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Appendix 1: Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan Implementation Status
|
Action |
Portfolio Holder and PAC |
Responsible Officer(s) |
February 2024 Update |
Key Performance Indicator |
Likely Start Date |
Likely Completion Date |
Progress |
|
Active Travel and Green Transportation |
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|
Action 1.1 Update the Integrated Transport Strategy, and work towards a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan to prioritise walking, cycling, public transport, and electric vehicles. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Alison Broom
William Cornall
Rob Jarman
Karen Britton
Mark Egerton
Tom Gilbert
|
Business as usual. In September 2023 a report was taken to PIED PAC (06/09/23) on the Council’s response to the KCC Consultation on Local Transport Plan 5. It stated that a review of the Integrated Transport Strategy should be commenced and cover the period to 2050. No timeframe to commence this work was given.
Funding has been secured for the development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the Borough and the work is currently out for tender. If the tender is successful this work aims for completion in July 24.
Fundamental review of the ITS will be undertaken upon completion of the Local Plan Review. |
NA |
Early 24 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.2 Deliver policies that enable infrastructure for: · Low carbon transportation, · Active travel, and that · Facilitates high quality public transport connectivity in new developments and existing communities. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Alison Broom
William Cornall
Rob Jarman
Karen Britton
Mark Egerton
Tom Gilbert
|
From Authority Monitoring report 2022-23:
Indicator M48: Projects remain on track to be delivered within the broad time periods identified within the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. In total 18% of the actions within the ITS have been rated as red in terms of delivery, with the remainder being 27% amber and 55% green. This has meant there has been a minor increase in red actions due to worsening delivery in the past year. This is felt to be a temporary anomaly caused by changes in Government policy around public transport areas, such as buses, and general low recovery in bus patronage following the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the ambition of the Council to undertake a full review of the Integrated Transport Strategy following the Local Plan Review. Partial updates have been proposed as part of the Local Plan Review.
Officers are working with KCC and have installed a total of 42 anti-idling signs in Maidstone town centre, targeting problem zones in the AQA and near schools.
|
Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport |
2017 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.3 Identify low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation of sustainable transport policies. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Alison Broom
William Cornall
Rob Jarman
Karen Britton
Mark Egerton
Tom Gilbert |
See response to Action 1.2. |
Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport |
2017 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.4 Deliver Policy that ensures sustainable travel, such as bike racks, pool cars, electric vehicle charging, active travel, is integrated into all Maidstone Borough Council construction of new buildings (offices, housing, leisure facilities) and building acquisitions.
|
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Green
Katie Exon
|
Officers are investigating standardising policy for MBC developments to incorporate where possible, sustainable travel initiatives. |
NA |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.5 Deliver an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy for the borough that provides sufficient EV charging infrastructure to support the transition to EVs and reduces range anxiety, with consideration of changing and new emerging technologies.
|
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Jen Stevens
|
Waiting for KCCs review and guidance before starting development of Maidstone Borough EV Strategy, which is expected to be delivered later in 2024.
EV public charge points have increased slowly compared to national average in Maidstone. 37 devices in Oct 2019 to 66 devices in January 2023 below the 55.7 average for England. This is 37.3 Devices per 100,000 people in Maidstone compared to Folkestone and Hythe have 106.3, Dartford have 73.6, and Dover have 70.3 Devices per 100,000 people.
