Agenda item

Public speaking

Minutes:

Mr Ed Kos spoke at the meeting after sending in a question concerning the council’s climate emergency plan. He thanked everyone for what they had been doing towards this plan in what was a difficult year with the crisis that Covid-19 had brought. He did ask for reassurance however that actions were still ongoing towards the implementation of the plan due to the ongoing nature of the climate crisis. He was concerned that the current status of the plan was not available to the public with no plans to engage the public at present. He asked that council explain on public record why the status of the climate emergency plan was not available and commit to prioritising a detailed update by a specific date, with revised timeliness for action, clear roles and responsibilities with accountability for further delays, and a clear roadmap to engage the public such as by taking forward the comprehensive Citizens Assembly proposal from Exeter University, originally due for implementation in July this year.

 

The Portfolio Holder Climate Change responded to Mr Kos stating his question may be confusing the district council and the county council’s work on climate change.

She confirmed that addressing climate change was a priority for both councils.

The district council’s climate change strategy and action plan went through the council’s democratic processes earlier this year, and had been openly published on EDDC’s website. This was a statement of intention and the council recognised the need for regular reviews and updates.

 

She said the council was also committed to delivering the Devon Climate Change Emergency Declaration and was working with the county council contributing towards the emerging Devon Carbon Plan. The council’s plans would be reviewed as the Devon Carbon Plan was developed and as we learn from current projects and move closer towards significant carbon reductions as an organisation. She reported that the Carbon Plan consultation would take place between December this year and February 2021. Social media and webinars were already being planned. She suggested that the council’s plans were publicly available and have roles and responsibilities, timelines, and accountability embedded.

 

Whilst it was fair to say that the council’s response to the pandemic has taken priority it had still progressed with a number of commitments and built in some green recovery ideas to our thinking, including reduced commuting, green travel, and community resilience. A number of projects from the action plan had progressed over the last six months including, but not limited to:

·        Appointments of a Portfolio Holder Climate Action as well as an Assistant Portfolio Holder on the Cabinet

·        Electrification of the white vehicle fleet in StreetScene and Environmental Health

·        Installation of air source heat pumps in council homes securing £500k government grant

·        Roll out of Re-wilding and nature recovery areas

·        Increased tree planting and creation and improvement of wildlife habitats

·        Increased recycling rates beyond 60% of household waste (one of the best in the country) and introduced a green waste scheme

·        Working with Exeter Airport to decarbonise air travel

·        Developing concepts for district heating in the growth point area

·        Scoping a review of procurement activities and decarbonising supply chains

·        We have experimented with using the Doughnut Economic model to assist decision making that prioritises climate change

 

 

Mr Craig Bernhardt spoke on Minute 248 Additional funding to LED due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He stated he completely supported funding assistance to leisure facilities that support the health and well-being of residents and so reduced the burden on the NHS. LED provided central communities services through its outreach work which must continue. However over the last decade there had been a huge increase in fitness/gym/leisure facilities with this competition putting pressures on finances on all in the industry. Mr Bernhardt believed leisure centres had been struggling for a long time now and asked if the current business model was therefore sustainable. He suggested that it be prudent to add to the proposals to have leaders from local, private and public sector facilities to collaborate and work together. In addition to the ramifications of Covid-19 this would be to consider objectives to minimise duplication and maximise efficiency of delivery of activities; to ensure longevity and support for these facilities.