The Council met on Thursday 19 September 2024, approving the Annual Climate and Nature Progress Report and adopting a revised policy on the use of investigatory powers. Councillors also debated and voted on motions concerning the Rights of Nature and Winter Fuel Payments.

Annual Climate and Nature Progress Report

The Council reviewed its progress on tackling the climate and ecological emergencies over the past year. Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, presented the report, highlighting a 39% decrease in district-wide emissions between 2005 and 2021, and a 36% reduction in the council's own emissions between the 2016-17 and 2023-24 financial years. The report noted achievements in decarbonising council operations, including the installation of air source heat pumps and LED lighting in care homes, and the opening of the Keynsham Recycling Hub. Progress was also reported on decarbonising the vehicle fleet, with 20% of light commercial vehicles now electric.

The Council resolved to note the positive progress achieved and approve the Annual Climate & Nature Progress Report, with a clarification to be included regarding walking and cycling numbers.

Motion on the Rights of Nature

Councillor Joanna Wright moved a motion from the Green Group recognising that nature has rights and calling for these rights to be considered in decision-making. The motion proposed that Cabinet commission a report on integrating Rights of Nature into the Council's operations, planning procedures, and decision-making processes. It also suggested asking the Council's Constitutional Working Group to recommend amendments to the Council's Constitution and for Council Leaders to write to the Government advocating for Rights of Nature to be made statutory.

The motion was not carried, with 5 Councillors voting in favour, 39 against, and 3 abstentions.

Motion on Winter Fuel Payments

Councillor Dave Harding proposed a motion from the Liberal Democrat Group expressing concern over the Labour Government's decision to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to those in receipt of Pension Credits. The motion highlighted that in Bath and North East Somerset, 32,412 pensioners would be affected, meaning 91.9% of currently eligible pensioners would no longer be able to claim the payment. It argued that the eligibility threshold was set too low and noted the low take-up of Pension Credit. The motion also raised concerns about the upcoming rise in the Energy Price Cap, which, combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments, risked pushing thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

The Council resolved to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Government calling for the policy linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be suspended and for a new eligibility threshold to be adopted. Additionally, the Leader was asked to write to all MPs covering the Bath and North East Somerset Council area, requesting their support in halting these changes.

An amendment from the Labour group was moved, which sought to highlight previous changes to Winter Fuel Payments made by coalition governments and to focus on supporting children in poverty and expediting home insulation. This amendment was lost. The Liberal Democrat motion, as amended by the Labour group's amendment, was carried with 38 Councillors voting in favour, 6 against, and 4 abstentions.

Policy Development and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023-24

Councillor Dine Romero introduced the Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Annual Report for 2023-2024. The report summarised the work of the council's three PDS panels, highlighting their role in holding the executive to account and assisting in policy development. Key successes included strong relationships with the executive, increased policy development activity, and diversified scrutiny methods such as task groups. The report also detailed the work programmes of the Corporate PDS Panel, the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Panel, and the Children, Adult, Health & Wellbeing Panel.

The Council resolved to note the contents of the Policy Development and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023-2024.

Annual Report on the Use of RIPA and IPA

The Council considered a report updating them on the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016. The report included statistics on the use of these powers, details of the RIPA & IPA training module, and the Council's policy on their use. A merger of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) and the Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA) was also noted.

The Council resolved to:

• Note the summary of statistics on the use of RIPA/IPA by the council.
• Note the RIPA & IPA training module.
• Adopt the Home Office Covert Human Intelligence sources code of practice (revised December 2022).

Public Statements

Several members of the public made statements during the meeting:

• Niels Steinhoff read a statement on behalf of Michael Coffey in support of the Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, urging the Council to make it permanent.
• Sarah Toy, a chartered civil engineer, also spoke in support of the Sydney Road scheme, highlighting its benefits for air quality and active travel.
• Christine Harrington read a statement on behalf of Robert Stone, also supporting the Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood scheme and calling for it to be made permanent.
• Susan Charles, Corston Parish Councillor, called for accessible housing, stating there was a clear need for it.
• Matt Cooper highlighted the benefits of plant-based eating and called on the Council to support it within all Council settings.
• Iris Gerosa spoke about water pollution, deforestation, and water waste, calling on the Council to implement a Plant-Based Action Plan.
• Anthony Simpson stressed the ecological and climate benefits of a plant-based diet and asked Councillors to call on the national government to support the transition towards a plant-based food system.
• Philip Fawkner-Corbett read a statement on behalf of Martin Farrell, who called for the