Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Douglas Spinks

Following the Council’s declaration of a ‘climate emergency’ at its meeting on 25 July 2019, Councillor Davis, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, introduced a report which set out recommendations from the Climate Change Working Group to accelerate the existing Woking 2050 Strategy and work towards achieving carbon neutrality across the Council’s estate and operations by 2030.  Councillor Davis spoke in support of the draft Carbon Reduction Action Plan which focussed on mitigation measures to help reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.  The collaborative work with Thameswey, such as improving energy efficiency in Council homes, was highlighted.  The need to encourage the use of electric vehicles and provide the necessary infrastructure was raised.  Suggestions for possible communal electric vehicle charging areas were noted, such as Goldsworth Lodge.

Councillor Davis commented that the most challenging aspect of carbon reduction was behavioural change of individuals.  Following Councillor Davis’s Motion at Council on 5 December 2019 regarding the delivery of a programme of engagement with Woking residents and businesses, it was noted that WeAreWoking would be carrying out a major piece of work to publicise what the Council was doing and what the public could do to address climate change.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    officers be authorised to implement initial actions for 2019/20 and 2020/21 as recommended in the report; and

          (ii)   delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director (Place) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Shadow Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability to agree new actions as they are identified.

Reason:   The report outlines the carbon reduction action plan and initial activities identified to accelerate action in furtherance of the Council’s climate emergency declaration. The report also requests the identification of funding within the Council’s budgets for 2020/21.