Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Sedgemoor Room, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services Email: democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk 

Note: Rescheduled meeting date 

Items
No. Item

108.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Hobbs, Boyden and Munt.

109.

Declarations of Interest

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were announced.

110.

Minutes from the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 155 KB

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Minutes:

Resolved that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Climate and Place held on 11/11/2024 be confirmed as a correct record but to rectify the attendance details of Cllrs Dingwall and Denton.

111.

Public Question Time

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.

We are now live webcasting most of our committee meetings and you are welcome to view and listen to the discussion. The link to each webcast will be available on the meeting webpage, please see details under ‘click here to join online meeting’.

Minutes:

No public questions were received.

112.

Budget Monitoring Update month 6 pdf icon PDF 314 KB

To consider the presentation on Month 6 Budget Monitoring Update.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair Invited Christian Evans, Head of Business to present an update regarding the Month 6 Budget Monitoring

  • Overview of the corporate financial position, highlighting an underspend but also noting the use of reserves and contingency funds. 
  • Detailed breakdown of the financial performance of various departments within the Climate and Place portfolio, including waste services, infrastructure, highways, traffic management, and car parking. 
  • Discussion on the medium-term financial plan savings and the challenges in achieving them; the officer advised that an update would be provided at the next meeting if the papers are available publicly.  

The Chair then invited the members to raise any questions. The following points were discussed: 

  • A member sought clarity on the five savings recorded at risk and what measures are being taken to mitigate these risks – the officer explained that the medium-term financial plan savings would be detailed in the next meeting, including a table showing the mitigations put in place to avoid risks. He acknowledged that one saving in waste was unachievable and would provide further details in the next meeting. 
  • The Vice Chair requested that the next meeting include updates for months seven and eight, as month seven figures were already available, by February month 8 figures would be out as well. The officer agreed to include updates for months seven and eight in the next meeting, working with Democratic Services team to ensure the timing aligns with the committee cycles and appropriately reported to this panel.  
  • A member requested the officers to consider the waste collection days measures in a new manner – or a different cycle, to help ease the pressure of numbers reflected on these papers. The officers agreed that quarterly basis might be more helpful and would work with the team to implement this. 
  • A member asked for clarification on the undeliverable savings in waste services and the use of the term "mitigations" versus "substitutes." - the officer confirmed that the £50,000 saving related to black recycling boxes was a minor issue and that mitigations were being put in place for other at-risk savings. He would bring a detailed narrative of these savings to the next meeting. 
  • All directors are required to put the mitigations in to offset the savings that they've they haven't achieved this year. 
  • The officer suggested that he would bring the MTFP tracker to the next meeting for the committee to see and raise questions or ask for clarification where needed. 
  • A member asked about the ongoing pressure of the waste services overspend and whether it was correctly categorized and how – and was advised that the waste services overspend should be categorized as ongoing pressures and that it had been worked into the medium-term financial plan up to 2030. 
  • What falls under resilience and adaptation and why is it an overspend? - the resilience and adaptation budget included flood and water management, the Somerset Rivers Authority, and emergency planning. The Officers would confirm the details and provide a written reply if necessary. 

 

113.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Update pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To receive and consider a presentation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair invited Stephen Dury, Project Manager – Coast Catchment Levels and Moors, to present the Local Nature Recovery Strategy draft to the committee. 

