Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment presenting the Hampshire County Council Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2025.

The report was set out and a number of key points were highlighted. It was confirmed that work was being carried out with the Carbon Trust to establish a baseline and the potential carbon savings hadn’t been calculated for each individual action because of the complexity and resources required to do so. Decision making tools were also being developed with the Carbon Trust to allow the impact of decisions on climate change to be understood and taken into account. The Plan was structured around the Climate Change Strategy, on the basis of its overarching areas, but was only to 2025 to allow flexibility and responsiveness. Many of the actions within the Plan could not be progressed within the County Council’s budget and the ability to deliver was dependent on government funding. With regard to the specific proposed action of investing the Hampshire Pension Fund in the green economy, it was clarified that this would require a decision of the Pension Fund Panel and not Full Council.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Warwick addressed the meeting, highlighting the three components of strategy, plan and framework. She emphasised the value of community engagement in the process and suggested that a similar event could be held for parish and town Councils. Councillor Warwick noted the importance of the work with the Carbon Trust and praised the efforts of the team in reaching this stage.

Cabinet noted the guiding principle of “avoid, replace, reduce, offset” and were supportive of putting the County Council in the best possible position to bid for any government funding that became available, whilst also encouraging businesses and individuals to become more sustainable. It was recognised that the Action Plan was a live document, which could be reviewed and incorporate new opportunities that arose. The high level of positive community engagement and input, through both the stakeholder event and through the deputations that had been received was welcomed. It was acknowledged that there was much more to do, but agreed that a strong starting position had been reached and that by embracing a realistic approach to change, genuine progress would be achieved. 

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A

decision record is attached to these minutes.