Purpose

This report provides an update about the
Council’s approach to climate change mitigation and work
taking place to support this.

Decision

The Committee received an update about the
Council’s approach to climate change
mitigation and work taking place to support
it. This included reference to:
 

·          
the Policy and Sustainability Specialist post which
was filled at the end of July 2023 (as part of a restructured
Policy and Communications team) the remit of which included
co-ordinating and overseeing the climate change work taking place
across service areas, and ensuring the Council takes a more active
role in county wide groups

 

·          
the Ecologist post to support the Biodiversity Net
Gain regime.
 
The report also outlined
climate change mitigation measures being pursued by the Council,
including:
 

·          
work being undertaken with Surrey County Council and
Connected Kerb Ltd with a view to entering into a contract for the
installation of electric vehicle charging points across the
District

 

·          
the aim for all council vehicles to be powered by
electric or other low carbon alternatives by 2030

 

·          
partnership working with Action Surrey and Solar
Together to help secure energy efficiency improvements for
Tandridge households, along with other joint working
initiatives

 

·          
other measures to increase the energy efficiency of
the Council’s housing stock.
 
Arising from the debate, it was agreed that a
Task & Finish Working Group be established to enable Members to
guide the preparation of a draft climate change strategy and action
plan. This would be informed by the activities described above,
together with the scope for specific objectives, examples of which
were suggested during the debate. Discussion took place regarding
the need for the action plan to be financially viable given the
Council’s limited resources.
     
  

           
R E S O L V E D – that:
 

A.   
the report be accepted and noted; and
 

B.   
a Task & Finish Working Group be established to
prepare a draft climate change strategy and action plan for future
consideration by the Committee, comprised as follows for the
remainder of the current municipal year (Group Leaders to notify
Democratic Services of their Group’s
representatives):
 
                       
Residents’ Alliance     2
                       
Liberal Democrats      2
                       
Conservatives
          
2
                       
Independent Group    1
  
 
           
In accordance with Standing Order 25(4), Councillor Cooper wished
it recorded that he abstained from voting.