|
Total devices in Maidstone: 66
Devices per 100,000 people: 37.3 below the 55.7 average for England
Total 50kWh or rapid devices: 27 |
Late 2024 |
2025 |
On track |
|
Action 1.6 Facilitate a move to electric taxis by providing nine rapid charge points in total by 2025, and twelve rapid charge points by 2030. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
John Littlemore
Lorraine Neale
|
Officers are working with KCC to look at the feasibility of installing a further 2 rapid charging points at Sittingbourne Road car park. Investigation with Swarco is ongoing to look at cost electrical connection work to see if the location is within budget. If the project goes ahead the legal agreement will be the same terms as with the Pudding Lane chargers. It is also suggested that one of the 2 bays served by the charger is open for general public access, and one is reserved for taxis. If Sittingbourne Road car park chargers are installed this would bring total to 4 of required 9 by 2024. |
Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installed |
2023 |
9 by 2025 12 by 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.7 Work with the taxi trade to find solutions to licencing that will encourage gradual business led shift to EVs’ and promote greener accreditation and campaigns to support taxi trade to move to EVs. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
John Littlemore
Lorraine Neale
|
This is a joint Kent project and Kent Taxi Licencing meetings continue to be held every quarter. Officers are supporting KCC with developing district net zero plans in terms of target/deadlines/progress for taxis in relation to EVs. Solutions under investigation, include:
· A switch that all new taxis licenced should be Euro 6 compliant, need to follow government guidance so that drivers are subject to changes in requirement at the same time by all licensing offices, so drivers don’t switch where they licence. · Requirement for new and reregistered taxi must be euro 6 compliant. · Green taxi scheme for modest incentive,
|
Number of EV taxi
|
2023 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 1.8 Actively participate in Quality Bus Partnership and ensure that the borough’s infrastructure is bus friendly. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
|
Tom Gilbert
Duncan Haynes |
The Council has been informed that KCC are no longer supporting Quality Bus Partnerships and are promoting the development by Boroughs of Local Bus Focus Groups.
The Council is actively investigating the development of a successor organisation to the Quality Bus Partnership with a decision to be taken by members in the new year the ‘Maidstone Local Bus Focus Group’ report going to PIEDPAC 29-1-2024.
The air quality action plan has now been agreed by cabinet – Environmental Health officers and William Cornall are due to meet the area manager for Arriva to discuss the makeup of the Arriva fleet which has improved recently and the potential to ensure that the least polluting buses are routed on upper stone street (the AQMA).
This Action will be updated when a way forward is determined.
|
Improvement in Borough Air Quality |
n/a |
Across timeline to 2030 |
Action to be revised |
|
Decarbonising and Insulating Homes and Buildings |
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|
Action 2.1 Explore grants schemes for residents, landlords and housing associations, for retrofitting insulation, and low carbon heating systems. |
Councillor Lottie Parfitt-Reid
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
John Littlemore
Philip Jennings
|
The Home Upgrade Grant phase 2 grant funding agreement has been signed by all relevant parties. The grant is being advertised (targeted advertising first before being opened to wider advertising to relevant wards in the early 2024.
Meetings have progressed with Eon to partner to promote and administer ECO Flex (Energy Companies Obligation) to increase ECO’s eligibility criteria. The grant provides low carbon heating and insulation measures.
There was a delay in the HUG2 grant funding agreement being signed by partners, therefore the roll-out of the scheme has been delayed. This will result in a delay of getting works completed at eligible properties in Spring 2024.
Further work is required to partner with Eon and make the Council’s ECO Flex statement of intent ready for implementation. This should be ready for advertising to households in early 2024. |
Number of residents with EPC rating improvements of A-C from D-G |
2023 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 2.2 Enforce Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. |
Councillor Lottie Parfitt-Reid
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
John Littlemore
Philip Jennings
|
Enforcement of the regulations have progressed well with over 650 rented properties improved from EPC F and G to A-E.
Landlords may apply for exemptions for their properties. (33 properties have been exempted). A small number are now in the process of either being improved or the landlord being fined.
Further Energy Performance Certificates are entered on the database monthly, and these must be checked further.
The Landlord forum will also be used to disseminate information to landlords.
The Council’s Accommodation Standards Policy will be amended in the New Year so that only dwellings with an EPC of A to C (D in exceptional circumstances) will be used to place homeless households. |
As above |
2023 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Generating Renewable Energy |
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|
Action 3.1 Ensure Sustainability DPD as part of larger Development Plan requires on-site renewables on all types of new developments and identify indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Rob Jarman
Karen Britton
Mark Egerton
Thom Hoang
|
The Planning Team are leading on the development of the Design and Sustainability Development Plan Documents. The timeframe and details for this action are dependent on the completion of these documents.
