Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

The Committee welcomed Sally Green, Climate Change Programme Officer who presented the Monitoring Report for ‘Developing the Council’s Green Agenda’.

Within the report, several key points were highlighted.

-       The Climate Change Programme Officer was in the role.

-       Recommendations 11 to 24 were split up into 10 strategic themes listed within the report, each with a responsible Officer.

-       5 recommendations have been completed since the previous report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

-       The Climate Change Working group currently convened 10 time a year.

-       The Council’s carbon footprint from 250 assets had been mapped, with a roadmap and action plan commissioned to begin decarbonization staring with the largest site.

-       Dialogue had been established with County Council for electric charging points. Policy change was expected in the coming months, which would enable more power and information delegated. An electric charging consultation was currently underway.

-       Progress had stalled with green burial sites. There was ongoing demand for traditional burial sites but the Council possessed no suitable land. The alternative being promoted was for ashes post cremation to be used as fertiliser for a tree and the tree would be the gravestone.

-       Work was ongoing with local housing providers to improve the efficiency of Chorley’s housing stock, current target is to have all homes rated C by 2030.

-       Climate change information on the Council’s website was updated bi-monthly, and social media had been used to raise knowledge and awareness.

-       26 climate based events planned for all age groups.

Members queried the possibility of electric charging hubs to be installed in school car parks, in conjunction with climate education.

Members praised the idea behind memorial woodlands.

A workshop for Members was planned to inform them of the County Council strategy by the end of the year.

Decision: The Monitoring Report was noted.