Decision details

The Biodiversity and Climate Change Action plan has been reviewed and updated as part of the scheduled annual review. The plan at Appendix 1 to the report has been developed with the executive and the Policy Advisory Committees have been asked to review the plan and make recommendations as appropriate.

RESOLVED: That the updated Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan be approved.

The annual review of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan is stipulated as part of the action plan to check if actions are still relevant, if there are new Government approaches or science-based targets, and if actions are progressing. At the last update of the action plan at Communities Housing and Environment PAC on the 15 November 2022 the Leader outlined the proposed annual review process for the actions within the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan to be separated into those within the Council’s direct control and those it can influence. The actions would be aligned to the relevant Lead Member on the Executive and presented to the respective Policy Advisory Committees as part of the annual review process. The Leader of the Council stated that the proposed approach would be manageable and would ensure that the actions were effectively monitored.

 The review included the following steps:

• Officers and the Executive reviewed the wording, clarity, timeline of each of the 68 actions to ensure actions are specific and transparent.

• It was clarified which actions were in direct control of the council and those actions the council can influence.

• Actions were aligned to Portfolio holders and PACs to ensure accountability at an Executive level.

• A streamlined action plan has been developed for consultation and final approval with PACs.

The revised action plan can be seen at Appendix 1. The plan details the action, responsible PAC and officers, the timeline, indicators, and costs. A succinct version of the revised action plan can be found at Appendix 2. There are significant cost implications to meeting our challenging net zero ambition, these go beyond the budget available and recognise the need to apply for and make use of grant funding and other opportunities as they are identified.

The action plan follows 9 themes:

• Active Travel and Green Transportation

• Decarbonising and insulating homes and buildings

• Generating renewable energy

• Reducing waste

• Adapting to climate change

• Enhancing and increasing biodiversity

• Making our estate carbon neutral

• Communications and engagement strategy

• Sustainable decision-making processes and governance

Option 1 - That the new version of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan be approved, following the addition, removal or change of actions within the action plan if required.

Option 2 - Alternatively, the original version of the action plan could be retained or that further review is required.