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Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan Status

 

The following table breaks down the status of each action in the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan and details the relevant Portfolio Holder, the responsible officers, the previous status of the action in November 2022 (if applicable following the changes to the action plan’s annual review), and the updated status for each action as of September 2024.

 

There are a total of 38 Actions across the Biodiversity and Climate Change action plan.

 

Status

Number of Actions

Action not yet due

2

Delayed

2

Being Investigated

7

Planning and Development

 

Being Implemented

27

Complete and being monitored

 


 

Action

Portfolio Holder

Responsible Officers

September 2024 Update

Key Performance Indicator

Likely Start Date

Likely Completion Date

 

Progress

Active Travel and Green Transportation

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. 

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Alison Broom

 

William Cornall

 

Rob Jarman

 

Karen Britton

 

Tom Gilbert

 

 

The new ISTS is in the early stages of scoping the parameters at present.

 

The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan prioritised routes were out to consultation 22 July to 19 August 2024, results are being analysed.

 

MBC is framing a robust response to the KCC consultation on Local Transportation Plan 5, promoting active travel, high quality public transport and improved pollution mitigation.

 

NA

Early 24

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Alison Broom

 

William Cornall

 

Rob Jarman

 

Karen Britton

 

Mark Egerton

 

Tom Gilbert

 

 

No update at present. Monitoring of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Authority Monitoring Report is in progress and will be finalised by December 2024.

 

 

Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport

2017

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Alison Broom

 

William Cornall

 

Rob Jarman

 

Karen Britton

 

Mark Egerton

 

Tom Gilbert

Monitoring of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Authority Monitoring Report is in progress and will be finalised by December 2024.

Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport

2017

Across timeline to 2030

Being implemented

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.

 

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

Mark Green

 

Katie Exon

 

 

Officers are investigating standardising policy for MBC developments to incorporate where possible, sustainable travel initiatives.

 

Lockable bike sheds have been installed in the town centre.

NA

2024

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Clive English Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Jen Stevens

 

 

 

 

A draft strategy is being produced by Parking Services based on current BEV data.  This will be brought forward for decision later in the year.  Discussions also remain ongoing about on-street charging infrastructure with Kent County Council funded by Government.

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

Being Implemented

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.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

John Littlemore

 

Lorraine Neale

 

 

Two rapid charging points at Sittingbourne Road car park are under investigation. There are no further plans to implement further charging points as this is dependent on Kent County Council Highways and no local plans are in place.

 

 

Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installed

2023

9 by 2025

12 by 2030

Being implemented

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.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

John Littlemore

 

Lorraine Neale

 

 

This is a joint Kent Project. Last meeting with Kent County Council 05/02/24 – Kent County Council to research area of licencing issues that are disincentivising driver and look at highlighting this with district leads and members

 

The Head of Housing and Regulatory Services will raise this in the next Licensing Partnership Board meeting on 16/09/24.

Number of EV taxi

 

 

2023

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Action 1.8 Actively identify opportunities to work in partnership to ensure that the borough’s infrastructure is bus friendly.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Tom Gilbert

 

Duncan Haynes

Approval to form a Local Bus Focus Group was given by cabinet member decision 19/02/2024

 

Implementation has been on hold until the formation of new administration and priorities.

 

Environmental Health and the Director of Regeneration and Place had initial positive discussions about the improvement of the Arriva bus fleet to remove any non-euro 6 buses. 

 

However, the Arriva director has since stopped responding to communication. The bus fleet has however improved significantly from 2019 to 2023 but a number of buses are still below Euro 6 standard

 

Improvement in Borough Air Quality

n/a

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Decarbonising and Insulating Homes and Buildings

Action 2.1 Explore grants schemes for residents, landlords and housing associations, for retrofitting insulation, and low carbon heating systems.

Simon Wales Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

John Littlemore

 

Philip Jennings

 

 

The Home Upgrade Grant phase 2 grant will soon close for new applications at the end of September.  The government led grant has been reduced to include funding for a maximum of 18 properties.  The works on the properties must be completed by March 2025. 

