Agenda and minutes

Consider Minute of meeting held on 11 March 2022. (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the Meeting held on 11 March 2022.

DECISION

APPROVED for signature by the Chairman.

Consider extract from Scheme of Administration on the role of the Sustainable Development Committee by Chief Planning Officer and Senior Policy Advisor.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of an extract from the Interim Scheme of Administration approved, as amended on 26 May 2022 which concerned the Sustainable Development Committee.  The Chief Planning and Housing Officer, Mr Ian Aikman explained that the extract from the scheme of administration that had been circulated with the agenda reflected the basis of the Committee, and in particular its functions. The main focus of the Committee had been to recommend how Scottish Borders Council tackled climate change.  The Committee had deviated from that narrowly defined function, and it was clear that there was a role for the Committee to consider, provide oversight, and scrutiny of recommendations for Council, linked to the Priority Action Plan.  In order to reflect the work of the Committee and the landscape that it operated in, Mr Aikman proposed to amend the Scheme of Administration to widen the role of the Committee to reflect the remit of the Committee as focused not solely on Climate Change.  This was unanimously agreed.  In response to a question regarding whether the amendments would allow the Committee to scrutinise in a more effective manner, Mr Aikman explained that the amendments would give a more accurate reflection of the work that the Committee had undertaken.  In response to a question regarding the annual reports to Council, Mr Aikman outlined that the annual report was a key document, and that scrutiny would happen at the Committee meetings on a quarterly basis.

DECISION

AGREED to delegate authority to Officers to seek amendments to the Scheme of Administration, particularly with regards to the “Functions Referred” section and the name of the Committee.

MEMBER

Councillor Begg joined the meeting during the discussion of the above item. 

Consider update on Scottish Borders Climate Change Route Map by Senior Policy Advisor and Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of Our Climate Change Route Map for the Scottish Borders (CCRM) with the agenda.  Corporate Policy Advisor, Mr Michael Cook gave a presentation and explained that the document should be viewed in light of three key steps.  The Council had committed to the UN Sustainable development goals in August 2019, agreed to the Climate Emergency Declaration in 2020, which recognised the threat posed by climate change, followed by the Scottish Borders Climate Change Route Map publicised in June 2021.  The CCRM was a Council created document, but was focused on a just transition to net zero for the region by 2045.  Mr Cook explained that a key principle of the Route Map was that the transition to net zero should not weigh unduly on the most vulnerable, and that changes needed to be shared out equitably.  The CCRM was focused on trying to find best practise and recognised that the route to net zero would be a generational challenge.  Mr Cook outlined the emissions baseline for the region and explained that net zero by 2045 was a legally binding target, with an interim target of 90% by 2040 also present.  All public bodies were required to set targets based on the 2011 baseline, with discussions ongoing with regional partners on how to achieve those targets.  A key part of achieving the goals was partnership collaboration on a local, regional and national level.  Mr Cook highlighted behavioural change as an area that would make up a significant percentage of carbon reduction, and that effective engagement was essential to deliver that required change.  Members welcomed the briefing. 

DECISION

NOTED the briefing.

Consider update on the Plan of Priority Actions by Senior Policy Advisor and Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator.  (Copy attached.)

4.1       There had been circulated copies of the Scottish Borders Climate Change Route Map - Draft Priority Actions 2022-2024.  Mr Cook explained that the Plan had been agreed in March 2021 by Scottish Borders Council, and that a number of Officers were involved with work across 5 key themes.  There were 5 milestones per theme, and the Plan provided a framework for detailed action.  It was envisaged that the Plan was the beginning of a continual cycle of action, with further actions developed from completed ones.  Mr Cook stressed that Scottish Borders Council’s work on climate action had commenced prior to the Plan.  However, the urgent need to tackle climate change had been of paramount concern when the plan was devised. 

4.2       Mr Cook introduced Ms Louise Cox, Environmental Strategy Officer, who discussed theme one: Building Resilience.  Ms Cox explained that building resilience was outcome focused, and that discussions were held with the Director – Infrastructure and Environment to assess the service area and its connections.  Regarding the goal to get 50% of staff accredited on Carbon literacy training via online training modules, the training would sit alongside other mandatory training modules for staff with the Council.  The goal with regards to Learning for Sustainability involved embedding the Learning for Sustainability teaching into all primary and secondary schools across the region by training staff and delivering the universal entitlement to all SBC pupils.  Work was ongoing to develop the business case for the South East Scotland Regional Climate Risk Assessment, with resources required to develop, and the scope of the shared prosperity fund needed to be assessed.  In the context of coastal sea defences, consultancy work was ongoing and an update was expected with the next action Plan.  With regards to bridges and other structures, properly detailed risk assessments and inspections were planned following the appropriate tender process. Mr Cook highlighted that Item Number 6 on the agenda concerned Carbon Literacy training for Members, and that a slide presentation would be circulated on the theme of Decarbonising our Waste Management following the meeting. 

4.3       The Project Management Team Leader, Mr Ewan Doyle, gave a presentation on the theme of Decarbonising our Transport Use from the Action Plan.  Mr Doyle explained that there were 10 initial actions in the first two years of the plan.  The new National Transport Strategy 2 had been introduced several years ago, which focused on reducing inequalities, health and wellbeing, promoting active travel and increasing inclusive growth.   With regard to the 10 initial actions, the first – local access and transport strategy, had not progressed but considerable background action was ongoing.  With regard to Active Travel, feasibility studies had been carried out with a view to delivering key infrastructure across the region to allow people to make the choice on how to travel.  The community engagement element of the plan had been positive, with 1300 responses.  Mr Doyle explained that there was considerable overlap between plans for the active travel network, and that partnership working would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Consider update by Chief Planning Officer.

Mr Aikman explained that work was ongoing to develop the forward programme for the next period, and that a standing item would be put on the Agenda for future meetings which provided an update on progress.  Future meetings of the Committee were expected to be themed, with the next meeting in September expected to focus on Education, training skills, with a wider scope than solely SBC officers.  Mr Aikman welcomed feedback from the Elected Members and welcomed guidance on what topics to address and discuss.  Mr Aikman agreed to circulate the forward planner to Members and undertook to seek more Member input. 

DECISION

NOTED

Consider update by Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator.

Ms Cox explained that Carbon Literacy Training for elected Members was offered by Keep Scotland Beautiful.  The training was based on existing bespoke accredited materials.  The training was delivered in four modules, with a certificate provided on completion.  The content covered included an introduction to climate change, the impact of climate change, mitigation and a focus on how individuals could impact upon climate change in a positive manner.  It was hoped that as many Elected Members as possible would undergo the training.

DECISION

NOTED