In introducing the report, Councillor Wooster, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee , drew attention to the significant work ongoing around the borough and she offered her thanks to the members of the committee and officers for their hard work.

The report was seconded by the Vice-Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Councillor Jayes.

Members made comments including:

• welcomed the report and recognised the benefits delivered through climate action measures, including LED lighting, solar panels, and energy efficiency improvements which reduced costs and improved quality of life;
• disappointed that some Members were not present for the debate, particularly given the constitutional and environmental significance of the report;
• effective climate action also delivered social benefits, including warmer homes, reduced fuel poverty, improved air quality, better health outcomes, and stronger community wellbeing;
• acknowledged that climate change disproportionately affected those already under pressure, including people on low incomes, older residents, young families, and those with existing health conditions;
• investing in climate and energy efficiency measures reduced long‑term financial, social and health costs, including pressures on the NHS, emergency services and housing repairs;
• supported measures promoting active travel, public transport, and protection of green spaces, with associated benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing and community pride;
• recognised that the report did not underestimate the financial pressures facing councils but highlighted that delaying action would increase future costs;
• referenced the importance of leading by example within the Council, particularly in relation to recycling practices and waste management within council buildings;
• concern about the absence of clear cost information within the report, with Members stating that understanding expenditure and value for money was important for budget planning;
• suggested that future reports should include clearer financial data to support scrutiny and decision‑making;
• referenced the role of planning policy, including the Regulation 18 consultation, in reducing environmental impact through development management;
• supported the report while raising specific queries about technical claims, including building standards, energy installations and emissions reduction data;
• concerns raised about fuel poverty affecting working households who did not qualify for existing support schemes, and the need to explore how such residents could be better assisted;
• referenced differences in how fuel poverty was defined nationally, and the implications this had for eligibility and support;
• acknowledged that forthcoming national schemes which may assist households who were “just about managing” to transition to more energy‑efficient heating systems;
• recycling contamination increased costs to the Council and required further education and engagement with residents;
• supported further work through area committees and officer‑led workshops to address recycling and waste issues;
• concerns raised about the lack of food waste recycling provision for blocks of flats, with calls for early rollout and appropriate resident education;
• recognised that climate action initiatives were delivering savings to the Council, including reduced electricity costs and long‑term financial benefits;
• expressed thanks to officers and committees for their work on the report and the progress made since the Council declared a climate and ecological emergency; and
• emphasised the value of cross‑party working through steering groups and encouraging full participation by all political groups.

Resolved:  

(1) The Climate and Ecological Emergency Annual Progress Report be noted.