Agenda for Sustainability Cabinet Committee on Friday, 23rd July, 2010, 3.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 210 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions
Contact: Tanya Massey, Senior Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business
(b) Exclusion of Press and Public - To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part 2 of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: 1A Declarations of Interest
1a.1 There were none.
1B Exclusion of Press and Public
1b.1 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (‘the Act’), the Sustainability Cabinet Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press or public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100I(1) of the Act).
1b.2 RESOLVED - That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2010 (copy attached). Minutes: 2.1 Councillor Steedman thanked the Administration for agreeing to longer term targets in relation to the reduction of carbon emissions as part of the Sustainable Communities Strategy.
2.2 The Chairman advised that sustainability was an area where new developments were always coming forward and that it was important for the council to respond appropriately and make progress.
2.3 RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2010 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. |
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Chairman's Communications Minutes: 3.1 The Chairman reported recent changes to the Sustainability Team and in particular thanked Kim Jackson, Environmental Education Officer, who had left the council and wished her well in her future endeavours.
3.2 The Chairman advised that the City Sustainability Partnership had elected Chris Todd of Friends of the Earth as its new Chairman, with Chris Wick of the Environment Agency and Vic Borrill of Brighton & Hove Food Partnership chosen as Vice Chairmen.
3.3 The Chairman reported that Elisabeth Filkin, who had worked in the Sustainability Team on a month-long placement earlier in the year, graduated from City University with her Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development and also won the Richard Sandbrook Memorial Prize for the student voted by her peers as “most likely to lead change through sustainable development”. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Members of the Cabinet Committee
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokespeople
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Chairman.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Minutes: 4.1 RESOLVED - That all the items be reserved for discussion. |
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Petitions No petitions have received by date of publication. Minutes: 5.1 There were none. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 16 July 2010)
No public questions have received by date of publication. Minutes: 6.1 There were none. |
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Deputations (The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 16 July 2010)
No deputations have received by date of publication. Minutes: 7.1 There were none. |
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Letters from Councillors (a) Sustainable Procurement. Letter from Councillor Kennedy (copy attached). Minutes: 8.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a letter from Councillor Kennedy concerning sustainable procurement and calling for a scrutiny panel to be created to investigate the issue of the Council's procurement processes and outcomes, with a particular focus on sustainability. Councillor Kennedy advised that the move towards Intelligent Commissioning would result in an increase in the procurement of services and that is was therefore the appropriate time to consider the council’s approach.
8.2 The Chairman advised that significant progress had been made and reported the following outcomes:
§ Corporate Procurement supported the re-tendering of the Corporate Catering Agreement and the successful supplier (Pabulum) now provided 100% free range eggs as well as other items. § Chartwells, the provider of school meals to primary and special schools across the City now provided the following: – fair-trade bananas – ‘Red tractor’ certified meat, sourced from the UK and the EU. – 95% of seasonal veg from British producers – 30% of transport used run on bio-fuel – School kitchen machinery ‘A’ graded for energy efficiency – Fish from sustainable, well-managed marine sources § The council had set an objective for its fleet to reduce CO2, particle and harmful gas emissions. 72% of cars replaced were in B and C categories which meant real improvements, for example of 1,700 Kilogrammes of CO2 from each of the new vehicles. § For specialist vehicles, the council would be purchasing new technologies to reduce emissions. For example, the replacement of the refuse vehicles in Cityclean had meant the introduction of Euro 5 engines and eco pumps, all of which would reduce CO2 emissions by over 2,200 Kilogrammes per vehicle, per year. § The council had also begun to look at issues such as tyres and made changes to reduce friction on the road and so reduce fuel usage and CO2 emissions. § Vehicle replacement programmes were being developed in CYPT and Adult Social care to further reduce CO2, in addition to other emissions. § Three electric vans would be purchased later in the year. § The Environmental Management System (EMS) pilot project in Brighton and Hove Centres and Hove Town Hall had been a great success and a report was expected to come to a future meeting. Procurement was a key feature of the pilot and there was potential for wide-ranging improvements in resource efficiency, in local preferred supplier lists, and in joint work with other key areas, such as health and safety and human resources. § Work on the EMS pilot was being used to simplify the language and the approach to the environmental requirements in pre qualification questionnaires for council contracts, as well as looking ahead to the support that may be needed in the future, which would help more small, local businesses bid for council contracts.
8.3 The Chairman advised that, given the improvements underway, and the further opportunities to make progress through the Intelligent Commissioning process, it was not the appropriate time to set up a scrutiny panel to investigate sustainable procurement and that the Cabinet Committee could not support the request.
8.4 Councillor Kennedy welcomed the progress and requested that the council commit to working towards creating a single policy for procurement in light of the move to Intelligent Commissioning.
