Issue - meetings

Decision:

The Executive formally agreed the proposed responses and the reasons for those responses as set out in the table at item 5.

Reason(s):

1.   In order to help improve air quality and reduce emissions.

2.   To improve the Council’s communications in regard to air quality, particularly the air pollution concentrations in the Borough and the benefits of clean air.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered an air quality update report on 5 March 2024. The report had provided the Committee with an update on progress of air quality projects and other statutory air quality priorities in fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management, as amended by the Environment Act 2021. In conclusion of the Committee’s consideration of the update report two recommendations for the Executive were agreed. Firstly, that the Executive adopt a Motor Vehicle No Idling policy for staff, contractors and visitors on council premises, and staff using a vehicle for conducting council business. Secondly, that the Executive improve the council’s communications on air quality, particularly the air pollution concentrations in the Borough and the benefits of clean air.

The Lead Councillor for Regulatory and Democratic Services introduced the report and the Senior Specialist (Environment) Officer was in attendance.

The meeting heard that in the space of a few months an anti-idling draft policy would be submitted to the Executive for its consideration. Although the council had no formal powers to require drivers to switch off their engines when stationary, the policy would set out to deliver behaviour change wherever possible, but most certainly on its own estate. It would be expected that all council staff, unless there was a legitimate reason, would act in compliance when carrying out their duties. Appropriate signage would be designed to be placed in suitable locations to raise awareness that engine idling was bad for the environment and for public health. It was suggested that local vehicle drivers who endorsed the council’s message in this regard might be given car stickers to display to spread the message wider.

The response to the second recommendation was to propose a broader air quality communications campaign to engage with residents not just in the case of driver behaviour but, for example, lighting bonfires and burning solid fuel to heat homes. A particular target cohort for the programme would be young people and the council would be working with partners to deliver its message in schools. It was noted that the funding for the campaign had been ringfenced by the council and had not been externally sourced.

The Executive agreed it was correct for the council to lead by example in this matter and the target list for the campaign should include all councillors. It was important to enable residents to understand the levels and sources of air pollution, how to mitigate against pollution and how to become involved in tackling air quality issues or how to raise a concern. One key message to residents should set out that individual actions can and do make a difference to improve the quality of life for neighbours and the borough as a whole. Consequently, the Executive,

RESOLVED:

To agree the proposed responses and the reasons for those responses as set out in the table at item 5.

Reason(s):

1.   In order to help improve air quality and reduce emissions.

2.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65