Meeting documents

To consider the new Notice of Motion attached as an appendix.

The following had been submitted by Councillor Stuchbury and seconded by Councillor Bateman:-

"It is now clear that the world has less than 12 years to switch from fossil fuels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.  Reducing use and switching to clean energy will also increase energy security, improve air quality, minimise fuel poverty, boost the local economy and provide employment/training opportunities.

This Council therefore declares a climate emergency and commits to asking the future Buckinghamshire unitary authority to become carbon neutral by 2030."

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules, the Chairman had agreed that the Motion should be dealt with at this meeting.

Councillor Stuchbury explained briefly the rationale behind the Motion after which it was opened up to debate.

It was thereupon proposed by Councillor Irwin and seconded by Councillor Everitt:-

"That the motion be amended as follows:-

"1.        AVDC declares a climate emergency that requires urgent action.

2.         In line with Government policy council agrees to setting Aylesbury Vale on a carbon reduction pathway towards making it carbon neutral.

3.         Council is asked to note the success to date in helping to reduce our CO2 impact.

4.         Council is asked to approve further measures to help Aylesbury Vale’s carbon reduction pathway by:

Setting up a Partnership Climate Change Group in order to involve the wider population and key stakeholders.  (It is essential because it is their future that young people are included in this initiative).

Publicising and promoting measures residents can take to help reduce climate change.

Lobbying its MPs to call on the Government to provide more funding to help us undertake the changes required to help to reduce the carbon footprint in Aylesbury Vale and its dependence on fossil fuels.

5.         Council is asked to recommend to the new Buckinghamshire Unitary Council that it continues the legacy of AVDC’s Carbon reduction pathway and adoption of its successful environmental measures"."

After an explanation of the rationale for the amendment, it was opened up to debate.  At the conclusion of the debate 5 Members present requested that recorded votes be held on any amendments or substantive proposals considered in relation to this motion.  Following the recorded vote on the amendment, it was declared to be CARRIED.  Voting was as follows:-

FOR:  Councillors Mrs Bloom, Bond, Bowles, Mrs Brandis, B Chapple OBE, Mrs S Chapple, Chilver, A Cole, Collins, Everitt, Foster, Mrs Glover, Hawkett, Irwin, Mrs Jenkins, Mills, Moore, Mordue, Newcombe, Mrs Paternoster, Poll, Powell, Rand, Mrs Renshell, Mrs Russel, Sir Beville Stanier, Strachan, Town and Mrs Ward.

AGAINST:  Councillors Bateman, N Blake, Christensen, Hussain, Hunter-Watts, Mrs Jarvis, Lambert, Lyons, Monger, Mrs Morgan, Raja, Raven, Smith and Stuchbury.

ABSTENTIONS:  Councillors B Adams, C Adams and S Cole.

The motion as amended was then opened up to debate as the substantive motion.  It was thereupon proposed by Councillor Monger and seconded by Councillor Lyons that recommendation (5) be amended by the addition of the following words at the end of the sentence:-

"in order that the new authority is carbon neutral by 2030."

At the conclusion of the debate a recorded vote was taken on the amendment that was declared to be CARRIED.  Voting was as follows:-

FOR:  Councillors B Adams, C Adams, Bateman, Mrs Bloom, Bond, Bowles, Mrs Brandis, Mrs S Chapple, Christensen, A Cole, S Cole, Collins, Everitt, Foster, Mrs Glover, Hawkett, Hunter-Watts, Hussain, Irwin, Mrs Jarvis, Mrs Jenkins, Khan, Lambert, Lyons, Mills, Monger, Mordue, Moore, Mrs Morgan, Newcombe, Mrs Paternoster, Poll, Raja, Raven, Mrs Renshell, Mrs Russel, Smith, Sir Beville Stanier, Strachan, Stuchbury, Town and Mrs Ward.

AGAINST:  There were none.

ABSTENTIONS:  Councillors B Chapple OBE, Chilver, Powell and Rand.

The motion as amended was then put to the meeting as the substantive motion and declared to be CARRIED.  Details of the recorded vote were as follows:-

FOR:  Councillors B Adams, C Adams, Bateman, Mrs Bloom, Bond, Bowles, Mrs Brandis, Mrs S Chapple, Chilver, Christensen, A Cole, S Cole, Collins, Everitt, Foster, Mrs Glover, Hawkett, Hunter-Watts, Hussain, Irwin, Mrs Jarvis, Mrs Jenkins, Khan, Lambert, Lyons, Mills, Monger, Mordue, Moore, Mrs Morgan, Newcombe, Mrs Paternoster, Poll, Raja, Raven, Mrs Renshell, Mrs Russel, Smith, Sir Beville Stanier, Strachan, Stuchbury, Town and Mrs Ward.

AGAINST:  There were none.

ABSTENTIONS:  Councillors B Chapple OBE, Powell and Rand.

RESOLVED –

That the Council

(1)       Declares a climate emergency that requires urgent action.

(2)       In line with Government policy, agrees to setting Aylesbury Vale on a carbon reduction pathway towards making it carbon neutral.

(3)       Notes the Council’s success to date in helping to reduce our CO2 impact.

(4)       Approves further measures to help Aylesbury Vale’s carbon reduction pathway, namely:

Setting up a Partnership Climate Change Group in order to involve the wider population and key stakeholders.  (It is essential because it is their future that young people are included in this initiative).

Publicising and promoting measures residents can take to help reduce climate change.

Lobbying its MPs to call on the Government to provide more funding to help us undertake the changes required to help to reduce the carbon footprint in Aylesbury Vale and its dependence on fossil fuels.

(5)       Recommends to the new Buckinghamshire Unitary Council that it continues the legacy of AVDC’s Carbon reduction pathway and adopts AVDC’s successful environmental measures in order that the new authority is carbon neutral by 2030.