The latest DPD version included the following draft policies which meets this action:
- D&S DPD SB1: Sustainable Design and Construction Overarching Requirements - D&S DPD SB2: Minimising Greenhouse Gas emissions in New Development - D&S DPD SB3: Passive Design of Buildings
There is no further update at this stage. |
Percentage of onsite renewable energy generation in new developments 10% adopted standard |
2022 |
Adoption expected 2025 |
On track |
|
Reducing Waste |
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|
Action 4.1 Investigate recycling strategies in the Town centre. |
Councillor Patrik Garten
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
Jen Stevens
John Edwards |
Clear bags are ordered and we hope to start segregating recycling from litter at the start of February. This will be through litter picking rather than litter bins at this stage. |
NA |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030
|
On track |
|
Action 4.2 Ensure MBC offices and buildings have recycling facilities. |
Councillor Patrik Garten
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Green
Katie Exon |
Maidstone House internal waste team cannot provide any other recycling, other than paper and card. Officers have asked managing agents (Fidum) to source an alternative provider and provide us with a cost for provision of bins and disposal. They plan to furnish us with these costs by March, we have asked for 2 options – one for the entire building and one for the areas only occupied by MBC, this is in respect of MH only. Once we have received the costs, we can look at the viability of rolling this out to other buildings – Town hall, museum etc. |
Increase in office recycling and reduction in waste |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
Delayed due to existing contract term |
|
Adapting to Climate Change |
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|
Action 5.1 Deliver policy as part of design and sustainability DPD and future Development Plan evolution for long term climate change adaptation in new developments to flooding, heatwaves, and drought and ensure longer term climate impacts are being considered as part of planning and policy decisions. Identify indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Rob Jarman
Mark Egerton
Thom Hoang
|
The latest DPD version included a set of draft policies which meet this action.
There is no further update at this stage. |
NA |
2022 |
2025 |
On track |
|
Action 5.2 Identify actions to mitigate climate change in existing developments. |
Councillor Lottie Parfitt-Reid
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin
Gemma Bailey |
Officers have identified seven potential solar PV projects on Council buildings to maximise the renewable energy generated on these buildings for direct use by the Council cutting utility bills and reducing the Council’s carbon emissions. A business case to invest in a solar farm has been presented to Cabinet.
Officers continue to investigate nature-based solutions projects and tree planting opportunities, to reduce flooding and urban heat islands.
Shared heat network solutions continue to be investigated with third parties for Maidstone Town Centre. |
NA |
2023 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 5.3 Conduct Borough Climate Impact Assessment and (i) Identify natural flood management (nature-based solutions and sustainable urban drainage), (ii) Build local communities’ resilience, (iii) Support business continuity management, and (iv) Priorities and strengthen power and water supply and other critical infrastructure ensuring more resilient communities.
|
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin
Gemma Bailey |
Officers continue to seek partnerships on tree planting and nature-based solutions with private landowners of flood elevation efforts.
Communications and projects such as the Maidstone Eco Hub comprise climate adaptation information and awareness raising of climate impacts to raise awareness throughout the community and local businesses.
Officers are investigating Local Energy Action Plans (LEAPs) which are strategic documents developed by local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to outline their approach to sustainable energy management and the transition to low-carbon, renewable energy sources at the local level. Costing approximate £120k for a full LAEP. Due to the size of Kent, it would need to be sub-divided into 2-3 LAEP areas and Districts are being encouraged to work together to develop LEAPs. Folkestone are currently undergoing a pilot and planning to share their experience developing a LEAP. Swale are likely to be interested partnership with Maidstone. |
NA |
2023 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity |
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|
Action 6.1 Monitor Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to adopted 20% standard. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Egerton
Thom Hoang
|
Within the emerging LPR, Policy LPRSP14A (Natural Environment) contains a requirement for 20% BNG subject to other considerations.
Once adopted, this requirement regarding the 20% BNG will be monitored. |
Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
Not yet due |
|
Action 6.2 Ensure sustainable urban drainage schemes (SuDS) maximise biodiversity potential. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Egerton
Thom Hoang
|
Within the emerging LPR, Policy LPRSP14C (Climate Change) contains a requirement for SUDS provision.
The draft Policy ON5 (Sustainable Drainage Systems) in the emerging D&S DPD goes further and contains requirements to maximise biodiversity potential of SUDS. |
Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
Not yet due |
|
Action 6.3 Develop Supplementary Planning Documents for Garden community and other strategic development sites that ensure are exemplar for biodiversity and deliver semi natural open space. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Egerton
Thom Hoang
|
This work will take place following the adoption of the Local Plan Review.
