Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director for Place Management.

This 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 recommended to note the report.

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

Nick Leslie (Head of Climate Action Now, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and submitted a report providing an update on the progress of the Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund since it launched in November 2021 and providing 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 following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members were encouraged to spread awareness of the availability of the funding amongst residents and community groups.

·       Local Community groups were encouraged to approach the CAN Team at the Council, if they had any queries regarding what kind of project for which they could apply for funding.

·       It was noted that the CAN fund was available until December so the CAN team wanted to ensure that all of the available funding was allocated to local carbon emission-reducing projects by then. 

·       It was questioned whether tree planting schemes funded by CAN were in addition to tree-planting schemes that were being encouraged by central government. In response, it was confirmed that the CAN schemes in areas such as Brabyns Park were in addition to schemes already in place by central government.

·       It was suggested that the CAN Team could provide a handout outlining the criteria for applications that Members could circulate to residents and local community groups. 

·       Members suggested a similar approach to the One Stockport signage, with increased public visibility via lamppost signs and community noticeboards.

·       It was noted that offline advertisements of the CAN fund were just as important as digital advertising of the fund.

·       It was questioned whether CAN funding would be decided upon at Area Committee. In response, it was noted that the relevant ward members would be approached for each application and if consensus was reached on a given application then it would not need to come to the Area Committee.

·       Members requested regular updates on successful CAN schemes in Marple so that they could update residents.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.