Members of the public wishing to take part should notify the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance in writing or by email indicating the nature and content of their proposed participation no later than 9.00am on the working day before the meeting (in this case 29 January 2021). Enquiries can be made through the telephone number/email address below.
Minutes:
The Chairman reported that five members of the public had asked to speak. A summary of the key points from the participants was as follows:
Ronald Lee
· Mr Lee referred to the draft Budget, in particular the fact that the Council had successfully applied for £519,000 from Government for promotion of active travel
· Given the health benefits of active travel, Mr Lee was concerned that planning for the active travel programme was programmed as a subject for possible future scrutiny
· The Chairman reported that the Panel did refresh their Work Programme regularly and that given County Council elections were in May, future items were a matter for the incoming Panel, although active travel would likely feature.
Ros Cooke
· Ms Cooke referred to the Panel’s Work Programme, in particular, the reference that an update on drainage system technology was only a subject for possible scrutiny
· How would the Council keep up to date and act upon new flooding solutions and property flooding resilience?
· The Chairman highlighted that the Council was the lead Authority for Flooding and the Panel did have an Annual Report on Flooding, therefore was sure the matter would be looked into.
Andy Lyon
· Mr Lyon referred to the Performance Information, specifically that 49% of the total CO2 emissions in Worcestershire were for transport
· A request was made for the Council to provide a plan of transport infrastructure changes required to address the Government’s target of a 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
· Further investment in walking, cycling and public transport was required to mitigate the climate emergency
· The Panel Chairman reported that these matters would continue to feature on the Panel’s Work Programme, however, a lot of elements were out of the Council’s control.
David Whiting
· Mr Whiting welcomed the £0.5m revenue contribution to the Environment Agency flood mitigation scheme in Bewdley, however, suggested that the building of barriers was not a long-term solution
· Referring to the Directorate’s three areas of challenge (page 21 of the Agenda Report), Mr Whiting suggested adding Land Management to the list. It would highlight the increased level of risk from increased rainfall, soil erosion due to unsustainable farming techniques and inadequate sustainable urban drainage systems on housing developments
· Furthermore, recognition was sought for the likelihood of increased wind, longer periods of draught, higher temperatures and the impact on crops
· The Council should face up to the real challenge that is caused by climate and ecological changes as now was the time to act.
· The Chairman highlighted that flooding was now seen in a holistic way across all relevant authorities and would continue to be on the Panel Work Programme.
Janice Bell
· Ms Bell was surprised that there was no mention of Climate Change on the Agenda and asked whether climate and ecological emergency should be a standing Item for the Panel, especially given its importance
· As all County Council activities were impacted upon by climate change, there should be reference to it always
· There appeared to be a lack of concern and action for the effects of climate change within the Agenda papers – action was required now
· The Chairman highlighted that past Panel papers would reflect recent discussion by the Panel.
The Chairman thanked all participants for their interest and encouraged them to watch the remainder of the meeting on the livestream.