  • The LNRS is a spatial strategy aimed at environmental improvement and biodiversity enhancement. 
  • It is a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021 and aims to create a comprehensive approach to nature recovery. 
  • Somerset Council is leading the development, working closely with the Somerset Local Nature Partnership and other stakeholders. 
  • Extensive engagement with the public, farmers, landowners, and various organizations has been conducted to gather input and feedback. 
  • To protect and expand nature-rich habitats, ensuring they are better connected to allow species to thrive. 
  • To deliver other environmental benefits such as cleaner air and water, healthier soils, flood prevention, and carbon sequestration. 
  • The strategy includes a local habitat map identifying existing protected sites and areas where action could bring about significant nature recovery. 
  • Two types of opportunity areas are identified: those important for biodiversity and those where biodiversity recovery can contribute to other environmental benefits. 
  • The LNRS will guide funding from various sources, including biodiversity net gain, environmental land management schemes, and private investment. 
  • It aims to channel funding to areas where it will have the most impact. 
  • The strategy will be monitored and reviewed every three to ten years to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. 
  • There is an expectation of regular reporting to ensure the strategy's effectiveness. 
  • The strategy emphasizes a collaborative approach, involving local authorities, farmers, community groups, and NGOs. 
  • Public consultation is planned to gather further input and ensure broad participation. 
  • Addressing the decline in biodiversity and the impact of climate change. 
  • Balancing nature recovery with other land uses such as agriculture and development. 
  • The presentation highlighted the comprehensive and collaborative nature of the LNRS, aiming to create a sustainable and biodiverse environment in Somerset. 

The Chair then invited the members to raise any questions. The following points were discussed: 

  • The Vice Chair commented on the biodiversity damage and the need for data on what is damaging the moors and levels across the country. 
  • The lack of data from Natural England about what is causing the damage to our moors and levels is alarming. Members supported the idea of funding streams for environmental projects and emphasized the need for data and research.   
  • There is no finding within the Council for any of the environmental goals either to invest in fact finding and data finding.  
  • The Officer acknowledged the need for data on the damage to the moors and levels and agreed that combining climate change, environmental damage, and biodiversity issues was crucial. He supported the proposal for a CIL payment for the environment. 
  • Combines action plans for various themes.  
  • A member asked whether the LNRS would be in place in time to influence the local plan - advised that the LNRS would be in place to influence the local plan and that the team would likely become a statutory consultation body for planning, pending further guidance and funding from DEFRA. 

114.

Energy Plan Progress pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider a progress update on the Energy Plan and how it links with the Local Plan.

Minutes:

The Chair invited James Divall, Head of Climate and Natural Environment, and Mark Fortune, Service Manager – Programme Manager, Climate Emergency, to update the committee on the Energy Plan.  

  • Officers provided an update on the Somerset Energy Investment Plan, highlighting the progress made and the next steps. 
  • Explained that the plan had not yet gone to the executive due to organizational changes and multiple officers leading the project. However, they aimed to present it by March. 
  • The energy plan includes six key recommendations: decarbonizing council estates and assets, developing large-scale solar and wind projects, improving energy efficiency and retrofit in housing, electrifying demand, changing transport to reduce fossil fuel use, and engaging with the energy system. 
  • Specific Projects and Funding: 
  1. Wellington Sports Centre: A £3.5 million project to upgrade heating systems, air source heat recovery, and solar panels, resulting in significant carbon savings. 
  1. Saltlands Solar Park: Originally stalled due to a delayed grid connection, now re-evaluated with a new connection date of 2025/26. The project received £50,000 in grant funding to explore options for development. 
  1. Heat Network Feasibility Study: A project in Taunton to develop a heat network, with £70,000 secured for detailed project planning. 
  • Decarbonizing Fleet and Transport: 
  1. Transport Discovery Day: An event to explore options for decarbonizing heavy fleet vehicles, including electric and hydrogen solutions. 
  1. Zebra Funding: £2.2 million awarded for electric buses, paired with £13 million from First Bus to transform 25 buses to electric, covering 30% of the fleet in Somerset. 
  1. Electric Vehicle Charging Points: Anticipated £3.8 million for on-street and car park charging infrastructure, with a consultation planned for public input on locations. 
  • A meeting with National Grid scheduled for early February to discuss future grid impacts and improvements needed for EV infrastructure. 

