Issue - meetings

A report is attached. There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Councillor Sarah Warren introduced the item. The Corporate and Community Sustainability Manager, Jane Wildblood, gave a presentation to the Panel which covered the following:

·  Action Plan Update

·  Corporate Strategy

·  Report – key actions update

·  Citizens engagement programme

·  Strategy and plan reviews

·  Recommendations

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

Councillor Born raised the following points. Officer and Cabinet Member responses are shown in italics.

·  Could retrofitting could be brought forward and maybe progressed from the draft guidance stage. The Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development explained that consultation on the development plan starts in November which is ten months away and quick in planning terms. The process must be followed.

·  The Parish Council tool kit is excellent, could it be adapted for Bath residents’ associations. The officer agreed that the tool kit could be adapted as suggested.

·  Could we produce some guidance for householders setting out practical steps. The officer explained that this is in hand and the guide will be similar to the ’50 things you can do’ guide which has been publicised in the press.

Councillor Hirst raised the following points. Officer responses are shown in italics.

·  Are there any quick wins as it can be useful to be able to point to practical steps we are taking. The officer explained that some things have been done already such as LED street lighting and the Civic Centre in Keynsham. Also, we are supporting Bath and West Community Energy. We have a small team compared to other local authorities so we will do our best with the resources we have.

·  Regarding the list of policies, can we create a timeline and do the policies come through this Panel for review or go to separate places. The officer explained that the Panel could look at the policies.

·  There is a deficit regarding the Bath Area Forum, we have to fill that void. We must keep working to engage the whole of BANES.

·  Supportive of a citizen’s jury regarding retrofitting.

Councillor Johnson raised the following points. Officer responses are shown in italics.

·  A task and finish group would be better than a single day event. Members could get more involved.

·  Could the Parish Council tool kits be adapted for businesses too. Sometimes businesses need a nudge.

·  The tool kit is available online but a lot of people still struggle to find things online, a lot of people will not prioritise this unless something is put in front of them. Councillor Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency explained that she working with the Communications department to review how information can be accessed so they could consider paper copies.

Councillor O Brien raised the following points:

·  Retrofitting should be the priority as that is where most carbon emissions come from. There is a company that provides low ratio loans for people to carry out the work needed, the Council could look into this too.

·  Solar panels can be problematic because of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49