The Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wokingham Council met on Monday 06 July 2026 to review progress on the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) and discuss the revised Climate and Nature Strategy. Key decisions included noting the progress made, the challenges faced in meeting carbon reduction targets, and the ongoing work across various priority areas.

Climate Emergency Action Plan Seventh Progress Report

The committee received the seventh progress report on the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) and a revised Climate and Nature Strategy. Lou Timlin, Executive Member for Climate Emergency, Community Safety and Public Protection, highlighted the plan's focus on mitigation, nature, and resilience, noting that while progress has been made, the council is not currently on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The current CEAP is projected to achieve a 56% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030, leaving a shortfall of 273 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2e).

Marie, the Climate Emergency Service Manager, provided further detail on the CEAP's history, stemming from a 2019 motion to be carbon neutral by 2030. She outlined achievements such as securing government funding for energy efficiency improvements in 100 social housing homes, over 600 homes installing solar panels through the Solar Together scheme, and ambitious local plan standards for new developments. Transport saw an increase in EV mileage share and the introduction of electric buses. However, challenges remain, particularly with domestic emissions from gas heating, which constitute the largest sector of emissions within the borough. The revised strategy now incorporates climate resilience and nature recovery, acknowledging their intrinsic links.

Transport: Councillor Peter Harper questioned the methodology for measuring electric vehicle (EV) mileage share, with Andrew Collins confirming that data is sourced from central government statistics. The target for EV mileage share is 30%, currently at 6.3%. Councillor Harper also raised concerns about the feasibility of reaching the 30% target by 2030. The committee discussed the timeline for data reporting, with March 2030 being the reporting period. Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena sought clarity on the trend data presented, expressing difficulty in understanding the year-on-year progress. Officers explained that while a key metrics spreadsheet tracks annual progress, including all historical data in the public-facing document would make it overly complex. Councillor Carol Jewell inquired about accessibility improvements at Twyford station and other stations, with Richard Bisset confirming that all stations are being considered and discussions are ongoing with South Western Railway (SWR). The committee also discussed the delayed progress on reducing road freight, with a target of 5% reduction.

Renewable Energy Generation: Councillor Peter Harper expressed concern that the amber status for solar farms should be red, citing the lack of progress on the Barkham solar farm. An update was provided that a report on Barkham solar farm would be presented to the scrutiny management committee, and the information would be circulated. Councillor Harper also noted the slow progress on community energy projects, with only one school identified for an installation. Officers explained that identifying a suitable asset had taken longer than anticipated, but a pilot at a school is planned for completion by the end of October. Councillor Mary Oak asked about the procurement approach for Mereoak park and ride, with officers confirming it was being discussed internally and they would follow up on the completion timeline.

Retrofitting Domestic and Commercial Buildings: Councillor Harper sought clarification on the figures presented for retrofitting buildings, specifically the distinction between completed works and remaining targets. Officers clarified that the figures represented properties currently at EPC C or above, out of a total target of approximately 2,500. Concerns were raised about the potential for offloading housing stock to improve figures. The focus remains on the Warm Homes: Social Housing project, with additional funding being sought.

Nature: Councillor Carol Jewell inquired about the importance placed on wildflower planting and its contribution to biodiversity. Officers confirmed that wildflower planting is encompassed within the broader strategy for grassland management to support biological processes and increase diversity. The discussion extended to creating butterfly-friendly environments, with officers confirming this is part of the broader approach to grassland management and landscaping in new developments. Councillor Chris Cooke asked about opportunities for external funding for nature and preservation of green spaces. Officers highlighted agri-environment schemes and biodiversity net gain (BNG) from developers as key funding streams, noting that while grants are useful for initial capital costs, ongoing maintenance funding is crucial.

Waste and Recycling: Councillor Peter Harper congratulated the council on achieving an exceptionally low landfill rate of 0.85%, well below the 3% target. Officers explained that only bulky waste and non-recyclable items are sent to landfill. Efforts are underway with re3 partners to increase recycling and reuse of bulky waste, including pop-up shops to sell pre-loved items. The council is also exploring options for providing starter packs for social housing residents using re-used items. Councillor Chris Cooke raised a query about commercial waste, and officers explained that while the council advises businesses, it is not directly responsible for their waste management.

New Development: Councillor Chris Cooke asked about the number of solar panels installed on new houses and the council's approach to this. Ian, an officer, explained that building regulations are improving energy performance, and the council's planning policies aim for developments to have a neutral effect on the carbon position. He noted that the Local Plan Update's energy policies have undergone examination and await a decision from inspectors. Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena questioned the emphasis on heating in sustainable design, with officers clarifying that policies aim for a zero-carbon performance over a year, with a choice of approaches for developers, including passive design and material choices. Councillor Chris Cooke also inquired about the council's influence on new developments to create self-contained, walkable neighbourhoods. Officers confirmed that strategic developments are being designed with this in mind, aiming for residents to be within a certain distance of public transport and local shops, though delivery of these facilities can be challenging.

Procurement: Councillor Chris Cooke asked about the balance between environmental considerations and budget pressures in procurement. Officers explained that a case-by-case approach is taken, with tenders considering both price and quality, including climate considerations and social value.

Engagement and Behaviour Change: Councillor Carol Jewell inquired about the Swallowfield show, and it was confirmed that WOKER would be present.

Council Specific Actions: Councillor Peter Harper expressed frustration that progress on auditing council properties for energy efficiency work had not been made for several years, deeming the status red and stalled. An officer explained that the focus is on identifying bigger opportunities and developing a plan, with some assets having already had works done. Councillor Chris Cooke asked about the influence of energy market volatility on the council's emissions reduction efforts. Officers stated that this is a consideration when energy contracts are reviewed. Councillor Peter Harper again raised concerns about the council's recycling rate, noting it was significantly lower than the borough-wide target of 70%. Officers acknowledged the challenge, stating that the council is pushing hard to meet the target and has implemented new bins and communication campaigns. Councillor Moses Iyengunmwena asked if council emissions are on a downward trend, with officers confirming a 20% reduction in the last two iterations of the report.

Climate and Nature Strategy: The committee noted the strategy, which informs the CEAP. Councillor Chris Cooke asked how increased public perception of climate change impacts might drive more action. Officers agreed that recent heatwaves make the issue more tangible and that the strategy's focus on resilience is timely. Lou Timlin added that leveraging current impacts to drive behaviour change is crucial, but also warned of the risk of increased demand for air conditioning.

Work Programme: The committee agreed to focus on transport and retrofitting in September, followed by Barkham Solar Farm. Chris Merchant has confirmed availability for a November meeting to discuss climate change. The committee also discussed rescheduling the flood risk management item from March to January.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers for their contributions.