It is intended that SPDs are produced for the key strategic development sites once the LPR is adopted. |
NA |
2024 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
Not yet due |
|
Action 6.4 Enhance and expand wetland coverage across the Borough to support nutrient neutrality, flood prevention, and enhance biodiversity. |
Councillor David Burton
And
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Patrik Garten
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark Green
Rob Jarman
James Wilderspin |
Officers are preparing to go out to tender for specialist expansion and desilting of several MBC wetland and pond areas (see July report for further details). Works in parks and on MBC land is planned to commence in autumn 2024.
Officers are working with South East Rivers Trust (SERT) to identify funding, and partners with Ashford Council to expand the “Bring back the Beult” project to introduce wide scale water retention and nature based solutions to the Upper Medway catchment. Senior officers have met with SERT and further meetings are to be held with Alsford Council to determine project and funding scope. |
Water quality
|
2022 |
2025
|
In progress |
|
Action 6.5 Implement a Nature Recovery Strategy, linking habitat restoration and creation to improve flood protection and water quality.
|
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
|
Rob Jarman
James Wilderspin |
The LNRS is being developed as part of the MS4N (Making Space for Nature) initiative which government has funded KCC to deliver. The current timeframe is that the LNRS will be developed by December 2024, with the required consultation with neighbouring authorities and public consultation taking place in 2025.
Officers are working with KCC and other districts to agree priorities for nature’s recovery, map the most valuable existing areas for nature, map specific proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals, and identify locations where the creation or improvement of habitat is most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.
As part of this officers are investigating supporting the delivery of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) which came into law in January 2024, by identifying where delivery under this new policy will have the most impact.
A BNG working group comes together each month at MBC, and is currently developing plans and a business case for MBC offsite provision in the borough. |
NA |
2025 |
Across the timeline to 2030
|
Not yet due |
|
Action 6.6 Work with local farms and landowners to deliver landscape scale biodiversity initiatives Nature Recovery Strategy – including reconnection of habitats, floodplain restoration, reduced chemical inputs and reintroduction of lost native species. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Rob Jarman
James Wilderspin
Gemma Bailey |
|
NA |
2025 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
Not yet due |
|
Action 6.7 Increase borough canopy cover expanding ancient forests and reconnecting of existing woodland including urban woods, and greening town centres. |
Councillor David Burton
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee
|
James Wilderspin
Rob Jarman
|
Officers continue to work closely with Medway Valley Countryside Partnership (MVCP) and investigated 5 large scale tree planning projects in autumn 2023. Two projects are going forward in spring 2024, one is in continuation at Nettlestead Yalding on the Angling Societies land planting a further 1000 trees in addition to the thousand planted last winter along the river side. As well as a second project in partnership with a local vineyard to plant 5000 trees.
Since 2019, Kent County Council has an ambition that the county’s tree cover will be extended by 1.5 million, establishing one new tree for every resident living in the county. By 2050, Kent will have an average tree canopy cover of 19%, the target recommended by the Committee on Climate Change. Collectively Kent Districts are succeeding in planting 50,000 to 60000 every year.
Oct 2022 to Mar 2023: 49369 planted Oct 2023 to Mar 2024: 60777 trees planned
|
Number of Trees planted / area of land rewilded
|
2022 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 6.8 Review Maidstone Borough Council non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity including allowing community groups to take responsibility for management.
|
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin
|
Officers continue to investigate the viability of biodiversity enhancing projects on MBC land. Two previously identified sites are being considered for BNG offsite provision and an assessment in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust will be undertaken in spring 2024 to develop the projects and align with mandatory BNG. |
NA |
2022 |
Across timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Making our Estate Carbon Neutral |
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|
Action 7.1 Deliver Maidstone Borough Council 2030 Net Zero Commitment, by: (i) Decarbonising the councils’ buildings through low carbon heating, LEDs, insulation and smart controls, (ii) decarbonising the council’s fleet to fully EV, (iii) investing in renewable energy generation, (iv) incorporating energy saving principles into office strategies, and (v) supporting staff to shift to electric/ultra-low emission vehicles, public transportation and more flexible working. |
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin
Mark Green
Katie Exon
Darren Guess
|
16% of the MBC fleet have now been upgrade to EV's (11 of 65 vehicles total), with a further x2 EVs on order for 2024. There are now a total of 31 plug in charging points installed at the depot.
4 buildings have been fully upgraded to LEDs.
Preplanning advise is currently being sought for a solar canopy car port project in Mote Park Car Park, to be private wired to the leisure centre to reduce its operational costs and carbon emissions.
