Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

Further to Minute No. 16 of the meeting of the Cabinet of 20 June 2024, the Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services indicating that Sefton Council declared a climate emergency in July 2019. Following the declaration, work had progressed within the Council and a climate emergency strategy and associated action plan was created. Annual reporting on progress made was required as part of the governance approach to the programme. Members were asked to note the progress made on achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and the programme of works supporting the Council’s transition to low carbon working. The Climate Emergency Annual Report 2023/24 was attached to the report.

Members discussed targets and funding for improvements.

It was moved by Councillor Atkinson, seconded by Councillor Lappin and

RESOLVED:

That the progress made on the targets in the Sefton climate emergency strategy and action plan be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services indicating that Sefton Council declared a climate emergency in July 2019. Following the declaration, work had progressed within the Council and a climate emergency strategy and associated action plan was created. Annual reporting on progress made was required as part of the governance approach to the programme. Members were asked to note the progress made on achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and the programme of works supporting the Council’s transition to low carbon working. The Climate Emergency Annual Report 2023/24 was attached to the report.

Reference was made to financial pressures and positive work with partners within the Liverpool City Region and Cabinet Members thanked staff for their commitment to work on the climate emergency.

Decision Made:

That the Council be recommended to note the progress made on the targets in the Sefton climate emergency strategy and action plan.

Reasons for the Decision:

To support the delivery of the Council motion that declared a climate emergency and ensure the Council was aligning with future regional and national net zero targets.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not acting would increase the risks to Sefton in future years, on the themes of energy cost and security, and climate change resilience (increased incidence of extreme weather events, sea level rise etc.). Sefton would also be subject to regional (2040) and national targets (2050) around achieving net zero, beyond the current scope of work, which would require additional action. Therefore, ensuring net zero emissions for Sefton Council operations was the first stage of this wider body of work.