 

Unfortunately, after several meetings with Eon to partner to promote and administer ECO Flex (Energy Companies Obligation) to increase ECO’s eligibility criteria, Eon have subsequently pulled back.  Further work is required to find an alternative provider and make the Council’s ECO Flex statement of intent ready for implementation.

Number of residents with EPC rating improvements of A-C from D-G

2023

Across timeline to 2030

 Being Implemented

Action 2.2 Enforce Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

Simon Wales Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

John Littlemore

 

Philip Jennings

 

Enforcement of the regulations has improved over 670 rented properties from EPC F and G to EPC A-E.

 

Landlords may apply for exemptions for their properties. (50 properties have exemptions).  A small number (8 properties) are still 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 has also been used to disseminate information to landlords. 

 

The Council’s Accommodation Standards Policy has been amended 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

Being Implemented

Generating Renewable Energy

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Rob Jarman

 

Karen Britton

 

Mark Egerton

 

Thom Hoang

 

 

The draft Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document included a set of policies which meet this action.

 

The team is reviewing and revising this document and its draft policies to ensure their soundness and effectiveness.

 

                               

Percentage of onsite renewable energy generation in new developments 10% adopted standard

2022

Adoption expected 2025

Being Implemented

Reducing Waste

Action 4.1 Investigate recycling strategies in the Town centre.

Clive English Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement

Jen Stevens

 

John Edwards

The recycling of street litter by town centre operatives has now commenced.  The operatives separate out recyclables from other waste in clear sacks, which are taken to the Council’s waste transfer station and sent for recycling to N&P’s Crayford Recycling Facility. 

Further options are being explored to extend this to litter picking volunteers.

NA

2024

Across timeline to 2030

 

Being Implemented

Action 4.2 Ensure MBC offices and buildings have recycling facilities.

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Mark Green

 

Katie Exon

 

Jacqueline Tolhurst

 

Charlotte Featherstone

 

Angie Smith

Officers are investigating contract terms for recycling at Maidstone House, with plans to conduct a waste audit, survey for staff, and communications to start recycling at the office.

Increase in office recycling and reduction in waste

2024

Across timeline to 2030

Being Investigated

Adapting to Climate Change

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Rob Jarman

 

Mark Egerton

 

Thom Hoang

 

 

The draft Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document included a set of policies which meet this action.

 

The team is reviewing and revising this document and its draft policies to ensure their soundness and effectiveness.

 

 

NA

2022

2025

Being Implemented

Action 5.2 Identify actions to mitigate climate change in existing developments.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Angie Smith

Three large scale Solar Projects on Council sites were approved to go forward by Cabinet 24-8-24.

 

Match Funding from Southeast Rivers Trust NBS project approved by Cabinet 24-8-24.

 

 

NA

2023

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Mike Summersgill

Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Angie Smith

No Impact Assessment Planned.

 

Officers continue to seek partnerships on tree planting and nature-based solutions with private landowners of flood elevation efforts. 5000 trees planted in private partnership to support local agriculture.

 

Officers support planting of 14 urban trees community Tree planting on Chamberlain Avenue, Burns Road, Pitt Road in Barming, Maidstone.

 

 

The Newsletter 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.

 

Parish Council Environment Network will receive a presentation in October.

NA

2023

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity

Action 6.1 Monitor Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to adopted 20% standard.

Mike Summersgill

Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

Mark Egerton

 

Thom Hoang

 

 

Policy LPRSP14A: Natural Environment of the LPR (adopted in March 2024) contains a requirement for 20% BNG subject to other considerations.  This requirement regarding the 20% BNG will be monitored.

 

MBC officers continue to research potential habitat banks for BNG. MBC have invested in software (Mycelia) and training to effectively monitor BNG across the 30-year mandatory period. MBC provided BNG briefing to Councillors on 24/6/24 and BNG training for officers was delivered on 11/7/24.

