This report seeks Cabinet approval for the Climate Change Policy and Strategy attached in Annex A and B of the report respectively.

In approving the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the draft Climate Change Strategy and Policy be approved and adopted with effect from 1 April 2021 and that the Strategy be included in the Council Plan.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought Cabinet approval for the Climate Change Policy and Strategy attached in Annex A and B of the report respectively.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The Climate Change Act 2008 set a target of net UK greenhouse gas emissions for 2050 to be 100% lower than the 1990 baseline figures. This was an ambitious target and one which could not be achieved without action from local government.  Although Local authorities do not have a statutory duty to reduce emissions in line with the Climate Change Act 2008, they do need to produce plans and strategies that have a considerable bearing on emissions such as the Local Plan, Councils Plans, Waste Management Strategy, Procurement Strategy etc.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)      the draft Climate Change Strategy and Policy be approved and adopted with effect from 1 April 2021; and

(2)      the Strategy be included in the Council Plan.