Agenda and minutes

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capaable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council.  All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speakers in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of High Peak Borough Council.

Councillor Barrow substituted for Councillor Inman.

RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2024 be amended to include Cllr Barrow substituted for Cllr Scott and then be approved as a correct record.

Members received a presentation on Schools and Community Engagement. This covered the work carried out throughout 2023/24, tackling contamination in recycling, social funds, new projects and stepping up recycling efforts to reduce contamination in 2024/25.

Discussions included contamination by non residents, (for example by school children walking past and throwing rubbish into any bin) the process that is generated following the identification of the contaminant, educating children, textile recycling and missed bin collections.

As part of the debate, it was suggested that the Single Use Plastic Working Group could be re-convened.  The Leader advised that this would come under the remit of the Community Select Committee and would need to be agreed in that forum

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

Members received an update from Transition Buxton on how they are reducing and eliminating waste, fossil fuels and the misuse of plastic. They were advised that a monthly Repair Café was established where members of the public would bring in any items to be repaired. They advised that they had repaired 650 items and discussed the reasons for repairs not being carried out.

Members noted that a Library of Things had been launched and was being utilised by the 123 members, the Hard to Recycle Scheme was ongoing and 550kg of crisp packets had been recycled to date. The Buxton Cup, skills sharing workshops, free home energy audits and dispersed community orchard were other ongoing activities.

Transition Buxton advised they had received a bronze award from Surfers Against Sewage for their commitment to a Plastic Free Community.

Members discussed how the Borough Council could support Transition Buxton, the Licence for Refill and single use plastics.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

Members received an update on the Borough’s plans for shared prosperity and energy saving linked to the cost of living. Social housing, low energy lighting and draft proofing either self installed or through Norse are some of the projects that were supported. Members were further informed that funding would be made available for three community groups to receive £5,000 to improve energy measures in community buildings, or to support other energy related projects.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

Members received sight of the finalised version of the Nature Declaration which was now published. They were advised of the importance of this due to the decline in nature and biodiversity with the UK, which ranked as one of the most nature depleted countries on earth with one in six species in Great Britain threatened with extinction. Members were advised on the next steps which included finalising the plan for nature, various project strands, public consultation and community engagement days.

Discussions centred around managing weeds, timeframes, pesticide use, mowing regime, grass verges and community engagement.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

Members received a presentation on Engagement Day which covered topics including; the purpose of the event, what to consider, Plan for Nature Launch, ideas for the event, Climate and Nature Fund, Community Energy Fund, Refill, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, High Peak Community Voluntary Service, Wildfire Prevention and organisations who may wish to be involved.

Suggestions included inviting the NFU, the WI and stalls to offer advice. Discussions included getting the message out to the community to help prevent wildfires, and the involvement of Staffordshire Moorlands.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the presentation be noted.

2.    That further ideas and suggestions for the event be forwarded to the officers direct; and

3.    That the finalised details for the Climate Change Event be considered at a future meeting of the Working Group.

Members discussed bringing the following to a future meeting; Peak Cluster, Air Quality, Local Area Planet Energy Plan, pursuing Carbon Literacy Silver Accreditation and the Plan for Nature.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the next meeting be held on 16^th July.

2.    Items on the agenda for that meeting to include:

a. the draft annual report;

b. Plan for Nature Consultation;

c. Local Area Energy Plan

      3.  Matters for future meetings to include Peak Cluster and Air Quality

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    ‘Other’ Interests

Cllr Todd declared an ‘other interest’ in agenda item 6 “Community Groups – Repair Cafes – presentation by Jean Ball of Transition Buxton (reason: member of Transition Buxton since 2010)