Agenda item

The Chairman invited Cllr Liz Green (Chair, IIB Climate Change Working Group) to presentation on the workbook. Liz noted the following points:

-          The Workbook was developed by the Climate Change Working Group which was established following the LGA’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.

-          Liz emphasised that local government has a vital and leading role to play in tackling climate change. The Workbook provides advice and objectives to elected members at all levels.

-          The COVID pandemic had outlined the importance of publicly accessible open spaces for everyone, particularly important in urban areas with high population densities.

-          Though individual local authority activities account for a small fraction of carbon emissions in a locality, councils have a critical role in providing leadership for local residents and businesses.

-          The LGA created specialised Leadership Essentials training which had been delivered to 75 senior officers and members nationwide. Further training was being planned.

-          A Greenhouse Gas accounting tool was being provided by the LGA to all local authorities which provide baseline emissions figures and comparative analysis versus other councils.

-          Net-Zero Innovation Programme sought to establish partnerships between councils and universities to drive innovation.

-          Liz noted that the COP15 Biodiversity Conference in October 2021 would be another important chance for learning and engagement.

-          Liz encouraged members to share instances of good practice and innovation with the LGA that could be learnt from and promoted.

The Chairman invited Cllr Izzi Seccombe (Co-Chair) and Cllr Nick Forbes (Co-Chair) to discuss the Climate Change Task Group:

-          Izzi noted that the Task Group crosses the remit of the Improvement & innovation and Economy, Environment, Housing & Transport Boards.

-          The Group has a specific focus on local government’s aims and objectives for COP26 in Glasgow.

-          Ministerial engagement was regular with Alok Sharma MP (President, COP26) and departmental climate change leads.

-          Nick emphasised the important leadership role of local government on long term challenges such as climate change as a driver of innovation and opinion change.

In the subsequent discussion, members raised the following points:

-          A member outlined the specific challenges facing coastal communities with a range of locally led innovation underway, such as a £2 million project to plant sea grass and create a marine park in the South West. Liz agreed that coastal communities needed careful consideration and noted that local government needs freedom to lead on major projects.

-          The Workbook’s appreciation of biodiversity was welcomed.

-          Several examples were raised of public opposition to a range of environmental measures such as reducing grass cutting to improve biodiversity and establishing clean air zones. Nick noted that local leadership was vital in these cases to lead opinion change.

-          It was suggested that regional mapping was needed to monitor and display local climate linked projects. Liz asked officers to look into this proposal.

-          A short discussion took place on sustainable investments from the Local Government Pension Scheme funds. It was suggested that given support and freedom to act the collective £300 billion held in LPGS funds could have a significant impact. The Chairman requested a technical response from officers on existing guidance on climate linked investments from LPGS funds.

Chairman summarised the debate. Local authorities have a vital place in delivering place-based leadership on to deliver effective climate change policies in their communities. He thanked members and officers for their work and innovation.

Decision

The members of the Councillor’s Forum noted the presentation.