Issue - meetings

(Ms C McKenzie, Greener Kent Manager was present for this item)

(1)               The Committee considered a report that highlighted what significant progress had been made to date on delivering the Environment Policy (including climate change) and the priorities for 2009-2012, together with the specific role and contribution of the Environment and Regeneration Directorate.

(2)               Ms McKenzie gave a short presentation (attached to these Minutes as Appendix 2) highlighting the strategic priorities for KCC for the next 3 years together with an indication of the specific role of Environment and Regeneration Directorate and potential changes needed to the existing KCC Environment Policy.

(3)               Members were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments which included the following:-

(4)               In response to a question by Mr Truelove on the issue of school transport causing congestion and whether any thought had been given to the site of schools to reduce this, Ms McKenzie advised that the directorate worked closely with Mr G Ward, Director of Resources, Children, Families and Education Directorate on the Eco Schools and Sustainable Schools Programme.

(5)               In response to a question by Mr Harrison, Ms McKenzie advised that there was a £75k funding bid by the Police and Fire Authorities that were working on their carbon footprint.

(6)               In response to Mr King, Ms McKenzie explained that all KCC buildings achieved a good standard and they worked with Kent Design to include private properties too.  Ms McKenzie explained that much of the work for climate change was not visible, other than campaigns and signage.  Work had been undertaken for example to look at solar panelling but at a cost of £250k was felt too costly.

(7)               RESOLVED that:-

(a)               the progress to date and the general shape of the “Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan” going forward be noted;

(b)               the proposed next steps for Environment and Regeneration directorate be noted; and

(c)               the comments made by Members and the report be noted.