The Climate Change Committee of Flintshire Council convened on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the internal audit report on climate change and environmental sustainability, the review of the climate change strategy, and the draft local area energy plan. Key decisions were made regarding the adoption of the internal audit report's recommendations and the approval of the climate change strategy review plan.

Internal Audit Report on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

The committee reviewed the internal audit report on climate change, environmental sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. The audit identified several areas for improvement, including ineffective programme management controls, an inadequate investment strategy, and a lack of member oversight and challenge. The committee approved the recommendations to address these findings, which include:

• Enhancing programme management controls through a climate change strategy review.
• Including green finance in the treasury management strategy for 2025/26.
• Ensuring regular updates and scrutiny of the programme's progress by the committee.
• Improving risk management by linking project-level risks to the corporate risk register.

Councillor Healy emphasised the need for cross-portfolio buy-in and a sharper focus on moving towards net zero by 2030. Councillor Marshall raised concerns about financial constraints and the small size of the climate change team, which were acknowledged by the programme manager for climate change and carbon reduction.

Climate Change Strategy Review Plan

The committee discussed and approved the climate change strategy review plan for 2024/25. The plan includes a variety of public and internal engagements to ensure comprehensive input into the strategy review. The aim is to have a draft version of the reviewed strategy by March 2025. The committee also agreed to hold an elected members workshop on 11 July to encourage broader participation from council members.

Draft Flintshire County Local Area Energy Plan

The committee reviewed the draft Flintshire County Local Area Energy Plan, developed by Arup and Carbon Trust. The plan includes proposals for renewable energy projects and addresses grid capacity issues. Councillor Healy and Councillor Marshall raised points about the feasibility of geothermal energy and gravity storage technologies. The programme manager for climate change and carbon reduction clarified that the plan aligns with the local development plan and grid capacity considerations.

Inquiries Update

The committee received an update on the ongoing inquiries into fossil fuel investments by the Clwyd Pension Fund and flooding and flood resilience in the local area. The oral hearings for the flooding inquiry are scheduled for 26 July 2024. The committee agreed to hold an informal consultation event with residents prior to the oral hearings to gather additional input.

Forward Work Programme

The committee approved the forward work programme with two amendments: adding a report on extreme heat, prepared by Councillor Healy, and including a review of the committee's terms of reference in relation to the corporate resources and environment and economy overview and scrutiny committees.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the pressing issues of climate change and environmental sustainability in Flintshire.