Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Jonathan Dow

(Key decision):

That £36k per annum be approved towards the cost of a dedicated post, shared with Lewes District Council, to develop and support the delivery of a Climate Change Strategy.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Planning seeking agreement to the next steps of action following the declaration of a climate emergency by Full Council in July 2019.

Councillor Dow reported that as part of the next steps, a Climate Change Strategic Panel would be established, comprising five councillors (three from the administration and two from the opposition), to oversee the strategy’s development and make recommendations regarding carbon reduction and climate adaptation.

The report detailed that a launch event would be arranged to bring together interested parties and raise the profile of the work being undertaken. It would aim to gain more commitment and support from partners and would provide a forum for view to be shared about priorities for action.

Councillor Dow was the lead member on this issue and given the scale and volume of work to be undertaken, part of his current portfolio, covering other topics would be transferred to Councillor Swansborough. Updated portfolio statements would be published to due course.

Visiting member, Councillor Ansell addressed the Cabinet on this item.

Resolved (Key decision):

That £36k per annum be approved towards the cost of a dedicated post, shared with Lewes District Council, to develop and support the delivery of a Climate Change Strategy.

Reason for decision:

Following the declaration of a climate emergency and a commitment by the Council to work in close partnership with local groups and stakeholders to deliver a carbon neutral town by 2030, this report seeks Cabinet’s allocation of funds to enable the progression of the commitments made.