Agenda item

The Council were addressed by a member of the Extinction Rebellion group who asked the following questions.  He said that although the Council had declared a climate emergency and drawn up a policy there was still far too little being done.  The responses were provided by Councillor Sarah Dyke.

Question 1

1. You adopted a new climate change strategy a year ago this month; what progress have you made since then?  

Response

An Environment Strategy update is to be given by lead officers at this meeting to cover this question in full. Vicki Dawson and Katy Menday will update all present on this matter.  Our Environment team would be happy to provide more detail if you have further questions following their presentation.

In summary, some key actions to date:

1. We have now calculated our own carbon footprint and are now monitoring this year on year – we have achieved reductions already.
2. We are now involved in a project to put Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points across the district to start later this year.
3. Over 4,000 trees planted last year on our own land with more given to communities to plant. Continuing work to increase this year on year.
4. Increased community engagement for environment improvements across wider district, which has been challenging during the pandemic; but we have a network of Environment Champions and a monthly Get SuSSed newsletter to keep all updated on our actions and plans.

Question 2

Housing is one of the most significant ways we as a community put carbon into the atmosphere. We note that none of your headline policies on housing makes any mention of changing that, and we urge you to take action.   What other actions are you taking that match the actions we know we need to do, to tackle this climate emergency?

Response

The Environment Strategy details our ambitions for the Local Plan Review policies in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation – this includes new housing stock and the desire for zero carbon homes.

The Delivery Plan for the environment strategy provides further detail on our proposed policy approach for the next iteration of the Local Plan Review, which is to deliver zero carbon homes by 2030, consistent with the approach set out in current national policy and practice guidance. This is intended to include a balance of energy efficiency measures, renewable/low carbon energy, and carbon offsetting. Any proposed policy requirements will be then be assessed through a whole plan viability assessment. However, it is likely that our proposed policy approach will need to be adapted as the Government’s response on the Future Homes Standard consultation is expected in the Autumn.

Specifically what we are already doing:

a) The SSDC Environment Strategy delivery plan has actions around reducing carbon footprint in the community as well as our own SSDC carbon footprint. 

b)  In terms of new development the Environment Strategy details our ambitions for the Local Plan Review policies in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation – this includes new housing stock and the desire for zero carbon homes.

c) In the meantime the current local plan has policy EQ1: ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTH SOMERSET

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/media/1250/j-plan_pol-web-site-2018-1-local-plan-local-plan-2006-2028-south_somerset_local_plan_2006-2028_adoption_version_march_2015.pdf

“The Council will support proposals for new development where they have demonstrated how climate change mitigation and adaptation will be delivered”  All new development must conform to national and local Planning Policy and current Building Regulations.

d) In terms of existing housing, SSDC do not hold housing stock, and it is more difficult to influence the actions of private homeowners. We are working with the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to provide advice to homeowners on energy efficiency measures and guide them through applying for grants that are available to them for energy improvements (existing ones as well as the new Green Homes Grants and vouchers). 

e) We also have some funding from the Warm Homes fund that resulted from a county wide bid to increase the energy case work that could be provided to help people maximise energy efficiency and also fund some first time heating schemes.  Delivery of this is ongoing.

f)  We are hoping to produce a directory for communities to use to signpost them to renewable energy schemes that they may be able to benefit from.

Question 3

In August we asked you whether you were divesting your pension fund from fossil fuel industries. Your detailed response pointed us to your membership of the Brunel Pension Partnership, and saying you had little influence because of its size and so on.  However, Brunel says in its Climate Change Policy that: “Our clients retain responsibility for their asset allocation and investment strategy, and ultimately their exposure to climate risk.”  In that case, please set out what you have said to Brunel about your desire to shift your portfolio so it supports sustainable businesses that are investing in green technologies and energy, while encouraging companies involved in fossil fuels to do the same, and how has Brunel has adjusted its portfolios since setting up its climate strategy?  

Response

SSDC has contacted Somerset Council (as the overarching organisation) regarding this matter and they in turn have contacted Brunel and their response is as follows:

‘Brunel is not set up to respond to employers individually, and we are not aware that any have contacted them individually. 

Brunel will not change policy in response to employer requests, only requests made by the Funds through the agreed processes.  Employers are part of the governance of the Pension Funds and the 10 owner/client Funds discuss and agree policy with Brunel under the appropriate structures that have been put in place. 

We are not aware of any specific changes Brunel have made to their portfolios since the publication of its Climate strategy, although how the partnership (Brunel and the 10 Funds collectively) take forward our climate change goals is an ongoing and active discussion.  For instance there was a recent a 2 hour on-line meeting on this very topic.  We would be very surprised if changes haven’t taken place a year from now’.

Somerset Council have offered to explore the question further for the resident if he requires it, but please be assured that the subject is live and being progressed as stated.