Agenda item

Council received the report to set out Monmouthshire’s strategy and action plan to respond to the Climate Emergency declared by Council in May 2019 and describing the objectives and actions to reduce the council’s carbon emissions.

The Leader of the Council read a statement on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure.  In doing so thanks were given to officers across the Council for their hard work since the climate emergency was declared by this Council in May.  The report is not finished and remains a flexible document to which further actions and information can be added.

The Labour Group applauded the work of MCC, particularly officers responsible for the document.  It was thought that there should be a greater involvement of people within the County in the form of citizen’s assemblies, who are kept informed of climate mitigation, and to prepare the public on the options on behaviour to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.

It was stated that the report contained blind-spots around the likely changes in agriculture in the light of future local food procurement facilities necessary for reducing emissions.

Councillor Thomas proposed an amendment on option 2, to include an input from Planning and highlighting emissions in the LDP, and involve discussions with the general public about climate issues.

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Watts, and debate ensued.

The Cabinet Member referred to the Cabinet meeting of 3^rd July 2019 where an additional report was brought forward as a result of passing the climate change issues.  Cabinet had confirmed that, in formation of the LDP, take issues into account.  Taking this into account he stated that the amendment was unnecessary as it is already agreed as part of the LDP.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was defeated.

Discussions returned to the original recommendations.

It was agreed that the first bullet point of 3.2:

That this council will ensure it will reduce its own carbon emissions to net zero before the Welsh Government target of 2030.

Should read:

That this council will strive to reduce its own carbon emissions to net zero before the Welsh Government target of 2030.

Further clarity was sought over the finances of the strategy.

It was asked that the working group address the barriers to in-work poverty.

With regards to the action of planting 10000 trees, it was asked if sites had been identified, and whether this could be done through association with the Woodland Trust.

Further information was sought around greener, electric vehicles.

With regards to encouraging people to travel more sustainably, concern was raised over the current condition of bus stops.

An issue with our school buses was raised, where engines remain turned on whilst waiting outside schools.  This can be a lengthy wait and it was asked that our own drivers are made aware that they should turn their engines off.

It was asked that Council put pressure on Welsh and UK Governments about the infrastructure needed in the National Grid.

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to accept the recommendations:

That Council approve the ten objectives within the plan, listed in paragraph 3.7, which cover the areas of activity that the council will need to focus on to achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

That council endorse the action plan which will be an evolving document as new technologies develop and other opportunities arise.

That a member led-working group is created to accelerate progress and take responsibility for ensuring the action plan continues to evolve and be shaped by emerging evidence and cutting-edge practice and opportunities.