Agenda and minutes

Councillor Emery was substitute member for Councillor Durose.

Councillor Johnson declared an interest in that he was an active member of Moorlands Climate Action, and had recently received a small amount of monies for duties carried out relating to communications and administrative functions.

Councillors Barks and Councillor Hoptroff also declared that they were members of Moorlands Climate Action.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to an amendment at item 36 to correct Longnor to Warslow, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 June 2024 be approved.

The Officer presented the Draft Annual Report to members, and explained that the report would be going to Scrutiny and Cabinet in the near future for approval.  The Officer advised that the new Annual Report would be more accessible, dynamic and engaging for readers.  Discussion took place around the following:

The Way We Live

The Officer informed the group that the new Domestic Energy Officer would be starting in September 2024, and be working on projects relating to fuel poverty and domestic energy; engaging with local community groups and working closely with Beat the Cold.

The Way we Look After our Environment

The group was advised that the focus of the next meeting would be Nature and the Environment; and the Plan for Nature Strategy was discussed.

The Way we Make Change Occur

The Community Fund was discussed, and the group was informed that the current funding round would close at the end of August 2024.  It was noted that whereas previously the Council received £20,000 funding for a two year period, the 2024/25 allocation is £20,000, and has therefore in effect, doubled. 

The Way we Work

The group discussed the upcoming installation of EV charging points at Moorlands House and Leisure Centres; and planned efficiency measures for Moorlands House, i.e. installation of LED lighting and replacement of the main doors with a draught proof solution. 

The Officer advised that SMDC would maintain its Carbon Literacy Bronze rating.  Members who had attended previous training stated how good the course was, and it was agreed that all members would be invited to attend the next available training. 

The Way we Manage our Waste

The Officer advised the group that discussions had taken place with Alliance Environmental Services regarding the possibility of a more ‘reuse, recycle, repurpose’ approach, to operate in conjunction with the current bulky collection service offered.

The potential for some of the static recycling banks, for example shoes and books, to be moved from recycle centres to Council car parks to create more space for reuse, recycle, repurpose projects, was discussed.

Discussion also took place regarding how members required the data presenting within the chart, for example, Waste per capita, and suggestions were put forward by members for consideration.

Focus/Emerging for 24/25

The group debated the potential for a SMDC Local Area Energy Plan, costs involved and benefits and the officer advised that she would share further information with members.

Discussion was held regarding the Carbon Disclosure Project, which the Midlands Net Zero Hub is encouraging Councils to sign up to.  The Officer advised that this would be reviewed at a future date.

RESOLVED:

1.       Details of the next available Carbon Literacy Training to be circulated to all members. 

2.       Information presented within the waste chart to be reviewed, taking into account comments from members.

3.       Further information regarding Local Area Energy Plan to be distributed to members. 

4.       Carbon Disclosure Project to be reviewed.

This item was deferred to a future meeting.

The group discussed options for assessing future targets for the authority to achieve Operational Net Zero, and it was suggested that a realistic set of pathways and milestones be established, based on current data/predictions.

It was noted that the Peak Cluster project would have a significant positive impact on reducing the authority’s emissions.

RESOLVED:

That further discussion and debate is undertaken within the appropriate forum to establish a set of phased targets, providing realistic pathways and milestones for the Council to achieve Operational Net Zero.

An update was provided to the group relating to AES and discussions took place regarding the following:

·         Aspirations and shared ambitions for carbon neutrality

·         AES fleet decarbonisation

·         Public open/green space management

·         Waste minimisation and education

·         Simpler Recycling

·         Depots

·         Next steps

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted with thanks.