Meeting documents

The report before Cabinet detailed the response to the Motion received at Council on Monday 21 October 2019. The Motion stated the following:

 "World leaders are at last taking an interest in the potential devastation caused by global warming and climate change. Climate Science experts from around the world tell us that unless we switch away from fossil fuels within the next 12 years, we will be unable to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We face a Climate Emergency. Reducing energy use and switching to clean energy will increase our energy security, improve our air quality, minimise fuel poverty, boost our local economy and provide jobs and training.

Wycombe District Council is prepared to play its small part in this big debate by declaring a climate emergency and committing to being carbon neutral by the year 2030. This move will raise the profile of this vital issue with our residents and enable us to secure additional external support and funding. Wycombe District Council also agrees to sign up to the covenant of Mayors, to track our progress and itself with Towns around the world who are engaged in cutting emissions."

The Cabinet Member for Environment detailed the significant progress Wycombe District Council had already made in preserving the environment, including recycling, 25% tree canopy cover to be included within developments and air quality management areas. She suggested that Cabinet support the recommendations.

Councillor R Raja, the mover of the Motion was present and emphasised the importance of ensuring that action was taken to minimise emissions.

The Leader paid tribute to the Cabinet Member and officers in relation to the work that had been undertaken.

During discussions, it was confirmed that in accordance with Standing Order 12.7, Cabinet "shall report back by way of recommendation to Full Council and the report shall advise the Council as to whether or not the motion should be adopted or give such other advice as was appropriate.

The following recommendations were made to support national and international efforts to minimise the effects of climate change.

Recommended: That Council resolves to (i) recognise that climate change, and the associated challenges it brings, constitutes a global emergency;

(ii)    understand that, although it contributes 1% of global carbon emissions, the UK must irrespectively lead by example in promoting change both within the UK and globally;

(iii)   note that Wycombe District Council had already made significant progress to date in preserving the environment, as evidenced by its strong recycling performance and the adoption of an air quality action plan. It has recently developed supplementary planning documents requiring 25% tree canopy cover to be included within developments, was at the public consultation stage for an air quality supplementary planning document and had recently launched an anti-engine idling campaign, signing its air quality management areas, so informing drivers of this;

(iv)   Wycombe District Council declares a climate emergency by supporting the UK government target to be net-zero by 2050, as contained in the 2008 Climate Change Act (as amended); and

(v) agree that addressing climate change should be considered as one of the priorities of the new Buckinghamshire Council and recommend that it seeks opportunities to achieve a net-zero level as soon as reasonably possible before the 2050 UK government target.