Decision details

(Report of Chief Executive)

Member approval was sought for the publication of the Climate Change Action Plan Year 4 Progress Report, the Climate Change Action Plan Year 5 2024/25 and the Carbon Audit 2023/24 (attached as Annexes 1, 2 and 3 respectively).

The report summarised progress achieved to date, the new action plan and trends in emissions from the Borough Council’s estate and operations.  The most significant sources of emissions across the TMBC estate and operations remained leisure facilities and refuse collection vehicles.  Addressing these would make the largest impact towards the 2030 carbon neutral aspiration. 

Members sought clarification on a number of issues including the progress being made on installing electric vehicle charging points throughout Tonbridge; the use of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to encourage energy efficient homes; reinstating monitoring of air pollution arising from idling vehicles and improved recycling facilities at public open spaces and events.   These were addressed in detail by Officers and the response noted by the Committee.  However, the participation of the Borough Council in the Kent County Council Climate Change Group meant that Tonbridge and Malling were fully aware of upcoming pilot schemes and remained open to involvement in projects.   Reference was also made to the recycling opportunities being explored by the Borough Council Events Management Team and the proposed DEFRA deposit return scheme for drinks containers which would be given careful consideration.

Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Regeneration and Property resolved that:

(1)             the Climate Change Action Plan Year 4 Progress Report (attached at Annex 1) be endorsed;

(2)             the Climate Change Action Plan Year 5 2024/25 (attached at Annex 2) be approved; and

(3)             the Carbon Audit for 2023/24 (attached at Annex 3) be approved