The Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 4 March 2026 to review progress on various aspects of the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP). Key discussions included updates on business engagement and green skills, procurement practices, waste and recycling initiatives, and community energy schemes. The committee also considered its work programme for the upcoming year and reviewed the action tracker.

Business Engagement and Green Skills

The committee received an update on the council's efforts to engage with local businesses on climate-related issues and promote green skills. The report highlighted actions taken in 2025/26, such as sharing energy-saving tips with businesses, including climate-related information in the Business Directory, and hosting Electric Vehicle events. A strategic plan for further business engagement is being developed, which will integrate climate-related business engagement as part of a broader offer. The report also detailed the national and local context for green skills development, noting government ambitions to increase jobs in the clean energy sector and the need for domestic home improvements. Various local provision for green skills training, including Green Skills Academies, Skills Bootcamps, and college courses, were outlined.

Procurement Update

The committee scrutinised progress on embedding the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) into the council's procurement governance and activities. The report detailed how CEAP targets and climate emergency commitments are being integrated into procurement processes, including the use of a sustainability questionnaire for suppliers and the involvement of the climate team in major tender evaluations. The impact of the Procurement Act 2023, which emphasises social value and environmental sustainability, was also discussed. The report noted that while progress has been made, areas for improvement include increasing the return rate of sustainability questionnaires and ensuring consistency in CEAP sections within Strategic Procurement Board papers. Key achievements highlighted included the structural embedding of CEAP within governance and the widespread deployment of the climate questionnaire.

Waste and Recycling

An update was provided on the performance of the waste and recycling service against CEAP targets for 2024/25. The report detailed the successful implementation of alternate weekly collections for recycling and refuse, with weekly food waste collections, which resulted in a significant reduction in refuse waste and an increase in food waste capture. The service also achieved its financial savings target. The recycling rate for the borough increased to 58%. The report also covered ongoing engagement with residents to encourage waste minimisation and recycling, including consultation on a new re3 Waste Strategy for 2026-2031. Efforts to increase food waste tonnage and improve glass recycling facilities were also discussed, alongside plans for future waste changes such as Extended Producer Responsibility and Simpler Recycling reforms. The committee was also informed about the upcoming change in waste collection contractor to Biffa, who will introduce new, more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Community Energy Schemes

The committee received an update on actions to support community energy schemes across the borough. The report referenced a guide from the Greater South-East Net Zero Hub designed to help local authorities support the community energy sector. Progress to date includes establishing relationships with three community energy groups, supporting a funding application to Ofgem's Energy Redress Fund, and including community energy groups in an energy advice workshop. A feasibility study for a community solar installation at a sheltered housing scheme was also completed, with the council deciding to cover the installation costs. Future plans include considering community energy as part of a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards investment programme and monitoring funding opportunities from Great British Energy.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee considered its draft work programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. Items for future scrutiny include deep dives into the nine sections of the CEAP, progress on the Climate Emergency Strategy and Ecological Emergency Action Plan, updates on Trojan Energy and community energy schemes, and a detailed scrutiny of the Barkham Solar Farm business case. The committee also noted that an external speaker would be invited to the November meeting, and a briefing on the impact of climate change on fire risk would be provided.

Action Tracker

The committee reviewed the Action Tracker, noting updates on various items. It was confirmed that further works on the Barkham Solar Farm would cease until further notice due to recent developments, with the next step of entering into the construction contract being on hold. The update on community energy was scheduled for the March meeting.