Decisions

(Report of Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)

Consideration was given to a number of health priorities identified by the Borough Council’s Health Action Team (HAT) to focus on and develop a TMBC Health Action Plan.  These priorities would also inform a Kent and Medway shared delivery plan which underpinned the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy.

It was advised that within the delivery plan for the Strategy, district council priorities were cited which would support the overall shared outcomes.   The priorities had been established through discussion, workshops and a survey and a focus on improving mental health, supporting older people and improving children’s health was recommended.

Members recognised the importance of identifying what priorities should be focused on and particular reference was made to the high figures for mental health, especially in older people as a result of loneliness.   Concern was also expressed at the levels of obesity in children and it was hoped that healthy eating and exercise could be encouraged. 

The risk of reduced funding from Kent County Council was recognised given their difficult financial position, although Officers were pleased to report that the County Council had confirmed funding for the next 2 years, until 2026 subject to them receiving the Public Health grant.   However, other opportunities for funding would continue to be explored. 

Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing resolved that:

(1)             the following three Health Action Plan priorities be endorsed;

·        improving mental health;

·        supporting older people; and

·        improving children’s health

(2)             the positive work of the Health Action Team and the links being made with the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy be noted.

(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