Issue - meetings

To receive the update report on Telford and Wrekin Council becoming Carbon Neutral and Plastic Free.

The Team Leader: Climate Change & Sustainability informed Members that tackling climate change was one of five priorities set out in the current Council Plan and that in July 2019 the Council declared a climate change emergency, making a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. To support this the Council had allocated £4,000,000 of capital funding into the programme of work.

Members heard the reporting on carbon neutrality and becoming plastic free had previously been reported separately, however, since 2021/22 they had been reported jointly as one delivery plan. The Team Leader: Climate Change & Sustainability explained to Members that the cost of living and fuel poverty crisis was also having an impact on the implementation of the delivery plan.

The Committee were informed that whilst the Council had continued to monitor emissions, it had not been possible to monitor commuting emissions so it had been removed from the data to ensure consistency. In other areas the Council was on track in its efforts to reduce emissions. The Team Leader: Climate Change and Sustainability updated Members on the areas where the Council had implemented renewable energy across the Borough, including sports centres and the Southwater Way properties. Members heard that Cabinet had also recently assigned funding for solar panels to be introduced on Council buildings, starting with Granville House.

During the discussion Members welcomed the report and the Council's investment to combat Climate Change and assist residents.

RESOLVED - that the update on Telford and Wrekin Council becoming carbon neutral and plastic free be noted.