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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
15 FEBRUARY 2011
REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF REGENERATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
Report prepared by Jennifer Hunt
1. Climate Change Framework: 2011 - 2016
1.1 Issue for Consideration
1.1.1 To consider the update on the draft Climate Change Framework: 2011 - 2016 that is being developed.
1.2 Recommendation of the Assistant Director of Regeneration and Cultural Services
1.2.1 That the Environment and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the update of the Environmental Management Systems Project Manager and considers the draft Climate Change Framework: 2011 - 2016 and makes recommendations to the Cabinet as appropriate.
1.3 Reasons for Recommendation
1.3.1 The most recent Climate Change Plan ran from 2005 – 2010 and to build on the work achieved by this plan, a Climate Change Framework: 2011 – 2016 has been drafted.
1.3.2 The nature of this draft Climate Change Framework is different from its predecessor in that instead of being an Action Plan for the next 5 years, the aim of the document is that it will be an overarching framework. It will set out the Council’s intention with respect to tackling Climate Change and will outline the various strategies and action plan that are either in development or already in place that will deliver against the stated objectives.
1.3.3 Climate Change is a multi faceted topic which reaches across a number of departments in the Council. This combined with the large amount of work already being undertaken around this topic in different formats, means that this document is intending to bring all this work under one banner and to have a central place where this would be recognised. Furthermore, this Climate Change Framework will provide a context for this work and further help to ensure that Climate Change and our impact on the environment becomes a principle consideration of the Council in all decisions it makes.
1.3.4 The vision of the Climate Change Framework is:
‘To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from across Maidstone Borough, including those from the services provided by the Council, and to better prepare and adapt Maidstone’s communities and businesses to the likely impacts of climate change with the aim of both protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the current and future residents of the borough.’
1.3.5 Following on from this, the five main objectives of the Climate Change Framework are as follows;
· To reduce Maidstone Borough Council’s carbon emissions and those from the Borough as a whole;
· To prepare and adapt Maidstone Borough for future climate change;
· To raise the awareness and understanding of climate change and energy efficiency for residents, businesses, organisations and within the Council itself;
· Encourage and promote sustainable development, sustainable business and sustainable transport with the aim of enabling communities to reduce their energy and water consumption and consequently carbon emissions; and,
· That all current and future MBC frameworks, strategies and action plans will seek to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the vision of the Climate Change Framework.
1.4 Alternative Action and why not Recommended
1.4.1 The draft Climate Change Framework: 2011 – 2016 could have followed in the steps of its predecessor and taken the form of an action plan. However, due to the nature of the climate change agenda and the work already being undertaken under a number of action plans and strategies at the Council, it was felt that if this approach was taken it would serve to cause a duplication of work. Instead an overarching framework which provides a context for, and brings together this work, was seen to be more appropriate in this instance.
1.5 Impact on Corporate Objectives
1.5.1 This decision is related to achieving the following Key Objectives from the proposed Strategic Plan for 2011/12:
Priority: For Maidstone to have a growing economy
Related Outcome: a transport network that supports the local economy
Related Outcome: a growing economy with rising employment, catering for a range of skill sets to meet the demands of the local economy
Priority: For Maidstone to be a decent place to live
Related Outcome: continues to be a clean and attractive environment for people who live in and visit the borough
Priority: Corporate and Customer Excellence
Related Outcome: the Council will continue to have value for money services that residents are satisfied with
1.5.2 The Climate Change Framework will help the Council towards achieving these key objectives. The framework will promote and encourage sustainable transport and business, as well as ensuring that the Borough is sustainable and adapted for future Climate Change, ensuring that is an attractive environment for years to come. Finally the framework sets out the commitment for the Council to reduce its carbon emissions and energy consumption, thereby contributing towards providing value for money services.
1.6 Risk Management
1.6.1 The risk of not achieving the maximum possible with respect to climate change and ensuring that Maidstone Borough is doing everything possible to mitigate against and adapt to climate change has been identified. This will be managed by drawing together the work being undertaken at the Council and ensuring that climate change becomes embedded in our everyday activities, the vehicle for which will be the Climate Change Framework.
1.7 Other Implications
1.7.1
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1. Financial
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2. Staffing
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3. Legal
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4. Equality Impact Needs Assessment
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5. Environmental/Sustainable Development
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6. Community Safety
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7. Human Rights Act
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8. Procurement
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9. Asset Management
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1.7.2 Environmental / Sustainable Development: This decision will increase the Council’s ability to help the borough to become more sustainable and will help to reduce the carbon emissions of the borough and from the Council services.
1.8 Relevant Documents
1.8.1 Appendices
Appendix A – Climate Change Framework: 2011 - 2016
1.8.2 Background Documents
None
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IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?
Yes No
If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?
Will appear in the forward plan for 01 March 2011 to 30 June 2011
This is a Key Decision because: It is an overarching policy framework.
Wards/Parishes affected: All
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