The Climate Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the council's parks and open spaces, the annual review of the Climate Action Plan, and the committee's action tracker and forward plan. Key decisions included the unanimous agreement to explore a model for residents to take responsibility for tree maintenance and the addition of digital exclusion to the committee's future work programme.

Parks and Open Spaces

The committee reviewed the council's Parks and Open Spaces service, which manages 79 sites covering 127 hectares. Discussions focused on the maintenance and development of these spaces, including playgrounds, sports facilities, and green areas.

Concerns were raised about the charging structure for commercial events, with Jarlath Griffin, Director of Neighbourhoods, explaining that fees are reviewed annually and benchmarked. He also confirmed that friends groups are consulted on park hire, and while objections to events like funfairs are not unusual, they are often located in areas that minimise disruption.

The cost of saplings and the associated caveats for tree planting were discussed. Mr Griffin clarified that the £500 cost covers not only the tree but also three years of watering, with the contractor obliged to cover replacement if the tree fails. He also noted that limited tree pits remain in the borough, and new trees are now often planted concurrently with road resurfacing. The committee explored the possibility of residents assisting with tree maintenance through a tree friendly streets initiative, which was unanimously agreed for further consideration.

The committee also discussed the management of cemeteries, noting that while income is generated through burials, Chingford Cemetery will eventually run out of space. The financial model is expected to change with the introduction of a crematorium.

Decision

The Committee noted the report.

Recommendation

• That officers consider a model where the responsibility of tree maintenance is given to local residents - 'tree friendly streets'.

Climate Action Plan Annual Review

Luke Ravenscroft, Director of Climate Change Emergency & Behavioural Change, presented the annual review of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The report highlighted that while borough-wide emissions have decreased by 40.9% since 2005, the current rate of reduction is insufficient to meet the target of Net Zero emissions by 2030.

The committee discussed the council's efforts to encourage a reduction in car usage, with Mr Ravenscroft and Mr Griffin detailing initiatives such as promoting carpooling, sharing, and hiring, as well as encouraging active travel like walking and cycling. They also noted smoother traffic flow during school holidays and ongoing work with schools to foster behavioural change.

Regarding energy efficiency, the committee inquired about sourcing local materials for improvements like triple glazing and new boilers. Mr Ravenscroft acknowledged that while these standards are achievable in new builds, many older homes in the borough present challenges. He stated that officers are reviewing planning policy to encourage such changes.

The report also mentioned that substantial resurfacing work in flood-prone areas now incorporates permeable surfaces, with residents encouraged to plant greenery instead of paving to mitigate flooding.

Decision

The report was noted.

Committee Action Tracker and Forward Plan

Emily Wood, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's action tracker and forward plan. She confirmed that one outstanding response to the Action Tracker remained and invited members to suggest items for the next municipal year.

Councillor Caramel Quin proposed adding digital exclusion to the forward plan for the upcoming year, which was unanimously agreed by the committee.

Decision

The Committee noted the Action Tracker and Forward Plan.

Action

• That an item on digital exclusion is explored by this committee, or more widely among scrutiny committees in the next municipal year.