Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Net Zero Exeter & City Management.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)  the endorsement of the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly; and

(2)  to continue attending and participating in Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly Climate Impacts Group meetings, which coordinate regional action on climate adaptation, preparing communities and organisations for a changing climate, and improving resilience across the region.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought the Councils endorsement of the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly, which had been produced by the Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly Climate Impacts Group, who coordinate the regional action on climate application and to improve resilience across the region and was chaired by the Environment Agency.

Particular reference was made to the strategy which included an action plan which would be reviewed again in five years and focussed on impacts relating to river and surface water flooding, rising sea levels, reduced water availability and temperature changes.

Members noted that 64 impacts had been identified and evaluated across five sectors, with 18 being classified as severe, 28 major, 16 moderate, one minor and one negligible. The City Council would work with the actions in the strategy to support the work of the Net Zero team.

Opposition group leaders spoke on the item and made the following points:-

·         Cllr Moore – welcomed the report and enquired about how the measures set out in the five-year strategy would be incorporated into the new local plan.

·         Cllr Mitchell – enquired on the statutory function of the board and how it related to planning implications. He also enquired on how the strategy fit in with the Councils 2030 Net Zero target in relation to the timescales of other authorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate & Ecological Crisis welcomed the report, noting that the recommendations focused on the responsibilities of Devon County Council, covering the period until 2027, where it was hoped a further report would be made. She also welcomed the number of organisations and authorities involved who were addressing the importance of climate change.

The Leader requested that information on the statutory functions be provided to Councillors and would enquire on how it fit in with the new Local Plan under Minute No. 54.

The Leader moved, and Councillor Denning seconded, the recommendations which were voted upon and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)  the endorsement of the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly; and

(2)  to continue attending and participating in Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly Climate Impacts Group meetings, which coordinate regional action on climate adaptation, preparing communities and organisations for a changing climate, and improving resilience across the region.