To receive the Report.
Minutes:
Background:
· The report provided a summary review of the main Netherwood Report commissioned in May 2023.
· The Netherwood Report focused on the scope of the programme and how pace could increase.
· Key elements from the report highlighted:
-The climate programme and the work around it was not strategic enough.
-A recommendation to reframe the current programme with a focus on decarbonisation and climate risk.
-Leadership and governance would need to strengthen between the mix of strategic and operational levels.
-A recommendation to change the approach and look wider than the carbon accounts.
-To fully understand opportunities across the full organisation.
-To evidence how resources and staff time will be committed.
Points raised by the Committee:
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Responses received from Officers or Cabinet Members: |
It was asked if work was aligned with Bannau Brechieniog after receiving shared prosperity funding as concerns were raised around duplication.
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The report showed that the Council and Bannau Brechieniog had a close joined up working relationship however the report identified that elements needed to be strengthened.
The Portfolio Holder added that Bannau Brechieniog was interviewed as part of the review and gave assurance the programme was aligned. |
Would actions be included in the report that were due to be received in March. |
Officers were working on the action plan to follow on from the report recommendations and also a project roadmap. |
Concerns were raised around the use of consultants and reflected on resource issues within the Council which prevented this to take place and asked for consultant costs.
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The Portfolio Holder explained that budget of £11k had been set aside for the climate and nature emergency as part of the transformation fund and consultants with a wide span of connections provided in depth information towards the project which could not be achieved in-house. |
It was asked if place-based planning was the main mechanism by which complex discussions were held with communities. |
Co-producing decarbonisation and climate resilience plans with residents was key. The report supported the focus the council had on Sustainable Powys and were keen to ensure engagement with communities. It was explained that different ways to capture and share opportunities were being explored to share the good work carried out. |
It was noted that Town and Community Councils could be approached to get items on agendas and work together. |
Officers would provide the Committee with further information that could be used for Town and Community Councils. |
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The Portfolio Holder thanked everyone for contributions towards the report and working together with other local authorities to move forward. |
· The Committee agreed with the recommendations in the report and felt that it was a very complex subject to tackle.
· The report reflected the process and position of the project and felt that it was portrayed in a succinct manor.
11.1 To acknowledge the commissioned report completed by NSF on the council’s approach to its climate and nature change programme and to acknowledge the council and stakeholders’ position on the identified recommendations.
11.2 To agree the recommendation that the Climate and Nature Programme will be re-shaped, to support a wider strategic approach, enable stronger leadership and act as a conduit to develop effective plans and draw down appropriate funding to drive forward change.
11.3 To acknowledge the Climate and Nature Boards feedback on the order of importance of the priorities detailed (4.2).
11.4 To acknowledge the Governance review of the Climate and Nature Programme, which will improve and enhance effective partnership working bringing access to more knowledge, funds, innovation, and expertise ensuring our individual and collective journeys to net zero are quicker, cheaper, and provide better outcomes to our residents and communities.
11.5 To acknowledge the development of costed Action plans. The aim is to have initial plans completed by the end of Qtr 1, 2024. The plans will provide clarity and management of the overall cost and ensure that the council is prepared for future external grant funding opportunities.
Resolved: That the Climate Report be noted.
Supporting documents: