Agenda item

A short verbal update will be given by the Climate Response Team

5.1               The Head of Environmental Services reported on the National Scorecard data released on 27^th January 2022 by Climate Emergency UK. Medway scored 71% for its climate change action plan compared to scorecards across the UK averaging at around 50%. Medway came 31^st out of all local authorities and received full marks in three categories, measuring and setting emissions targets, co-benefits and education, skills and training.

5.2               The Head of Environmental Services confirmed that we are benchmarking our performance specifically against the top 4-5 authorities to ensure our plan continues to improve. The Climate Emergency UK is keen to set up an advisory body later in the year to understand what metrics can be used to reflect best practice and we will look to make sure we are involved in this piece of work.

5.3               The group commented that in looking for further opportunities business communities can achieve a great deal, many of whom are already doing work. The question was raised as to if we are doing enough to recognise what businesses are achieving already and to provide support. To what extent can the Council help to facilitate the links between businesses and perhaps there should be an award or recognition for those working on improvements. This feeds into making Medway a place that people want to invest in and be a part of.

ACTION: The Head of Environmental Services to discuss reaching out to businesses with Economic Development.

5.4               The group raised two more specific questions. Firstly, the air quality action plan for Four Elms due to concern over the volume of traffic and how we are monitoring particulates, especially around the Sans Pareil roundabout. There are significant concerns about air quality and how pedestrians will negotiate this, particularly children on their way to school.

ACTION: The Climate Response and Environmental Protection Manager to provide an update on potential monitoring at Sans Pareil roundabout. 

5.5               The group asked for confirmation on when the Tree strategy will be available and asked if tree planting will increase again this year.   The Chair confirmed that all options are being looked at to fund trees and to raise the profile of tree donations. The Chair also commented that it is important to address capacity and resource to properly look after new trees.

5.6               The Greenspace and Access Programme Manager commented that it is hoped the final draft of the Tree Strategy will be completed in the next month to six weeks and it will then go through the council approval process.

5.7               The group commented in relation to transport, that the transition to EVs will take some years and asked if there has been consideration about making the existing fleet as efficient as they can be for example by using Add Blue on diesel vehicles. The group also asked if the Council is looking to hire hybrid plant on construction projects and if the greenspaces team have considered electric alternatives.

5.8               The Head of Environmental Services responded that Medway Norse are working on a document on replacement timescales for the whole fleet and there are ongoing conversations about alternatives if it is not possible to move to electric now, smaller measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 and NOX emissions.  These are ongoing works and once more information is received it will be shared with the Group.

ACTION: The Head of Environmental Services to share Medway Norse plans with group once received.

5.9               The group raised a concern that in the action list of 65 items, some of the smaller actions are being forgotten about. For example, a request for anti-idling signs in Rainham.  A request was made to consolidate the list to make it shorter and to focus on the smaller actions.

5.10           The Chair commented that in terms of the anti-idling, this has been reviewed. 

5.11           The Climate Response and Environmental Protection Manager responded that an application has been made to the DEFRA air quality fund on a messaging project on anti-idling with the University of Kent and we hope to hear the outcome at the end of February. If the bid is not successful, alternative strategies will be looked at with our own signage.

ACTION: The Climate Response and Environmental Protection Manager to provide an update once the outcome of the DEFRA bid is received.

ACTION: The Climate Response Support Officer to consolidate the MAG action list.

5.12           The group raised the potential for adding specific S106 contribution and would like to know if there is an update on what other Local Authorities are doing. 

ACTION: The Climate Response Team to review S106 contributions and what other authorities are doing.

5.13           The group asked that, as we are moving into the first summer of ‘nearly normal’ with lots of big Medway events happening, if there will be anything from a climate change perspective, either soft messaging or similar, to ensure we are doing everything we can. For example a climate change street party guide or similar. It was commented that there is a responsibility on the Council to empower communities and community groups. The Chair agreed and confirmed that he would like to see something on Climate Change in the street party kit.

ACTION: The Climate Response Engagement Officer to liaise with the Culture Team over inclusion of climate change in the Street Party kit.

5.14           The Head of Communications and Marketing agreed and commented that the team are working on a programme of events and activities for the year and how these will be infused with hints on Climate Change and what we can do such as plastic free street parties.

ACTION: The Head of Communications and Marketing to review options and coordinate.