Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Programme Director - Exeter City Futures.

The Executive considered the report on the Carbon 2030 Roadmap which sought funding to support the delivery of a series of events and engagement activities to address the challenges and provide solutions, ensuring that the Council could deliver its aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2030. There had been a vast amount of progress made, but the next step would be to consult and engage with organisations, communities and individuals across the city to ensure the best chance of success to achieve this goal.

Particular reference was made for additional funding to support Exeter City Council in producing activities and meaningful engagement across the city to address the challenges and aspirations for achieving the carbon neutral goal. The Council could not achieve this goal on its own and the more engagement it received the better the chance of success.

Councillor D Moore, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on this item. She wanted to ensure that the purpose of the engagement was explained to participants, maximising participation in the consultation and she also referred to the potential risk of Exeter City Futures CIC or other partners not supporting the road map.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

·         The events and engagement activities would include highlighting the realities of the climate change emergency to a wider audience, looking at the work undertaken in other areas and receiving ideas through the consultation;

·         The need to look at the city infrastructure and build more cycling routes to tackle congestion issues;

·         Following the issue of the first tenders the consultation could also look at previous steps taken to support the roadmap;

·         The subject of climate change was important, and the Council was working to be carbon neutral, ahead of the 2030 deadline. More work was still required to effect change in the city and getting additional information, promoting active lifestyles and green travel from across the city was vital.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve a budget of up to £30,000 for the project to be completed.