Decision details

Background:

The purpose of the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy is to identify an evidence-based pathway to deliver clean growth and specifically strategies and actions to eliminate poor air quality, reduce fuel poverty and deliver an affordable, clean and secure energy supply for Kent and Medway. The Strategy includes the commitment to meet the UK Government’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for the county.

Options:

1.    Do nothing and continue action under Kent Environment Strategy (KES) - the last iteration of the KES in 2006 identified the need to conduct more in-depth research to inform and develop a Low Emissions Strategy. This to address emissions in addition to carbon dioxide, which cause poor air quality and harms health, which was of growing political and public concern. 

2.    Develop a separate Energy Strategy and a Low Emissions Strategy – this was the initial plan until it was realised that many of the key actions to deliver both strategies were the same.

3.    Develop a combined Energy & Low Emissions Strategy – this option demonstrates the interlinking nature of actions required to address climate change emissions, air pollution, energy security and the opportunities for greater partnership activity.

As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to approve the Strategy for adoption and implementation, working in partnership with all Local Authorities in Kent & Medway, utilising the existing Kent Environment Strategy delivery framework; and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to take relevant actions, including but not limited to entering into contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement this decision.