 

Updates to BGN information in planning applications has been added as part of the consultation on recent changes to the Local Validation List, see: Local Validation Requirements (2024 Review) | Let’s Talk Maidstone (engagementhq.com)

The last meeting of the BNG working group was April 2024, the next meeting will be held when the new Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager joins.

 

 

 

Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard

2024

Across timeline to 2030

Being Investigated

Action 6.2 Ensure sustainable urban drainage schemes (SuDS) maximise biodiversity potential.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Mark Egerton

 

Thom Hoang

 

 

The LPR was adopted in March 2024.

 

The draft Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document included a set of policies which meet this action, particularly Policy ON5: Sustainable Drainage Systems.

 

The team is reviewing and revising this document and its policies to ensure their soundness and effectiveness.

 

 

Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard

2024

Across timeline to 2030

Being Investigated

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

 

Mark Egerton

 

Thom Hoang

 

 

Preliminary work has started following the adoption of the Local Plan Review.

NA

2024

Across timeline to 2030

Being Investigated

Action 6.4 Enhance and expand wetland coverage across the Borough to support nutrient neutrality, flood prevention, and enhance biodiversity.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Mark Green

 

Rob Jarman

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Lucy Norman

The Council has agreed to fund Southeast Rivers Trust (SERT) to develop natural flood management schemes over the six months to March 2025, with an initial focus on the River Sherway, a tributary of the River Beult.  The Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board will match the Council’s contribution by funding schemes identified as feasible and deliverable in 2025/26.

 

 

Heathlands, which is allocated in the local plan review includes policy requirements to improve the water infrastructure in the locality, to include improvement the existing wastewater treatment plant which will mitigate nutrient neutrality issues to the local community and broader locality

 

The Parks team has facilitated pond creation projects at Buckland Hill Pocket Nature Reserve and habitat enhancement along sections of the River Len and is currently investigating the potential for new wetlands at a number of other MBC owned sites.

Water quality

 

 

2022

2025

 

Being Investigated

Action 6.5 Implement a Nature Recovery Strategy, linking habitat restoration and creation to improve flood protection and water quality.

 

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Rob Jarman

 

Anna Stevens

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 draft LNRS will be consulted on in January 2025, with final publication in May 2025.  

Officers have been 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.

 

The Council has confirmed a Nature Recovery Declaration, evidencing commitment and leadership to stemming the decline in local biodiversity

 

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.

Tony Harwood Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Rob Jarman

 

Anna Stevens

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Angie Smith

Call for Tree planting/rewilding projects and sites still active on MBC website. Officers will continue to identify partners.

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.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

 

 

 

Officers continue to seek partnerships on tree planting and nature-based solutions with private landowners of flood elevation efforts. 5000 trees planted in private partnership to support local agriculture.

 

 

 

Number of Trees planted / area of land rewilded

 

 

2022

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

 

 

Offsite Provision for BNG report went to CTCES-PAC on the 8-7-24, and more information was sought by members. The report will go back to PAC once wider aspects of off-site BNG, and an examination of current MBC landholdings of mature woodland condition.

NA

2022

Across timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Making our Estate Carbon Neutral

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.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

 

Clive English Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Mark Green

 

Katie Exon

 

Darren Guess

 

Charlotte Featherstone

 

 

The Maidstone House Decarbonisation Project is well under way utilising the Salix PSDS 3c grant of £3.1 awarded in early 2024.  The final stages of preliminary design & development has been reached and the Salix PSDS grant of £3.1m is on track to be spent in full by 31st March 2025. The full scope of the project has been realised and costs have increased to incorporate other compulsory repairs and maintenance that were identified. Once completed circa September 2025 the project aims to reduce the Councils total carbon by approximately 361.8 tCO2e per year equivalent to a fifth of the Council’s total emissions. Further examined calculations of direct and indirect carbon savings and other product recycling at end-of-life calculations are underway.