The Chair invited members to raise any question. Following points were discussed:  

  • Members expressed relief and pleasure at the progress made, especially in decarbonization and further bids for funding. Emphasized the importance of electrification for transport and the potential limitations of hydrogen due to energy inefficiency – officers acknowledged the importance of electrification and agreed that hydrogen might be used when there is a surplus of energy. They emphasized that under 3.5 tonnes, electric vehicles (EVs) are the way to go, while hydrogen might be considered for heavier vehicles. 
  • Highlighted the need for a future report on retrofit, including progress on council housing stock and plans for those unable to pay - Officers confirmed that they are already working closely with relevant teams and would provide an updated report on retrofit as part of their cross-service working. 
  • Stressed the importance of improving planning policies to support renewable energy generation and high energy performance in new housing. Requested an early report on how these policies would be given weight in the new local plan – officers acknowledged the importance of influencing the local plan and confirmed that they are keen to ensure a broad range of topics are included. They will work with planning colleagues to ensure these policies are given appropriate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

115.

Task and Finish Group Update - Water Quality in Somerset

To receive a verbal work progress report.

Minutes:

 

Vice Chair Cllr Hobhouse provided a verbal update on the Task and Finish Group. The following points were noted: 

 

  • Protocol Document - Officers confirmed that a protocol document for the Task and Finish Group had been agreed upon following discussions with the Vice Chair. The document outlines the group's objectives, scope, and initial steps. 
  • Data and Understanding: The group aims to understand the available data on water quality and identify gaps. An initial report will be prepared to outline the opportunities for further understanding and the funding required to address these gaps. 
  • Next Steps: The membership of the Task and Finish Group needs to be finalized. An initial scene-setting meeting will be held to determine who needs to be consulted and what data needs to be collected. 
  • Scope and Focus: The Task and Finish Group will focus on addressing the problems on the levels and returning them to their natural biodiversity. The group will not only identify the problems but also propose solutions and actions to improve water quality. 
  • Reporting and Approval: The terms of reference for the Task and Finish Group will be shared with the committee and included in the meeting papers. The group will report back to the committee after the first meeting in January, with a detailed update on their discussions and plans. 
  • Concerns and Suggestions: A member expressed concerns about the scope and the need for local knowledge and experience to be included in the group's work. 

The importance of involving a wide range of stakeholders, including those beyond Natural England and the Environment Agency, was emphasized. 

  • Key Actions: 
  1. Finalize the membership of the Task and Finish Group. 
  1. Hold the initial scene-setting meeting in January. 
  1. Share the terms of reference with the committee. 
  1. Report back to the committee in February with an update on the group's progress. 

 

116.

Scrutiny Climate and Place Work Programme

To receive an update from the Service Manager, Governance Scrutiny. To assist the discussion, the following documents are attached:

 

(a)  The Committee’s work programme

(b)  The Committee’s outcome tracker

 

Please use the following links to view the latest Somerset Council Forward Plans and Executive Forward Plan of planned key decisions that have been published on the Council’s website:

 

Somerset Council Forward Plans

 

Somerset Council Executive Forward Plan

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee was informed that updated iterations of the work programme and outcome tracker had been published. These updates reflect discussions from previous meetings and a separate meeting with Councillor Mansell. 

The updated documents include several changes and additions, with potential future agenda items added by officers. 

  • Landslides and Risk Register: Councillor Hobhouse requested that recent landslides on the A371 be placed at the top of the risk register for the entire council. 
  • Call for Action on Rights of Way: Councillor Hobhouse mentioned new legislation allowing councillors to call up issues personally and requested action on the governance of rights of way. 
  • Early Release of Agenda Papers: Members requested that agenda papers for the next meeting be released earlier than usual due to the proximity of full council meetings and the budget setting process. 
  • Inclusion of Key Topics: 
  1. Local Plan and Retrofit: Emphasis on including updates on the local plan and retrofit in the work programme. 
  1. Bus Services Report: Highlighted the importance of the upcoming report on bus services in February, noting the council's additional funding for buses. 
  1. Annual Reports from Portfolio Holders: Suggested that annual reports from portfolio holders be presented to the scrutiny committee before going to full council. 
  • Sharing Terms of Reference: Agreed to share the terms of reference for the Water Quality Task and Finish Group with the committee and include them in the meeting papers.