On November 7th 2023, officers submitted a largescale bid for Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) for £3,126,536 to retrofit Maidstone House. Included in the bid were provisions for developing detailed designs, upgrading the heating system, replacing the glazing, fully insulating the building, upgrading all the lights to LED, and installing Solar PV on the Link business terrace roof. The preparation of this bid included a complex and technical set of documents and schematics, energy saving calculations, costing and quotes evidence, project management programme, and risks register. The submission of the bid is a first come first serve organised by Salix, where applicants need to submit a bid a soon as the portal opens to be in for a chance to be considered. On the 7th of November, officers were able to submit the application in under 4 minutes and are currently waiting to be notified if the bid is successful.
|
Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (ie Scope 1, 2) |
2022 |
2030 |
On track |
|
Action 7.2 Measure the Council’s carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committees and the public. |
Councillor David Burton
And
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin
Katie Exon |
There has been a 10% carbon reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions between 2021/22 and 2022/23. |
Carbon Footprint Dashboard
Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (ie Scope 1, 2 and 3) |
2022 |
Across timeline to 2023 |
On track |
|
Action 7.3 Purchase 100% renewable energy for our buildings and operations where we control the supply (market dependant with maximum 10% offset) and investigate Public Energy Partnership Power Purchase Agreement (PEPPPA). |
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee |
Mark green
James Wilderspin
Katie Exon |
As stated in the July update REGO rates continue to rise for costs for renewable. (Please see July 2023 report for further detail of REGO schemes). In the meantime, alternative approaches are being explored.
Officers have identified seven potential solar PV projects on Council buildings to maximise the renewable energy generated on these buildings for direct use by the Council cutting utility bills and reducing the Council’s carbon emissions with a relatively fast payback period for investment (outline in Appendix 2 of the July 2023 Action Plan Update report).
|
NA |
2022 |
Across timeline to 2023 |
Delayed due to finding alternative to REGO |
|
Action 7.4 Identify temporary accommodation assets eligible for insulation and low carbon heating upgrades under funding schemes and arrange installation. Provide top up funding for any measures not fully funded to ensure all homes let by MBC as temporary accommodation are energy efficient and EPC rating improved to requirement.
|
Councillor Lottie Parfitt-Reid
Housing, Health and Environment Policy Advisory Committee |
William Cornall
John Littlemore |
When the Council buys and refurbishes homes to utilise for Temporary Accommodation, we stipulate that they must be refurbished to an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C. Unfortunately, the social housing decarbonisation grant does not appear to be available for temporary accommodation. Something overlooked by DUHLC, something the Council has lobbied on.
The Council is also currently undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of Granada House, comprising 20 apartments, with monies from the Local Authority Housing Fund. Granada House was previously a Private Rented Sector asset that is being converted to affordable housing with a comprehensive specification that will deliver a high EPC rating and there is an ongoing commitment to explore the deployment of solar PV on the roof too.
AHP technology will start going into our 1,000 affordable homes programme to meet the Future Homes Standard (FHS) via Building Regulations.
|
NA |
2023 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
Delayed due to lack of grant |
|
Action 7.5 Improve data management on all property including leased buildings and prioritise decarbonisation actions and improve EPC ratings. |
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Katie Exon
James Wilderspin |
Officers continue to improve Data Management for MBC key buildings, and work with Laser Energy and Fidums to monitor consumption.
Officers are still working to improve leased data management, particularly for the temporary housing stock. |
Percentage change/ reduction in Utility costs/KWh for Gas, Electricity, Water usage at leased assets. |
2023 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 7.6 Deliver 100% LED lighting in MBC carparks. |
Councillor Paul Cooper
Planning, Infrastructure, And Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
Jeff Kitson
|
Parking Services remain committed to 100% LED lighting in MBC car parks by the end of 2025. Lamps are being replaced with LED lights as and when they require replacement. |
NA |
2022 |
2025 |
On track |
|
Communications and Engagement Strategy |
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|
Action 8.1 Support residents (including adults, women, youths and children, faith groups, minority groups, and marginalised groups), partners, and wider stakeholders (Parish councils, farmers, and landowners) to understand the changes they can make to reduce and prepare for climate change. Including: · Supporting residents to reduce their individual carbon footprints, upskilling and green job creation, buying local, conserve water, and with sustainable lifestyles and Eatwell guidance. · Promote schemes which help residents, landlords and housing associations reduce energy bills and decarbonise their buildings e.g. retrofitting grants and the government domestic and non-domestic renewable heat incentive programme. · Support and encourage residents, businesses and the third sector to install renewable energy generation or develop community energy projects, by providing information and promoting grants, shared investment, and savings schemes. · Encourage residents to separate food and recyclables, use appropriate bins, compost at home, avoid contamination and reduce waste production through promoting the circular economy strategy. · Support residents, schools and community groups with biodiversity improvement and protection, promoting relevant schemes, such as tree planting and after care, and encouraging them to enhance biodiversity in their gardens and grounds.
