Issue - meetings

Helen Shulver, Head of Environment was in attendance for this item

1) Mr Thomas presented the report.

2) Further to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

a) Regular updates on the plan would be brought to the committee. The Kent Environment Strategy Cross Party Members Group was used to test ideas, and Members could bring questions there for more detail.

b) Regarding match funding, Mr. Thomas noted the limited capital available. KCC was developing a Green Finance Strategy to support ongoing work, alongside funding through Council Tax and seeking sustainable, ethical investment.

c) KCC was making efforts to support green highways, including efficient supply chain management, influencing road users to make sustainable choices, and innovating new products and materials to reduce pollutants from highways.

d) Mr. Thomas agreed on the importance of partnership working, highlighting the framework for goals and strategies on page 24 of the plan. Ms Shulver added that more in-depth reports would be available to Members, and Officers were willing to share detailed information.

e) Mr. Thomas stated the aim was to have a cross-departmental support team rather than just a delivery team. He cited the example of carbon emissions from the KCC building, overseen by the director for infrastructure, with officers working alongside the director. More information would be in the report for the January meeting.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Environment to:

                 I.          To adopt the Kent Environment Plan on behalf of Kent County Council.

               II.          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment to refresh and/or make revisions to the Strategy as appropriate during the lifetime of the strategy.

             III.          To delegate authority to the Corporate Growth, Environment and Transport to take relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of, and entering into required contract or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision as shown at Appendix A.