRANTED

None.