|
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Gemma Bailey
Julie Maddocks |
A second Eco Hub was run in Summer 2023, a pop-up, walk-in community information centre for residents to access information and see real world solutions to help them become more sustainable. The hub opened for six weeks, throughout the summer holidays, in a unit in The Mall Maidstone. There were 1,926 visitors to the Eco Hub, a 121% increase in users when compared to the 2022 project. 24 local sustainable businesses, charities, and community groups partnered with MBC and shared information, resources, leaflets, and demonstration models of their products, as well as holding events and workshops in the Eco Hub. Visitors commented on how good it was to see MBC acting on the climate crisis and are hopeful that this initiative raised the profile of MBC’s action on climate change and biodiversity loss. Overall, the project was a huge success, and the Eco Hub was one of just three projects shortlisted in The Revo’s for the best local authority/ private sector partnership Revo award. This award recognises a Local Authority initiative that has had a major impact on the town centre experience for its residents and users.
Solar Together scheme phase 3 started in 2023 and will finish in early 2024. The scheme was split into two auctions, spring, and autumn. The spring scheme has so far delivered 768 installations across Kent (68 in Maidstone), however this number will rise once all customers who have accepted their quote receive their install. The autumn scheme closed for registration at the beginning of November, therefore installs are still being completed, but phase 3 of Solar Together Kent looks to be the most successful to date. Final figures for Solar Together phase 3 and expected carbon savings will be available for the next update. There is likely to be a phase 4 of Solar together in 2024. Solar Together has the potential to bring in profit for the Council, with other local authorities seeing profits of as much as £12,000 after three years of the project. Phase one of Solar Together in Maidstone was not very successful with low take up. The officer managing the programme for this phase no longer works for MBC and there was no handover, therefore it is difficult to understand the issues in this phase. Phases two and three have been profitable for MBC with phase 3 likely to be the most successful as there has been a primary officer within MBC monitoring progress throughout. With a better understanding of data and tracking of progress, phase 4 could be the most successful phase for MBC to date.
In 2023 we were allocated £539,728 to spend between 2023 and 2025 on capital interventions in our rural communities as part of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The REPF in Maidstone aims to support rural communities to modernise and improve their assets to provide multiuse spaces that improve health, wellbeing, reduce rural loneliness, while having a positive impact on the local environment, contribute towards net zero, support the local rural economy, and promote community cohesion. In phase one of the REPF £134,932 was awarded to four organisations for improvements to their facilities including the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and double glazing. Phase two of the scheme opened for applications in December 2023 and will support more projects than phase one with £404,796 of funding available.
At the end of 2023 officers purchased the carbon literacy for local authority’s toolkit. This not only enables climate change officers to train MBC staff and elected members, but also enables us to deliver training to parish councils. In 2024 carbon literacy training will be offered to parish councils in the borough of Maidstone. This programme will help to improve the knowledge of climate change in parish councils and enable more action in the community.
The climate change newsletter now has 4,650 subscribers. The newsletter continues to share information on upcoming funding, grants, sustainable initiatives, relevant events and MBC’s climate change initiatives.
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NA |
2022 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 8.2 Provide staff awareness information of biodiversity and climate change at induction and provide job specific sustainability training to each service area.
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Councillor David Burton
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Gemma Bailey
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The carbon Literacy for local authority’s toolkit has been purchased by MBC, allowing officers to continue training MBC staff for the next three years. The aim is for all staff who attend training to complete action pledges and become certified as carbon literate. To ensure all staff can attend training, the course will continue to be run both online and in person. In person training will also be introduced at the depot in 2024.
