The Environment Cabinet Panel of Hertsmere Council met on Friday, 28 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including waste management performance, the Sustainable Hertfordshire Programme Plan, the Tree and Woodland Strategy, and the Biodiversity Duty. Decisions were made to note the progress in these areas and to continue with the current strategies and plans.

Waste Management Performance Report

The Panel reviewed a report on waste performance statistics, which were recently published by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The report covered the period 2022-23 and included landfill figures. It was noted that the 2023-24 disposal arrangements would also include landfill contracts, but a significant reduction in landfill use is expected in the 2024-25 figures. From 1 April 2024, all residual contracts will be energy recovery contracts, with the intention of not sending any waste directly to landfill. The Panel acknowledged the continued good performance of Hertfordshire County Council compared with regional neighbours.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Programme Plan: Progress Report

The Panel received an update on the progress made on the Sustainable Hertfordshire Programme Plan since its approval in March 2023. A member questioned the figures in the report regarding the total number of fleet vehicles included. Julie Greaves, Head of Sustainability, clarified that the figures included some fleet vehicles and promised to provide further information on the calculation. The Panel also discussed a recent seminar on cleaner air presented by Mark Doran, Director of Environment and Transport, to the Herts Association of Parish and Town Councils. The Panel commended the officers for their progress and work.

Tree and Woodland Strategy: Progress Report

The Panel reviewed the progress made towards delivering the Hertfordshire County Council Tree and Woodland Strategy, which was published in 2022. A member inquired whether the trees planted under the Highway Estate were additional or replacements for those removed by Highways. Tony Bradford, Head of Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW), will provide a written response to clarify this. The Panel noted the progress made, the overlap with the Rural Estates team's work on identifying land for new planting, and the uncertain availability of future government grants and funding.

Biodiversity Duty

The Panel discussed a report on the strengthened Biodiversity Duty placed on Local Authorities by the Environmental Act 2021. The report detailed the actions taken to comply with the requirements of the Act. The Panel noted the progress made and the work to be progressed within the first reporting period.