Issue - meetings

The Panel is to receive a presentation and is invited to comment on the Climate Strategy Action Plan 2023/24 and note the progress made by the Council and its partners towards achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2040.

Executive Councillor: L Davenport-Ray

By means of a report and presentation by the Climate Co-ordinator (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Annual Climate Review was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Mokbul, the Panel heard that the Climate Strategy sets out the Council’s ambitions and priorities to be net zero by 2040. The Panel were assured that progress on the journey would be reported annually. It was further observed that the advancements in technology were phenomenal and that it was anticipated that adjustments could be made as new technologies become available.

Councillor Bywater observed that the cross agency working with the Police and Fire services was very encouraging but enquired what the risks would be to maintain the trajectory. The Panel heard that the trajectory was based upon the technologies currently available and that the biggest identified risk would be lack of funding.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Kerr, the Panel heard that the prices within the trial were under regular review and that there was a narrowing of the cost between HVO and regular diesel as the market develops however by developing partnerships with other agencies, it was expected that economies of scale could be achieved.

In response to a question from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that conversations were ongoing to expand the current partnership agencies across the district and that it was anticipated that this could be expanded over the coming months.

The Panel heard, following a further question from Councillor Alban, that information gathering was being shared between the Council and partner agencies to establish shared learnings. It was noted that whilst HVO was a substitute fuel and not the end solution, the Council were in a good position as an innovator and influencer in the field. It was observed that the opportunity to move to an electric fleet was being investigated however the rural nature of the district needed to be taken into consideration.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Mokbul regarding the use of solar panels on bus stops, the Panel heard that there were multiple owners of bus stops across the district but that the Council was aware that such opportunities were being investigated by the County Council.