Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships) meeting held on 1st December 2022.

The Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships) meeting held on 1st December 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

Councillor T Alban declared a non-registerable interest in Minute 22/4 as his son works for a company which manufacture electric scooters.

A copy of the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions is attached. Members are invited to note the Plan and to comment as appropriate on any items contained therein.

The Panel received and noted the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions (a copy of which has been appended in the Minute Book) which has been prepared by the Executive Leader for the period 1st January 2023 to 30th April 2023.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Climate Strategy.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel were also invited to attend the meeting and to address the meeting on this Strategy given its anticipated impact across the Council. By means of a report by the Assistant Director Strategic Insight and Delivery (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Climate Strategy was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Shaw enquired how the Climate Co-ordinator role would be funded and the Panel heard that this was a planned expense for a fixed term role with bidding for a permanent role anticipated and would therefore not draw on the reserves mentioned within the report. Following a further question by Councillor Gleadow, the Panel heard that the role would include monitoring and reporting responsibilities but that any financial decisions would still be made in line with usual Council procedures. The role is seen as a vital part of the Council’s journey to net zero carbon,  co-ordinating work across service areas as required.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Shaw, that the Climate Strategy had a dual role in both allowing the Council to implement specific changes and also influence others. The Panel also heard that, once approved, the priorities of the Climate Strategy would be incorporated into all Council activities to ensure that any impact on the climate is considered, the development of a new Local Plan for Huntingdonshire was given as an example of where the Council’s voice could be used to influence decisions and the impact of others.

In response to a question from Councillor Wells, the Panel heard that the Council had joined a fixed term energy tariff in Autumn 2022 which used 50% renewable energy, it was felt that this was the right decision at the time. The Panel further heard that the creation of an Energy Strategy would enable the Council to continue to make appropriate decisions about energy use and procurement  in line with its priorities.

Councillor Cawley enquired whether there was any plan to offset carbon emissions prior to 2040 and the Panel were directed to the Hierarchy of Action diagram on page 9 of Appendix 1. It was advised that as 2040 approaches the Council may need to consider offset options once all other options had been exhausted.

It was queried by Councillor Alban why carbon offset was being seen as a last resort rather than looked at immediately for a quick win. The Panel were advised that the Council’s most important role was to set an example to the wider community and that only by wisely using funds to address  the source of the issue can a long term sustainable outcome could be achieved.

Councillor Cawley further observed that the planned £100,000 reserve was not a large sum of money considering the aspirations of the Strategy and enquired if there were plans to review the amount. The Panel were advised that in line with the Council’s usual financial processes, reserves were able to be carried forward  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

a)  The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme

b)  Members to discuss future planning of items for the Work Programme

With the aid of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (Scrutiny) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme was presented to the Panel.

Whilst discussing items for future agendas, Councillor Criswell enquired if a report could be brought to the Panel encompassing healthcare issues experienced by local residents. The Panel were assured that this was in progress and would be covered in presentations due to be brought to the Panel over the coming months.