Agenda item

The Committee will hear from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, the Cabinet Member for Transportation and the Cabinet Member for Logistics on their key priorities over the coming months.

 

Presenters:

 

Bill Chapple OBE, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change

Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Transport

David Martin, Cabinet Member Logistics

Ian Thompson, Corporate Director Planning Growth and Sustainability

Richard Barker, Corporate Director Communities

 

 

Minutes:

Mr Bill Chapple, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change highlighted the following priorities:

 

·       Regarding climate change, work was being undertaken towards the Council being carbon neutral.  Work was also being undertaken on the Carbon Audit based on 2018/2019 figures. Tree planting areas were being considered and a review of the agricultural policy.

·       Household recycling centres would be reviewed and funding would be sought from the Capital Programme to upgrade some sites.

·       The new Household Waste Contract would commence on 7 September and this was expected to be a seamless transition between the old and new contractor.  Residents should not notice a difference initially but improvements would be made gradually.

 

In response to questions the following points were noted:

 

·       The agreed Carbon Neutral date was 2050, any new date would need to be discussed and taken to a full Council meeting.  Work would need to be undertaken first on the Carbon Audit with results to Cabinet and then to Council, there was no timescale available as yet.

·       Regarding the COVID 19 crisis, work would be undertaken with regards to advantages regarding changes to working practices, supporting businesses, travelling, and cleaner air would be investigated to contribute to climate targets.

·       Work was required on the Agricultural Policy due to government legislation.

·       The Council aimed to be carbon neutral by 2050.  Investment and work would be required for all of Buckinghamshire to reach this target.

·       LED lighting for street lighting was suggested as well as solar panels on council buildings and change council and contractor vehicles to electric powered or compressed natural gas.  It was noted that there would be cost implications and the Cabinet Member would consider all points made by members.

 

Mr Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Transportation highlighted the following priorities:

 

·       Additional finance from the Government had been received for potholes, drains and road maintenance works and these were being undertaken to improve the roads in the County.

·       The Highways Contract re procurement would be undertaken which would involve a large volume of work and time.

·       Consideration was being given to improve services follow the COVID 19 crisis and it was understood that many changes could be made as a result of the crisis.

·       In response to a query regarding the Highways Contract it was suggested that the Select Committee could support the work being undertaken.  The timetable would confirmed within the next 6 months and the Committee would be able to contribute to the process.

 

In response to questions the following was noted:

 

·       A first stage bid for funds from the Secretary of State for active transport projects such footways and cycle ways had been submitted.  The timetable had not yet been confirmed and long term projects at the second stage would be considered. The money would be used effectively and efficiently.

·       Consideration would be given to the types of vehicles using roads and reducing emissions with regards road maintenance objectives. Details would be discussed with officers regarding this issue.

·       The Road Maintenance Programme could be circulated if required.  It was noted weekly bulletin was issued outlining the works being undertaken. 

 

Mr David Martin, Cabinet Member for Logistics highlighted the following priorities:

 

·       Regarding home to school transport future costs and improvements would need to be considered.

·       The process to bring the previous five parking authorities together was being undertaken to bring teams together.  An interim manager of for off street parking had been appointed.

·       Work would be undertaken to create a countywide parking policy, members were asked to volunteer to sit on councillor working groups to support the work.

 

In response to a question the following was noted:

 

·       Mr Martin confirmed there would be a countywide parking strategy and this would inform and assist parking behaviours and would reflect the needs in local areas.  There would be local consultation and with public and members to support the work.

 

The Chairman thanked the Cabinet Members and officers for attending the meeting.

Supporting documents: