Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Place Management.

The report updates Members regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021. It provides an overview of how the funding scheme works, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund has been allocated and where, and how Members can help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The Area Committee is asked the note the report and promote the CAN Fund to community groups, residents, schools and other appropriate organisations within their wards.

Contact officer: Nick Leslie nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk  

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and provided an overview of how the funding scheme worked, examples of projects already funded by the scheme, eligibility for funding, details of how the fund had been allocated and where, and how members could help promote the take-up of the CAN Fund.

The following comments were made/ issues raised: 

·         Members were informed that the purpose of the CAN Fund was to reduce carbon emissions, with the added element of enhancing biodiversity.

·         The CAN Fund was due to cease in December 2022, and so the council were eager to allocate the funds. Members noted that each ward had been allocated £9,000.

·         Members of the public and community groups were encouraged to approach the CAN Team for further information about how they could get involved, and be supported to develop new ideas so that they could access the fund.

·         Members of the Area Committee agreed to promote the CAN Fund amongst local residents and groups.

·         The Area Committee praised those that took part in the School’s Climate Assembly on 15 June 2022, and looked forward to the young people attending the next meeting of Full Council (14 July 2022) to present their ideas to members for their consideration.

·         The Climate Action Summit event was due to take place on the 15 July 2022, and would be a hybrid event. Members and members of the public were welcome, and encouraged to book a place for the event.

·         It was noted that more than £500 could be applied for for certain projects. It was also noted that those that had already applied for £500, could apply for more monies if they met the criteria.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.