46 officers have been trained to date and 41 have completed their pledges to become certified as carbon literate. We now have a good understanding of the programme and the different ways we can roll it out to officers, therefore in 2024 we will aim to train 100 officers through the carbon literacy programme and aim for at least 85% of attendees to complete their pledges and become certified as carbon literate. |
Number of Staff carbon literate accredited |
2022 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 8.3 Enable local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by providing information on funding opportunities, carbon calculators, localised supply chains and travel plans that promote active travel and public transport, and support businesses to use the Kent Prepare website to raise awareness of how to prepare for flooding.
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Councillor David Burton
And
Councillor Claudine Russell
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Julie Maddocks
Chris Inwood
Gemma Bailey
|
Economic Development continue to feature a ‘green tip’ in every monthly Business E-newsletter and promote relevant business support schemes and grants when made available.
Achieved a 71% increase in business newsletter sign ups since 2021 to 7,000 with an average 41.5% average monthly open rate.
Promoted The Eco Hub pop-up information centre August/September 2023 to local businesses.
The climate change website now includes a page for businesses, providing resources, links, and information to assist businesses in improving their sustainability. |
NA |
2022 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance |
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Action 9.1 Provide briefings and training for councillors and our managers on carbon, climate change, and biodiversity to create a culture change and ensure climate change and biodiversity are integrated into decision making.
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Councillor David Burton
Communities, Leisure and Arts Policy Advisory Committee |
Gemma Bailey
|
Carbon Literacy Training was delivered to a group of eight elected members in October and four have gone on to complete their action pledges to become certified as carbon literate. This training was delivered by an APSE trainer who specialises in Carbon Literacy for elected members.
The next carbon literacy training day for elected members will be held in February on a Saturday, to allow elected members who work during the week to attend.
The carbon literacy for local authority’s toolkit purchased at the end of 2023 licences officers to deliver training to elected members, therefore moving forward carbon literacy training for elected members will be delivered by MBC officers. In 2024 we will aim to train a further 15 elected members. |
Number of Councillor carbon literate accredited |
2023 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 9.2 Ensure service plans consider biodiversity and climate change and monitor with performance indicators, so that managers plan their services to ensure opportunities for enhancing biodiversity and mitigating and adapting to climate change are taken.
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Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
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Carly Benville
Anna Collier
James Wilderspin
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Next refresh and update of the Carbon dashboard is planned in 2024.
24/25 KPIs are in the process of being developed and brought to members in Jan/Feb 2024 PACs.
The next round of service planning is in earl 2024.
Refresh of dashboard will next be by 31 January 2024.
New KPIs will be in place and agreed for 1st April 2024. |
NA |
2023 |
Across the timeline to 2030 |
On track |
|
Action 9.3 Deliver Policy that ensures sustainability criteria is used for all Maidstone Borough Council construction of new buildings (offices, housing, leisure facilities) and sustainability criteria is part of decision-making process for all Maidstone Borough Council building acquisitions, to ensure buildings owned by the council are sustainable, future proofed, and align with our net zero commitment.
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Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
|
Mark Green
Adrian Lovegrove
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Officers are currently developing SV measures that are suitable for MBC. Updated Sustainability framework to be shared with WLT in February 2024, there has been a short delay due to agenda timetables. |
NA |
2023 |
2024 |
Short delay due to agenda timetables |
|
Action 9.4 Establish criteria for investment in climate change and biodiversity and invest to save schemes (e.g. renewables, heat networks). These will consider relative impact in terms of carbon reduction and ease of delivery, such that expenditure is focused on deliverable, affordable initiatives that maximise impact on the carbon reduction targets.
|
Councillor David Burton
And
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee |
James Wilderspin |
Officers are also supporting heat network policy development and feasibility in Maidstone. |
NA |
Due to start in late 2024 |
2025
|
Not due yet |
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Action 9.5 Deliver corporate policy and sustainable procurement approach to reduce (Scope 3) MBC carbon footprint from contracts and services and ensure a ‘carbon cost’ is part of procurement and decision making. |
Councillor John Perry
Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee
|
Dan Hutchins
Adrian Lovegrove
James Wilderspin |
Please see Action 9.3 update.
Officers will also investigate how to calculate scope 3 emissions with suppliers and contracts in 2024. |
Carbon footprint dashboard |
Due to start in late 2024
|
2025 |
On track |