 

It was raised at the Climate Transition, Corporate and Environmental Services Policy Advisory Committee and Cabinet in July 2024 that full information of the materials lifespan, particularly in the case of Solar Photovoltaic Panels should be made available and considered as part of the full initiative.  These facts will be produced as well as details regarding ethical considerations in respect of Modern Slavery.

 

During detailed project planning, a decision was reached to expand the Decarbonisation Project into a Decarbonisation Programme incorporating four other projects. 

 

·         Project 2- Installation of Solar PV & Green Roof Renewal at The Link,

·         Project 3- Maidstone House 4th Floor Refit,

·         Project 4- Decant of Occupants at Maidstone House & The Link,

·         Project 5- LED and car park upgrade at Maidstone House.

 

Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (i.e. Scope 1, 2)

2022

2030

Being Implemented

Action 7.2 Measure the Council’s carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committees and the public.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Katie Exon

There has been a further 0.7% (16tCO2e) reduction in overall carbon emission from the Council’s Scope 1 and 2 between 2022/23 and 2023/24.

 

Carbon Footprint Dashboard

 

Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (i.e. Scope 1, 2 and 3)

2022

Across timeline to 2023

Being Implemented

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).

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Mark green

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Katie Exon

The Council is currently procuring conventional electricity and gas. As part of its Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan, the Council aims to purchase 100% renewable energy for its buildings and operations where it controls the supply. The Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme is a common method to ensure the energy procured is renewable. However, REGO prices have increased significantly, from £1.45/MWh in 2021-22 to an estimated £11/MWh for 2023-24. For MBC's portfolio with Laser Energy, the cost for REGOs for Oct 2023-Sep 2024 is approximately £55,320, excluding two high-energy users, namely the Leisure Centre, and Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex, who sit with other energy companies. It is recommended that while the REGO market is expensive and the national grid cannot meet growing demand for fully renewable production, the Council instead prioritise reducing carbon costs directly from our operations and invest directly in decarbonisation and renewable energy instillations.

 

 

NA

2022

Across timeline to 2023

Delayed

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.

 

Simon Wales Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

William Cornall

 

John Littlemore

All Temporary Accommodation is EPC grade C post-acquisition and pre-occupation

NA

2023

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Action 7.5 Improve data management on all property including leased buildings and prioritise decarbonisation actions and improve EPC ratings.

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Katie Exon

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

Officers working with our managing agents and Laser energy have improved the data management for our key occupational and investment property.  MBC are about to embark on significant work to decarbonise Maidstone House, these works when complete will allow for improved data collection.

 

In addition, the council undertook work to improve the EPC ratings on industrial units within the Parkwood Estate.  When these units become vacant and back into the Councils possession, an assessment of any works required to improve the EPC is undertaken, works completed prior to the premises being marketed.

Percentage change/ reduction in Utility costs/KWh for Gas, Electricity, Water usage at leased assets.

2023

Across the timeline to 2030

Being implemented

Action 7.6 Deliver 100% LED lighting in MBC carparks.

Clive English Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement

Jeff Kitson

 

 

At last count over 80% of lighting were LED. Lamps are being replaced with LED as and when they require replacement, usually within 5-6 years and most are approaching this age, it is strongly anticipated this will be within the 2025 target. An updated count is planned for early 2025.

 

NA

2022

2025

Being Implemented

Communications and Engagement Strategy

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.

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

 

Dave Naghi Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety

Angie Smith

 

Julie Maddocks

Maidstone Eco Hub is planned for 26th of October to 9th of November, building on the success of the previous two Hubs. This year there will be a greater focus on business and employment alongside the usual activities, running green information sessions for a range of business, advice on grants and working with Mid Kent College to provide advice on green careers. 

 

Officers are supporting the roll out of solar together phase 4, using the referral fees from phase 3 to finance phase 4.

