Issue - meetings

To gain member input into the draft Strategy, together with approval to undertake wider public/stakeholder consultation (report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager enclosed)

Consideration was given to the report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager which was presented to gain member input into the Draft Strategy, together with approval to undertake wider public/stakeholder consultation.

Members commented that presentation of the Strategy was very timely, in view of the recent COP26 Conference.  SHDC currently had no policy regarding Climate Change – this would be the first joint policy between SHDC and its partners at East Lindsey District Council and Boston Council, with all three authorities sharing similar issues around flooding.

DECISION:

1)    That the report be noted, and that officers take account of the Cabinet’s feedback; and

2)    That the draft strategy be agreed and issued for public consultation in South Holland.

(Other options considered:

·         Do nothing.

Reasons for decision:

• By taking the lead on developing a Climate Change Strategy for South and East Lincolnshire, the Councils of South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey are sending a clear message both locally, and nationally, that they are committed to playing their part in tackling the challenges Climate Change presents, and also embracing the opportunities that exist;
• Success cannot be achieved in isolation and in fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones, the three councils will promote a coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing a global issue; and

·         Successful delivery of the Strategy will ultimately lead to more vibrant, cohesive and healthier communities which understand the importance of a balanced, sustainable future in delivering multiple benefits for everyone).

To gain member input into the draft Climate Change Strategy prior to wider public/stakeholder consultation (report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager to gain Member input into the draft Climate Change Strategy prior to wider public/stakeholder consultation.

The Climate Change and Environment Manager introduced the report which provided background to the Draft Climate Change Strategy for the geographical area covered by the new South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP). The Strategy had looked beyond the partnership’s operations and had considered the wider issues of Climate Change within local communities.

The officer presented a background of the role and report:

• The role of Climate Change Environment Manager for East Lindsey had commenced in April 2020 when a new corporate priority for Climate Change and the Environment had been established;
• an Environment Policy had been implemented which set out the framework for the corporate priority;
• the strategic alliance with Boston in Autumn 2020 had prompted a similar process and Boston had adopted an Environment Policy;
• carbon reduction plans had been a priority for Boston and East Lindsey;
• climate change had not been within South Holland’s Corporate Strategy, but the emergence of the new partnership had given the opportunity for South Holland to be included in the Strategy at an initial level and developed over time. The Strategy was in the draft and developmental stages, and further opportunities for feedback had been made available.

Pending approval of the strategy at Cabinet on 14 December 2021, a South Holland consultation process would commence in January 2022.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• The Chairman thanked the officer for the presentation. Members acknowledged the Draft Climate Change Policy had emerged from the new partnership and had been much welcomed;
• Members asked whether consultation feedback and learning obtained from Boston and East Lindsey authorities could be shared with South Holland.
  • The Climate Change and Environment Manager confirmed this would be possible, and that when available, the online consultation link would be sent to members. Initial findings were to be presented to Cabinet on 14 December 2021.
• Could consultation in South Holland involve a physical presence at market stalls? This method of consultation had previously delivered successful results.
  • The Climate Change and Environment Manager confirmed this would be possible.
• The Chairman asked whether the consultation involved businesses as well as the general public. Had there been an optimum number of stakeholders that needed to be involved?
  • The Climate Change and Environment Manager replied that businesses had been a key area. The knowledge of Economic Development teams would be needed to establish key business contacts. The business community had embraced this approach in Boston.
  • Regarding stakeholders, there had not been a pre-defined set-up. Meetings had been taking place with the Place Based Climate Change Network who had assisted commissions with planning –templates and guidance had been provided for steering/task and finish groups. Themes needed to be established which identified how many people needed to be involved.
• Members questioned whether the aim to achieve net zero carbon footprint would have involved consultations with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25