The Kent Environment Strategy Programme Manager from Kent County Council (KCC) addressed the Committee to provide an overview of the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy (KMELES).

The four aims of the policy were briefly outlined as Evidence, Policy and Strategy, Leadership and Action.  A series of workshops had occurred in the Summer of 2018, with evidence base building and cross-sector engagement conducted in 2019. KCC had adopted the Central Government target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this had been included in the KMELES. During 2019, all Kent Local Authorities had made carbon emission-based commitments to be achieved by either 2030 or 2050, with nine authorities having endorsed or adopted the KMELES. It was hoped that support would be given from other public sector bodies.

Following approval from Kent Chiefs and Kent Leaders, a public consultation on the KMELES occurred in 2019. The responses were generally positive with some concerns expressed that the 2050 deadline was too far away. The strategy was amended to produce the ten priorities which were then outlined to the Committee. Despite the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, additional elements on green infrastructure had been included in the KMELES.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Biodiversity and Climate Change introduced the report and referenced the Council’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan (BDCCAP) that was agreed by the Committee in October 2020. The BDCCAP and KMELES were very similar except for priority 1 of the latter, whereby Kent County aimed to be carbon neutral by 2050. The BDCCAP included that the Council would be carbon neutral by 2030 if technology and national policy allowed. By endorsing the KMELES the Council would not be committed to adhering to the strategy but would reinforce partnership working across the County.

In response to questions, the Kent Environment Strategy Programme Manager confirmed that Kent County’s grid limitations were being considered by Central Government and UK Power Networks, with limited options for Local Authorities. Endorsement of the KMELES would not impact or supersede the previously agreed BDCCAP. Off-gas grid homes referred to homes that were not connected to the gas network and likely relied on oil heating or bottled gas.

Air quality measures had been included within the KMELES as the actions that could be taken to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases were often mutually beneficial.

The Committee expressed support for the KMELES.

RESOLVED: That the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy be endorsed.