 

The Communications team continues to support the Biodiversity and Climate Change team in promoting projects that they have and designing any required posters, leaflets or marketing material needed. These include Solar Together and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

 

The Communication Team also continues to work with the team to produce and publish a regular environmental newsletter.

 

£404,796 has been awarded to 19 Community Hubs under the Rural England Prosperity Fund

 

 

NA

2022

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Action 8.2 Provide staff awareness information of biodiversity and climate change at induction and provide job specific sustainability training to each service area.

 

Stuart Jeffrey Leader of the Council  

Angie Smith

 

 

75 % staff have completed the biodiversity and climate change induction training.

 

Depot Staff Carbon Literacy training was conducted in February 2024 with 4 officers certified Carbon Literate.

 

Further Carbon Literacy sessions for staff are scheduled for September 2024.

 

 

Number of Staff carbon literate accredited

2022

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Stephen Thompson Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities

Julie Maddocks

 

Chris Inwood

 

Angie Smith

 

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. Through the newsletter and Business in Maidstone Social Media channels to increase audience awareness

 

There has been an 84% increase in business newsletter sign ups since 2021 to 8,700 with an average 39.5% average monthly open rate.

 

The climate change website now includes a page for businesses, providing resources, links, and information to assist businesses in improving their sustainability.

 

Communications continues to work with the Biodiversity and Climate team to produce the E-newsletters promoting schemes and grants when they are available. They also work with the ED team to produce material to be used in the business newsletter.

 

Business events are being organised as part of the Eco Hub.

 

NA

2022

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance

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.

 

Stuart Jeffrey Leader of the Council   

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Angie Smith

 

Members Carbon Literacy Training was held in spring 2024 with 5 certificates achieved. 8 current members are now certified Carbon Literate. Further training for members is planned for Autumn 2024.

 

Parish Council Carbon Literacy training was conducted in March 2024 with 11 certificates achieved.

 

See 8.2 for update on managers training

 

Number of Councillor Carbon Literate accredited

2023

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Stuart Jeffrey Leader of the Council  

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Carly Benville

 

Anna Collier

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

Service planning for 2024 is now complete and the next round of service planning will be undertaken after agreement of new strategic priorities.

 

New KPIs were agreed in March 2024 are now in place,

·         Percentage reduction in carbon emissions - Buildings (scope 1 and 2)

·         Percentage reduction in carbon emissions - Fleet

·         Size of areas rewilded through MBC schemes (volume of land)

·         Number of trees planted (through MBC planting initiatives)

 

A New KPI dashboard is in beta testing which will allow committees to monitor performance monthly.

 

Carbon footprint dashboard has been refreshed in Apr/May 2024 showing 23/24 data.

 

 

NA

2023

Across the timeline to 2030

Being Implemented

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.

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Mark Green

 

Adrian Lovegrove

 

Angela Woodhouse

 

Anna Collier

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

 

 

Briefing on social value was considered by Wider Leadership Team.

 

The next step is an assessment of our scope 3 emissions, work has begun on the procurement of a system to assess our suppliers, this work has been delayed due to the departure of the last Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager and will restart when the new Manager starts in November.

 

 

NA

2023

2024

Delayed

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.

 

 

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

 

Mike Summersgill Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

Officers have developed a business case for solar investment, and to maximise solar PV on MBC owned assets.

 

Officers are also supporting heat network policy development and feasibility in Maidstone.

 

Council house building programme where the council is responsible for securing planning permission, all such permissions have been and will be sought on the basis of meeting the future home standard.

NA

Due to start in late 2024

2025

 

 

Being Investigated

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.

Kathy Cox Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

Dan Hutchins

 

Adrian Lovegrove

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager

Corporate Services Policy Advisory Committee. agreed adoptions of two new policies and one new statement on 14th December which have been implemented:

• Sustainable Procurement Policy

• Social Value Policy

• Modern Slavery Statement

Procurement are embedding these as part of the procurement process consider both environmental and social value in their appraisal process.

 

Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager 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

Being Investigated