Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to provide the Shadow Executive with an update on work underway to inform the Environment and Climate Change Policy of Buckinghamshire Council. This includes a Carbon Audit of all existing authorities, gathering wider environmental information and developing policy options for the new authority to take a view on after vesting day.

RESOLVED:

1)         The Shadow Executive notes that existing authorities continue to work to address climate change and it supports the continuation of that work prior to vesting day. When the new Council has responsibility for climate change it may resolve to take a specific policy position.

2)         The Shadow Executive agrees that further work be conducted ahead of vesting day to gather the necessary evidence to inform Buckinghamshire Council’s policy decision, including a Carbon Audit on current emissions and producing a plan for developing Buckinghamshire Council’s policy on wider environmental issues.

Members were asked to consider a report that provided an update on work underway to inform the Environment and Climate Change Policy of the new council and for the Shadow Executive to agree the further policy work required to be carried out prior to vesting day.

Members supported work to date and supported the work identified in the report.  It was highlighted that an audit across all existing councils was important in order to establish a benchmark.  Members also raised the importance of partnership working and ensuring that there was a focus on public awareness and communications.  It was suggested that the communications strategy also included close engagement with schools.

RESOLVED:

1. The Shadow Executive notes that existing authorities continue to work to address climate change and it supports the continuation of that work prior to vesting day. When the new Council has responsibility for climate change it may resolve to take a specific policy position.

The Shadow Executive agrees that further work be conducted ahead of vesting day to gather the necessary evidence to inform Buckinghamshire Council’s policy decision, including a Carbon Audit on current emissions and producing a plan for developing Buckinghamshire Council’s policy on wider environmental issues.