Decision details
Climate Bi-Annual Report
Decision Maker: Council
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decisions:
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Change, introduced the report, which updated Council on the climate action taken by West Oxfordshire District Council, in response to the climate and ecological emergency, over the previous 12 months (July 2022 to June 2023 inclusive).
The Executive Member paid tribute to the work of Hannah Kenyon, the Council’s Climate Change Manager for her work and the work of her team more generally in responding to the climate emergency, declared by the Council in 2019.
In debate, Council paid tribute to the work of the Climate Change team in engaging with local Town and Parish Councils on climate change action and that good feedback had been received from Members. Council also made reference to a High Court legal challenge to the Planning Inspector’s decision to water down the net zero ambitions of the Council in its plan for Salt Cross Garden Village, and that the challenge was independent of the Council.
The next Climate Bi-Annual report would be considered by the Climate and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Oxfordshire County Council also conducted carbon literacy training, and it was highlighted that Council would explore to the possibilities of adopting a similar approach in due course.
Ideas of geo-thermal technology and local cycling & walking infrastructure were also highlighted by members, identifying the benefits these ideas could bring to the Council and the wider local area. Members also praised work invested into improvements in the Deer Park South area of Witney regarding wildflower planting, thanked Officers and the enhancement it had made to the area. Extra resourcing ideas would explored with Council partners.
The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer, Andrea McCaskie, stated she had attended training regarding Carbon Literacy, and that ideas around member training on the matter would be explored in due course.
Councillor Andrew Prosser proposed that Council note the contents of the Bi-Annual report on climate action for West Oxfordshire. This was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt, was put to a vote, and was unanimously agreed by Council.
Council Resolved to:
1. Note the contents of the Bi-Annual report on climate action for West Oxfordshire.
Publication date: 25/07/2023
Date of decision: 19/07/2023
Decided at meeting: 19/07/2023 - Council
Accompanying Documents:
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