Agenda item
Motion - Climate Action Working Group
The following motion has been received in the names of Councillors Andy Goodwin and Carl Rylett:
Motion to continue the running of WODC Climate Action Working Group meetings “as is” with no pause and no disruption. To overturn the announcement made at the Climate Action Working Group meeting on Feb 3rd that was “with immediate effect, this is the last Climate Action Working Group meeting”.
Minutes:
The following motion was proposed by Councillor Andy Goodwin and seconded by Councillor Cooper
Motion to continue the running of WODC Climate Action Working Group meetings “as is” with no pause and no disruption. To overturn the announcement made at the Climate Action Working Group meeting on Feb 3rd that was “with immediate effect, this is the last Climate Action Working Group meeting”.
In response, the Chairman of the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee proposed an alternative motion which read:
“This Council notes the important work of the Climate Action Working Group in progressing our commitment to tackling the climate emergency and embedding this in every aspect of Council workings. The Group’s work has now reached a point where a wider involvement from Councillors would be appropriate, as well as allowing greater public engagement with our climate objectives; to that end, it is proposed that the work of the Climate Action Working Group be incorporated into the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee and that this committee then be renamed, the Climate and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee. In this way, the Group’s work can be continued and strengthened along with increasing transparency and accountability.”
Councillor Goodwin introduced the original motion and reiterated his reasons for wanting the working group to remain in its current form. He felt the officers and Chair had done a fantastic job and were making good progress. However, he had concerns that combining the working group with the existing scrutiny committee would have an impact on the length of the meeting and could dilute the work of the group.
The Chairman of Environment Overview & Scrutiny, Councillor Al-Yousuf, supported the amended motion from Councillor Harvey and felt the working group had served its purpose. He did not feel there would be any conflict in combining the two workstreams and would result in a more inclusive, open and accessible meeting, allowing public participation.
Viewpoints across the Chamber varied with some Members feeling that there could be a reduction in focus on climate change and the decision could be taken once the scrutiny committee review had been undertaken. However, it was noted that should the work of the amended scrutiny committee become too immense, working groups could be set up to look at specific issues.
Councillor Langridge felt that the most important issue was that the work continued and it could result in having more teeth at scrutiny level.
The Vice-Chair of Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Coles seconded the amended motion and felt it would be sensible to embed the Climate Action work into the work of the committee. He agreed that this would result in a more inclusive meeting, allowing the public to attend, which they were unable to do with the working group at present.
Councillor MacRae agreed with these comments and noted there would be greater transparency of minutes and agendas, enabling public participation. He reminded the meeting that the working group had been established following a motion at Council and he applauded the work of the Climate Change Manager in that time.
To sum up, Councillor Al-Yousuf noted the concerns raised and felt that the logistics of the meetings could be managed by arranging additional dates or dedicating agendas to specific themes.
Having been proposed and duly seconded, the amendment was voted on and was carried.
Councillor Goodwin did not feel that the working group had served its purpose and reiterated his concerns regarding a separation of focus. Councillor Cooper commented that he felt scrutiny committees should be developing policy and telling Cabinet to carry it out.
The substantive motion was put to the vote and was carried. It was therefore
Resolved that this Council notes the important work of the Climate Action Working Group in progressing our commitment to tackling the climate emergency and embedding this in every aspect of Council workings. The Group’s work has now reached a point where a wider involvement from Councillors would be appropriate, as well as allowing greater public engagement with our climate objectives; to that end, it is proposed that the work of the Climate Action Working Group be incorporated into the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee and that this committee then be renamed, the Climate and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee. In this way, the Group’s work can be continued and strengthened along with increasing transparency and accountability.