Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED – (i) That the work programme as attached at Appendix 1 to the report COGC/116/22s be agreed; and (ii) That the topic selection form on Void properties be accepted and that this be considered at the January 2023 meeting.
AGREED – (i) That a Task and Finish Group be considered to further scrutinise aspects of this issue. (ii) That further discussions take place between the Chair and Vice – Chair and Lead Member and Officers to consider future reporting requirements on this issue. (iii) That the outcome of these discussions be reported to the January 2023 meeting.
There were no apologies for absence.
AGREED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 November 2022 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – (i) That the work programme as attached at Appendix 1 to the report COGC/116/22s be agreed; and (ii) That the topic selection form on Void properties be accepted and that this be considered at the January 2023 meeting.
The Chief Officer Governance and Customer submitted a report COGC/116/22s which allowed Members to consider the revised work programme of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator drew Members attention to the main changes to the work programme since the last meeting was held. AGREED – (i) That the work programme as attached at Appendix 1 to the report COGC/116/22s be agreed; and (ii) That the topic selection form on Void properties be accepted and that this be considered at the January 2023 meeting.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – (i) That a Task and Finish Group be considered to further scrutinise aspects of this issue. (ii) That further discussions take place between the Chair and Vice – Chair and Lead Member and Officers to consider future reporting requirements on this issue. (iii) That the outcome of these discussions be reported to the January 2023 meeting.
The Chief Officer Environment and Transport submitted a report COET/18/22s allowing Members to consider an update on the delivery of the Decarbonisation Plan. In introducing his report, the Lead Member made specific reference to and expanded upon the four key themes within the Plan. He further advised that the Plan would have a clear focus on the decarbonisation of Council operations, whilst promoting the protection and enhancement of its natural environment. Thereafter, he responded to Members questions accordingly with input from the Climate Change and Decarbonisation Manager. During discussion of the report, the following points were noted, in particular: · Positive progress had been made to date but it was important to recognise that this was the start of the journey and progress would continue to be made against the Plan through a number of different approaches and initiatives, including working with partners. · Whilst working with a private provider was likely to offer the best return, as the Highways Authority the County Borough Council would be required to approve the location of electric car charging points on the highway. Prior to installation, consideration would need to be given to where the charging points would be of most use and where there was space. Issues such as feasibility and connection (i.e. least cost) would also need to be considered prior to installation. · A private sector provider was being sought for provision of on street charging points. · It was noted that whilst cost was important the decarbonisation plan also focused on environmental factors and the need to address the climate change and ecological emergency. · Recognition that many private providers were investing in the future of transport and rolling out EV charging infrastructure to support this across the Country. · Confirmation that parking restrictions and enforcement could be used to ensure proper use of the charging points. · Confirmation that an online mapping system was in place to support repair and maintenance of electric charging points. · Given the likely length of any contract, it is important to ensure that contract providers were reliable, best value and able to deliver prior to roll out. · Other types of infrastructure, not just standalone chargers, could be considered for provision of charging points. This could include existing pillars and lampposts. · The environment improvement scheme allowed consideration to be given to electric charging points in Council properties. The Local Authority would look upon these requests from tenants favourably but would not necessarily be in a position to fund the installation due to insufficient budget. In response to a Member query, the Climate Change and Decarbonisation Manager agreed to provide information relating to the average cost of charging electric vehicles compared with fuel cost. She also agreed to share a link to the map detailing charging points in the County Borough to date. AGREED – (i) That a Task and Finish Group be considered to further scrutinise aspects of this issue. (ii) That further discussions take place between the Chair and Vice – Chair and Lead Member and Officers to consider future reporting requirements on this issue. (iii) That the outcome of these discussions be reported to the January 2023 meeting.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.