Agenda item

Judy Holmes, Assistant Chief Executive introduced the report, which covers progress made in 2020 on the implementation of the sustainability strategy as well as a forward look outlining the work that will be undertaken to combine  economic development and sustainability workstreams into a single strategy.

Discussion was held on the remit and composition of the Member working group that will support the development of the new strategy. Some Members wished to involve Members who are not members of the Scrutiny Committee because they have expertise in the subject. It was confirmed that as it is a working group of this Scrutiny Committee, the Membership will be 8 Members drawn from the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance and external consultants will be engaged to advise. Other Members can provide input through contact with the working group. It is anticipated that meetings will be every two months over a 6-8 month period. However, the group will need to be agile with the potential for additional meetings to be scheduled if required.

Members discussed the potential scope of the work. Examples include clarifying the definition of the strategy and scoping which aspects of the current sustainability strategy will be taken forward, along with new initiatives. A Member welcomed the carbon baselining and a Member requested that biodiversity baselining be considered, as well as ensuring the Council and District are responding to the climate emergency as knowledge evolves. Discussion was held on how the Council awards contracts in terms of compliance with its sustainability and climate change policies, and how the Council can influence its partners to do the same.

Discussion was held on the impact of the District Plan review on the new strategy. The Assistant Chief Executive acknowledged the cross-cutting nature of the strategy and confirmed that it will influence the review of the District Plan and vice versa. She noted that the Council needs to focus on what can be measured and what it can directly influence such as housing and planning policy, procurement, work with partners and how the Council runs its estate.

Emma Sheridan, Business Unit Leader for Community Services, Policies and Performance provided a summary of the update report. Members discussed the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and it was noted that the first phase involves the three main towns, with work to be progressed over coming years to include villages as additional funding is secured. Councillor Andrew Lea requested that he be included as a stakeholder in any consultation on this work going forward.

Discussion was held on the type of electric charging points within the District, and those available on the Council’s Campus for staff and the forthcoming parking fleet. It was confirmed that West Sussex County Council is leading on a new procurement process for a county-wide network of charging points, with input from project managers from across the Districts and Boroughs. Further information will be shared with Members in due course.

Members discussed a number of initiatives contained in the update and new items that they would like to see addressed. This included Terracycle, the water refill scheme, the Council’s Bike-to-work scheme, car clubs, issues with air quality at the Burgess Hill recycling centre and potential food waste recycling. A Member noted that the 50% recycling target set in the Sustainability Strategy is not being met and queried how this is being addressed. It was confirmed that the Council reports quarterly on waste as part of the performance report being presented to this committee, and the existing targets are proposed to be carried forward into next year.

Members discussed the need to focus on measurable outcomes. In response to two queries, it was agreed that a written answer would be provided on the rewilding schemes, particularly information on Coopers Close, information regarding consultation on whether people want rewilding, and how the Council will evaluate and measure its success.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report, which were agreed with 11 in favour, one against and two abstentions.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)         Noted the progress of delivery of the implementation of the Council’s         Sustainability Strategy as outlined in Appendix A.

(ii)        Noted the roadmap for the development of the new Sustainable Economy             Strategy as outlined in paragraphs 9 to 14 including the establishment of a    Member Working Group to oversee this work.