Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.  

The report sets out the Climate Action Now (CAN) Annual Report 23/24 and outlines progress made by the council in implementing the CAN programme over the last financial year 2023-24. 

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:  

1.    note the progress achieved since the CAN Annual Report issued in July 2023 but also recognise the need for much greater decreases in greenhouse gas emissions both for the council operationally and the borough as a whole. It is recognised that although much progress has been made, significantly more action is required to meet both the council’s 2030 operational net zero target and the biggest challenge of remaining within the borough’s carbon budget set by the GM wide 2038 carbon neutrality target; and 

2.    endorse the publication of a modified version of this report on the council’s website. 

Officer contact: Nick Leslie 07775804984 | nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director of Place Management submitted the Climate Action Now Annual Report for 2023/24 (copies of which had been circulated), which outlined progress made by the council in implementing the Climate Action Now (CAN) programme over the last financial year 2023/24.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) responded to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         The CAN team had been nominated for two awards, which demonstrated the good work happening in Stockport.

·         It was queried whether a discussion needed to be had around carbon neutrality targets given that national government and local authorities appeared to be falling behind on targets. It was felt that targets should be ambitious, but not so unrealistic that people lose hope that they feel they are unable to effect change.

·         Members were encouraged to use Delegated Ward Budgets for street trees.

·         The team were confident that the government would look favourably on the district heat network bid and, if successful, work would accelerate considerably.

·         Information as to how schools were selected for the Solar for Schools Programme (including where the schools were located) would be sought and circulated to members via email.

·         It was reported that the CAN Seed Fund was not just about carbon reduction, but also education and community engagement; the application process for the fund was now open.

Thanks were expressed to the team for their work to date.

RESOLVED – (1) That the progress achieved since the CAN Annual Report issued in July 2023 be noted and the need for much greater decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, both for the council operationally and the borough as a whole, be recognised. It was recognised that, although much progress had been made, significantly more action was required to meet both the council’s 2030 operational net zero target and the borough’s carbon budget set by the Greater Manchester wide 2038 carbon neutrality target; and

(2) That the publication of a modified version of the report on the council’s website be endorsed.