Agenda item

To show clear leadership in tackling the climate emergency, as an exemplar for others, and ensuring that an awareness of and determination to tackle climate change is embedded throughout the organisation.

Full Council noted that on 25^th March 2021, the North Northamptonshire Shadow Executive approved a report of the Climate Change Task and Finish Group and its proposed framework as the basis for the authority’s focus and approach to tackling climate change following vesting day.

Two of the specific recommendations contained in the report were:

·              Declare a Climate Emergency at the first opportunity in the life of the Council; and

·              Develop a plan for the first five years of the life of the new Council which sets out intended climate change reduction activities.

The report before Council sought to build on the work already undertaken by the Shadow Authority and North Northamptonshire Council by establishing future steps in the Council’s efforts to tackle the causes and impacts of climate change.

Councillor Pentland MOVED, and Councillor Nichol SECONDED, that Recommendation 1 in the report be amended to read “…Climate and Environment Emergency”. This was agreed without debate.

Councillor Fedorowycz welcomed the report and the Council taking the opportunity early during its administration to declare a Climate and Environment Emergency.

Councillor Lora Lawman also welcomed the report, whilst recognising that some of the objectives contained in the strategy approved by the former Shadow Authority may take some time to come to full fruition.

Councillor Lee whilst welcoming the report felt that it lacked urgency. Councillor Lee felt that it was important that the Council instigated action and committed resources now to address some of the objectives. Recent events in the UK and around the world had shown that action was required as soon as possible. The Council, including during the Shadow Period, seemed to be taking too long to commit time and resources to taking positive steps.

Councillor Dell felt that the Council had to increase its levels of public engagement in the process, through climate change citizen panels etc. It was important that the Council move forward with full public engagement. Councillor Dell was also concerned regarding the current lack of specialist officer resource in the Council, with staff vacancies cited. It was important that the Council filled this resource gap either internally or externally. There was a need to ensure that the previously promised councillor training on climate change be rolled out as soon as possible. Councillor Dell stressed the importance for the Council to act locally, and there was a real sense of public anger regarding the loss of green open space.

Councillor O’Hara stressed the importance that the Council in its role as Planning Authority had to play, in both considering the suitability of applications for planning consent and the priority given in its planning policy documents to tackling climate change and ensuring sustainability.

Councillor Hakewill supported the report but also queried whether adequate resources would be applied by the Council to tackling climate change. Councillor Hakewill felt that it was important that the Council set clear targets and felt that these needed to be challenging. Previous sovereign authorities had set 2030 as a target, and Councillor Hakewill felt that this target be adopted by the Council.

Councillor Wetherill supported the report and suggested for the Council to succeed it needed to work with external partners in business, for example in transportation and logistics, to ensure that objectives were fully achieved over time.

Councillor Smith-Haynes also welcomed the report and agreed that training for councillors was a priority, to ensure all the various aspects were addressed and councillors could make more fully informed decisions on this issue.

Councillor Howell (Deputy Leader) confirmed that the administration did take the matter very seriously, and that proposals would be properly discussed, and informed decisions taken. It was a priority for the Council, and further discussion and action would be forthcoming.

Councillor Maxwell felt that the Council had an important role to play, and this needed to be considered across the Council’s services and responsibilities, housing, planning, transport etc.

Councillor Edwards welcomed the report and thanked Councillor Pentland for tabling at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Roberts also welcomed the report and stated that the administration was on notice to ensure resources were provided and action taken to implement changes and support agreed objectives.

Councillor McGhee thanked the all-party group which had developed the strategy during the Shadow Period, and recognised it was a “living document” and was happy to support.

In conclusion Councillor Pentland thanked councillors for their contribution to the debate, and informed Council that the Executive were fully committed to taking this matter forward. In relation to a target date, Councillor Pentland agreed this needed to be as soon as possible but needed to be achievable; this would be developed. Councillor Pentland confirmed that resources to undertake agreed actions would be put in place, and training for councillors implemented. There had already been initiatives and actions undertaken by the former sovereign councils; these would be continued, developed and added-to over time. It was recognised that there was a significant workload, and action would be taken.

Councillor Pentland MOVED the recommendations (as amended), Councillor Nichol SECONDED.

RESOLVED that: -

(i)            North Northamptonshire Council joins the growing number of councils in declaring a “Climate and Environment Emergency”;

(ii)          The Climate Change Framework previously established by the Shadow Authority for North Northamptonshire be endorsed;

(iii)         The Executive brings a Climate Change Action Plan to Council as soon as reasonably practicable, setting out the earliest date that North Northamptonshire Council and the area as a whole can be carbon neutral, and establishing targets to meet that date; and

(iv)         North Northamptonshire MPs, local councils in North Northamptonshire and the Secretary of State for Business and Energy and Industrial Strategy, be informed of the Council’s commitment to tackle climate change.