Purpose

This report presented the draft Tameside Climate and Environment Strategy (The Strategy) and Delivery Plan 2026 – 2031 for release to public consultation. The strategy provides a framework to enable the actions required to reduce the impact of the borough of Tameside, alongside the impacts of Tameside Council, on the issues of climate change and the environment. This strategy and delivery plan follows the Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021 – 2026.

This draft strategy had been developed alongside internal and external consultation, and initial public consultations through a public event and an online survey. Following release, it would be subject to extensive public consultation and the finalisation of an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) based on the outcome of consultation.

Decision

RESOLVED

(i)                 That the release of the draft Tameside Climate and Environment Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026 – 2031 for public consultation be approved.

(ii)               That the council’s greenhouse gas emissions reporting presented in The Strategy and item 5.1 of this report (and in more detail at Appendix 4, page 28) be Noted.

Alternative options considered

Alternative options included: To do nothing (not recommended). This risks further environmental degradation in Tameside, elevated climate risk and a failure for the borough and council to harness the positive impacts of climate action, including financial savings. This also risks Tameside being left behind amongst Greater Manchester local authorities in terms of climate action, development and contribution towards Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) targets.