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Cabinet received report ES/1365 by the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment, the purpose of which was to advise Cabinet on the work of the cross-party Environment Task Group, chaired by the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment, since its last report on 6 September 2022. Confirmation was also sought that the Task Group was continuing to deliver on the task it was set to investigate ways to cut ESC's carbon and other harmful emissions.
The report contained updates in respect of environment related activity related to the following areas, which were summarised by Councillor Mallinder - Hydrogen Strategy; Procurement Strategy; Leisure Centre decarbonisation programme; delivering a sustainable housing portfolio; Deben redevelopment PassivHaus project; the East Suffolk Cycling and Walking Strategy; Air Quality, Greenprint Forum; Quiet Lanes; and Beach Watch.
Councillor Mallinder emphasised that the principal goal was to look at carbon neutrality by 2030 but he stated that it was interlinked with other things and everything needed to be considered. Councillor Mallinder advised that ESC could be carbon neutral the next day, by not providing any services at all, but ESC did not wish to do that; in fact, he added, in the next couple of months the carbon footprint might increase as ESC helped it residents through the cost of living crisis.
Councillor Mallinder stated that, sometimes, new development could be positive, having a smaller carbon footprint and using less resources.
Councillor Mallinder gave thanks to all Members who sat on the Environment Task Group for their work, to Cabinet Members for their work, and to the officers who worked incredibly hard. Councillor Mallinder also gave thanks to East Suffolk communities for everything that they did.
The Leader, with Christmas approaching, asked what more could be done to lessen the impact on the environment during the festive period. The Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment referred to banning / reducing festive lights on the outside of properties, although he acknowledged that some lights now used less energy and he suggested that natural things could be used to enhance homes such as holly, ivy and pine cones, instead of crackers. The Leader acknowledged that there was clearly a balance to be struck and he referred to solar power and LED lighting.
Following a question by the Leader related to the Motion considered by Full Council at its November 2022 meeting relating to sewage pollution, Councillor Mallinder confirmed that the letters related to Anglian Water were being drafted and they would be sent as soon as possible. It was confirmed that the Chairman of the Council would sign the letters.
Cabinet fully supported the work being undertaken by the Task Group and the Leader emphasised that initiatives and good ideas came from all Members of ESC and they should be embraced and taken forward where possible.
Councillor Gooch reported that she, together with the Labour Group, fully supported the work that was being undertaken by the Task Group; Councillor Gooch was looking forward to exploring further the retro fitting of the ESC housing stock.
Councillor Byatt, after giving his support for the work of the Environment Task Group, asked if ESC was on target to obtain carbon neutrality by 2030. Councillor Mallinder referred to the big picture and it being necessary to take account of the changing environment, not just the natural environment, but the way that we live going forward and the fact that East Suffolk residents must be supported. Everything would be done to obtain carbon neutrality but other matters must be taken into account.
Councillor Byatt also referred to neighbouring districts, to the north and to the south, and stressed the importance of everybody focussing on carbon neutrality. Councillor Mallinder stressed that discussions were ongoing with neighbouring districts to improve the wider area; looking and learning was vitally important Councillor Mallinder stressed. Councillor Byatt paid tribute to the work of Peter Aldous MP.
On the proposition of Councillor Mallinder, seconded by Councillor Smith, it was by a unanimous vote
RESOLVED
1. That this report from the Environment Task Group be accepted and approved.
2. That it be confirmed that the Environment Task Group is to continue to deliver the task it was set to investigate ways to cut East Suffolk Council’s carbon and other harmful emissions.