Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from any councillor on any item on this agenda.

None.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Climate Change Sub-Committee held on the 21 September 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Climate Change Sub-Committee held on Thursday 21 September were approved as a correct record by those in attendance.

Report of the Corporate Director Environment.

The Corporate Director Environment submitted a report to the Overview and Scrutiny Climate Change Sub-Committee, presenting the amended content of the strategy.

The Democratic Services Officer introduced the report.

Members discussed the amendments as set out in paragraph 5 of the report. They discussed each of the eight objectives of the strategy and went through the action plan for each.

Members raised the following points:

·         From the data of the Life in Wyre Survey (page 34 of the agenda pack), members raised concerns over the signposting of council and other energy efficiency initiatives on the council website. This needed to be more simple and more clear for residents, such as signposting for the Cosy Homes in Lancashire scheme

·         Action 1.A2 and 1.A3 – members raised continued concerns over the change in guidance over EPC ratings. They also requested information on the recent audit of council assets.

·         Members discussed having a list of recommended traders signposted to residents who were wishing to retrofit their properties

·         Members discussed issues over education on recycling and whether an incentive or penalty scheme could be used to improve this. Discussions arose around a potential review topic on recycling

·         Discussions arose around the reinstatement of the Poulton to Fleetwood rail line and the impact of a more sustainable transport system.

·         Members discussed inviting a representative from Lancashire County Council to a future meeting to discuss waste and transport.

Following discussions, it was agreed to approve the amended content of the strategy and recommend it be progressed to the consultation stage.

The Corporate Director Resources, Clare James, has submitted a report updating the committee about the delivery of the Overview and Scrutiny Climate Change Sub-Committee Work Programme 2023/24. Daphne Courtenage, Democratic Services Officer, will introduce the report and respond to questions and comments from councillors.

The Corporate Director Resources submitted a report to the Overview and Scrutiny Climate Change Sub-Committee updating them on the work programme 2023/24.

The Democratic Services Officer introduced the report. She drew members’ attention to recommendations 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

Following discussion, it was agreed that a task group be commissioned on electric vehicle charging points and the partnership arrangements with Lancashire County Council.

It was also agreed to invite Mark Broadhurst, Head of Housing and Community Services, and a representative from Lancashire County Council, to a future meeting of the sub-committee.