Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community.

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor J Wilkie)

Councillor J Wilkie introduced the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community, which  provided an update on the Council's progress towards delivering the actions set out in the Climate Change Strategy (Strategy) and Action Plan 2030, and to approve the Council's Priorities for 2023/24.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee, the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   That the priority actions for 2023/24 be approved and a public consultation for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure be undertaken as set out in section 6 of the report.

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community as contained on pages 537 to 548 and 679 to 680 of the Book of Reports, which provided an update on the Council's progress towards delivering the actions set out in the Climate Change Strategy (Strategy) and Action Plan 2030, and to approve the Council's Priorities for 2023/24.

The Environmental Sustainability Manager outlined the report and responded to questions and comments raised by Members.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·       Why use a consultant in respect of calculating carbon pathways for the Council's carbon footprint to 2030, and borough carbon footprint to National targets? -  Due to the complexity of this work, the Environmental Sustainability Team are unable to complete it.

·       Geothermal energy/disused mines– Skelmersdale Energy Group have investigated this and was found not favourable

·       Helpful to receive more Information in respect of what risks are identified – Risk Workshop/Service Areas/Teams

·       Seven Priorities/targets and progress

·       EV Charging Infrastructure – Importance of being in place in advance

·       The carbon footprint will be calculated to identify the Council's biggest emissions

The Vice-Chair asked for it to be noted that in respect of paragraph 5.3.2 point 3 of the report that "the Friends of Tawd Valley created community food growing areas in the community orchard section of the park, funds were contributed by Asda and Postcode Lottery" and not Tesco as stated.

RESOLVED: That the content of the report be noted, and that the Committee endorse the recommendation to Cabinet as detailed at paragraph 3.2 of the report.