Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services on the Annual Progress Report Climate Emergency.

The report indicated that Sefton Council had declared a climate emergency in July 2019; that following that declaration, work had progressed within the council and a climate emergency strategy and associated action plan created; and that Annual reporting on progress made was required as part of the governance approach to the programme.

Progress during 2023/24 was highlighted in the ‘Climate Change Annual Report 2023/24’ which was attached to the report as Appendix 1; and the report indicated that the Council emissions continued to fall for the 4th successive year; that during 2023-24 the Council had reduced overall emissions by 29%; that the fall was in line with the planned reductions in the Council’s net zero trajectory; and that this had been achieved by the move to use electricity from renewable energy sources and had counteracted the rise in gas use (driven by a resumption of operations at Dunes Splashworld, the Council’s largest gas user).

The report also provided a summary of highlights of the progress made in relation to:

·       Street lighting

·       Public engagement

·       Adapting to the effects of Climate Change

·       Decarbonising our buildings

·       Purchase of ‘clean’ electricity

·       Gren Sefton

The report concluded that work would continue to deliver the climate emergency action plan and that in 2024-254 key projects would focus on: 

·       Delivering some decarbonisation works (works awarded under PSDS 3c)

·       Updating and relaunching climate emergency training for all staff and elected members

·       Build upon the engagement and educational activities already underway.

·       Work with colleagues in property service to embed climate friendly policies within the emerging corporate landlord property management framework.

·       As we near the half-way point to our 2030 target, to review the strategy and make any adjustments necessary to remain on track.

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       the award from Sports England Swimming Pool Improvement Fund to be used to provide additional photovoltaic (PV) panels at Formby Pool was greatly welcomed

·       opportunities for the Council to ensure that vehicles used via fleet rental or lease schemes were electric rather than diesel vehicles; and the requirement to increase the number of charging points available for the Council’s fleet vehicles

·       concerns expressed about the capacity of the National Grid to cope with a large increase in demand for electric vehicle charging

·       concerns raised about vulnerable people, particularly during a cost of living crisis, and their ability to afford increased utility costs for charging their electric wheelchairs and scooters; and the negative impact this could have on their ability to go about their everyday lives

·       the requirements of new technology to continually improve to meet the challenge of the climate emergency  

·       investment in new technology to decarbonise buildings rather than repairing and updating outdated systems was essential

·       the adoption of nature-based solutions, such as the introduction of wildflower meadows, to help adapt to the flooding risks associated with a changing climate

RESOLVED:

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