Agenda item

·       To follow as a supplemental paper.

The Chair invited Jacob Coburn, Adviser, to introduce the report.

Jacob introduced the report which aimed to facilitate initial discussions and next steps in relation to the LGA’s activity on climate change. The Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport (EEHT) Board requested that a skills and employment dimension paper be submitted, led by the City Regions and People and Places Boards, Cllr Emily O’Brien would present the report at the upcoming EEHT Board meeting.

Board Members made the following comments:

·       A question was asked in relation to The Green Skills Task Force which had been announced on 12 November 2020 and concern was raised regarding the lack of local government involvement.

·       Green skills needed to be much more on a place-based level, with place-based solutions.

·       It was important that the skills agenda was at the forefront of government Ministers’ minds, including liaison with local authorities.

·       A Board Member raised a concern in relation to building regulation barriers and the need to change building regulations.

·       Access to skills and inclusion, good infrastructure, transport, and bursaries for young people should be a key part of the green skills work, through continued engagement with DfE colleagues.

·       Focusing on the green skills agenda would inspire care leavers within communities.

·       Board Members raised concern in relation to the lack of clarity of the meaning of ‘green skills’ and all that it entailed.

·       Green skills needed to include nature recovery and green agriculture.

Jasbir Jhas, Senior Adviser, responded to Board Members’ comments:

·       With regards to the Green Skills Task Force, which was announced on 12 November 2020, Jasbir said that the lack of local government involvement was raised within the written evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, and with government officials.

Decision:

·       Board Members noted the report.

Action:

·       Officers to re-circulate past and present Green Economy work to all Board Members.