Agenda and minutes

The Chair, Cllr Yusuf, welcomed everyone to the meeting and members of the scrutiny panel introduced themselves. No apologies for absence were received. Apologies for lateness were received from Cllr Barnes.

Members of the Council are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests relevant to the items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were received.

To receive and agree the minutes from the meeting held on 16 December 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2020 were agreed. The additional questions/answers relating to the Blue and Green Strategy and Waste Services will be attached to the minutes once finalised.

To receive a presentation in relation to the implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

Doug Wilkinson introduced the Item and Dominic Millen went through the presentation, highlighting the following:

1)    The range of carbon emissions within council fleet, council buildings and construction.

2)    An estimated reduction figure for emissions was explained, based upon actions within the Climate Action Plan, to be taken over the next 10 years.

3)    There are 2 targets for zero emissions, council by 2030 and the borough by 2040. However, the initial review of carbon emission levels indicates that performance is below the trajectory, with consistency and quality of data being an issue. In addition, high emitters, such as the Civic Centre, influence the statistics.

4)    Some of the progress highlighted, included the street-light LED replacement programme, the development of a sustainable procurement policy and moving to lower carbon diesel for fleet vehicles.

5)    Other progress includes the first Chase restoration trees planted and sustainable urban drainage schemes delivered. The Meridian Water Sustainability Strategy has been approved and the Blue Green Strategy, looking at parks, open spaces and water is out for consultation.

6)    In summary it was noted that from the starting point in the programme, there has been significant progress overall and the Climate Action Plan year one report will be published in the early summer.

7)    Actions will be taken to mitigate potential risks relating to capacity, communications, culture, delivery and funding.

8)    Some of the top priorities include Engaging with schools to initiate a retrofit pilot, encourage active and sustainable travel, improve data and monitoring and embed a climate action culture.

9)    Within the next 3 months, work will include building climate action capacity within the Council, engagement with schools and suppliers and reviewing climate actions and targets.

The Chair thanked officers for the presentation and asked members of the Panel for any comments and questions.

10)It was noted that from a council fleet of 317 vehicles, 3 are electric. The vehicle replacement programme is part of the 10-year capital programme and there will be a review of the availability and reliability of large electric vehicles, in conjunction with costs and affordability.

11)Green walls and roofs within schools will be considered, however, green walls are high maintenance, requiring a lot of water. The priority within schools is to de-carbonise the site and make their buildings more energy efficient.

12)In response to a question regarding supporting disabled residents with active and sustainable travel, it was noted that step free access to train stations is important. Central Government funding is available to bid for to support schemes being considered at Enfield Chase and Silver Street stations. In addition, to promote pedestrian movements, the Highways Programme will consider improvements to pavement repairs and the quality of footpaths.

13)It was confirmed that the Council are keen to have a bike hire scheme in the borough. However, the number of operators has reduced as it is a difficult model to roll-out in London. The Council would need to ensure that any scheme would be viable in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To note the work programme for 2020/21.

The work programme was noted. A discussion was held in relation to the date of the additional meeting to scrutinise Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. A provisional date of 10^th March will be considered.

To note the dates of future meetings as follows:-

Wednesday 10 March 2021 (additional meeting)

Thursday 29 April 2021

The dates of future meetings were noted.