Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency

RESOLVED THAT:

1.     the use of the Climate Impact Assessment Tool be approved and piloted on all projects and policies put forward for a decision, and that this should form part of the council’s standing reporting process and associated guidance, subject to a review of its practical application after six months.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Well-being, on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, introduced the report, saying that part of Cheltenham’s ambitious Net Zero target was to ensure that the environmental impact must be considered at the very earliest stages when considering new projects and policies and making decisions. This already happens to some extent, but is often too late in the process to get the best environmental outcomes.  The tool presented will soon become a familiar part of all Council and Cabinet business, and although it should be made clear that the tool is a guide, not a veto, it does enable officers and Members to derive vital considerations regarding the climate emergency at the earliest possible stage.  He thanked offices and partners in West Oxfordshire for their work on the tool, which would help ensure that the climate emergency is put first in everything the authority does.  

The Leader commented that a presentation from officers made it very clear how the wheel was going to work.  She said everyone is aware of climate emergency, and building this into our reports will encourage developers to take note of what the authority considers important and give it due consideration moving forward.

The Cabinet Member for Cyber, Regeneration and Commercial Income noted that there could be accessibility issues with the colours used on the wheel, and offered to help test this.

There were no further comments or questions from Members.  The Leader moved to the vote where it was unanimously:

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the use of the Climate Impact Assessment Tool be approved and piloted on all projects and policies put forward for a decision, and that this should form part of the council’s standing reporting process and associated guidance, subject to a review of its practical application after six months.