8.5 The Chairman advised that she had already spoken to the Chief Executive with regard to a single procurement policy. She stated that the Cabinet Committee was the appropriate place to discuss such matters and that future agendas would include sustainable procurement as a standing item.
8.6 RESOLVED – That the letter be noted. |
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Written Questions from Councillors No written questions have been received. Minutes: 9.1 There were none. |
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Notices of Motions referred from Council No Notices of Motion have been received. Minutes: 10.1 There were none. |
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Sustainability Conference 2010 Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 11.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning the outcomes of the Sustainability Conference 2010.
11.2 The Chairman reported that feedback received had been extremely positive and she commended Mita Patel, Senior Sustainability Consultant, for her role in organising the conference.
11.3 The Senior Sustainability Consultant reported that over 20 organisations exhibited at the conference and more than 230 delegates attended including local residents, community groups, local and national organizations and business, other local authorities, media outlets and academic institutions. She commended the University of Brighton for working in partnership with the council and for providing significant resources, and thanked the conference sponsors, Eon, Sealife Centre and Searoc. She advised that focus had now moved on to the Biodiversity Conference being held at Dorothy Stringer School.
11.4 Councillor Fallon-Khan advised that he had attended the conference and had been impressed at the level of questions and knowledge shared, and the intensity of the networking that took place. He praised the high volume of positive feedback and stated that the conference had provided local organisations and businesses with the opportunity to show how they had moved forward and develop their relationships with the council.
11.5 CouncillorSteedman congratulated the all those involved in organising the conference and added that it was important for the council to continue to commit funding to provide such events.
11.6 The Chairman advised that the council would do all it could to continue its help in the future.
11.7 RESOLVED - That the report be noted. |
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Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Committee instructs and authorises the Chief Executive to lead work by the council to help Eon: § Engage with officers across the council and stakeholders across the city to ensure the potential benefits of the scheme are secured locally § Establish an office base in the city to support the windfarm development programme § Develop a strong community engagement and consultation programme to ensure their plans win strong public support locally § Develop strong local supply chains through skills development work with the universities, colleges and employers § Rename the windfarm to give it a stronger local identity. Minutes: 12.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning the successful bid from Eon Climate & Renewables to the Crown Estate for the development of an offshore wind farm near Brighton & Hove.
12.2 The Chairman reported that the four shortlisted new names for the windfarm (Sussex Wind Farm, Pavilion Offshore, Rampion, and Bluefields) went to public vote on the 7 July and after more than 2,500 votes were cast, the winner was declared as "Rampion". Monty Panesar from Sussex County Cricket Club presented the schools who shortlisted new names with cheques and a trophy of a model wind farm, engraved with the winning name and the school's name.
12.3 The Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy advised that he had received a progress update from Chris Tomlinson of Eon stating that survey work was continuing and that an office base had been identified in central Brighton. A positive meeting had taken place between Eon and the council’s Chief Executive and Eon expected to be able to provide more information in November.
12.4 The Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy explained that progress was moving forward at a significant pace and that changes to the planning system would not have an impact. The council’s support and emphasis on community engagement and consultation had given Eon confidence to proceed and the council’s relationship with Eon was moving forward.
12.5 The Chairman stated that she was please that Eon had chosen to base their operations in the city.
12.6 Councillor Fallon-Khan commented that the relationships developing as a result of the offshore wind farm would have a positive impact on the city’s reputation and that ongoing investment in environmental industries would be key for the future of the city.
12.7 CouncillorSteedman welcomed the report and agreed that, following on from the scrutiny panel that looked at environmental industries, it was important to make the city a centre for such businesses.
12.8 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Committee accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Chief Executive be instructed and authorised to lead work by the council to help Eon:
§ Engage with officers across the council and stakeholders across the city to ensure the potential benefits of the scheme are secured locally § Establish an office base in the city to support the windfarm development programme § Develop a strong community engagement and consultation programme to ensure their plans win strong public support locally § Develop strong local supply chains through skills development work with the universities, colleges and employers § Rename the windfarm to give it a stronger local identity. |
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Sustainable Communities Act update Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Committee notes the progress made to date on the council’s proposals made under the Act in 2009 and instructs officers to keep the Committee informed of Government announcements on:
(i) the implementation of any outstanding proposals; and (ii) plans to invite councils to submit a second set of proposals. Minutes: 13.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning progress made on the council’s proposals submitted under the Sustainable Communities Act in 2009.
13.2 The Policy Development Officer explained that no decisions on the proposals had been made prior to the General Election and that the new Coalition Government was in the process of setting out its policy agenda, but had signaled a commitment to implementing the Act in the near future.
13.3 Councillor Caulfield advised that many allotment holders were not aware that there were legally permitted to sell surplus produce and suggested that work could be undertaken to raise awareness.
13.4 The Sustainability Officer explained that growers were able to sell genuinely surplus produce providing that revenue was put back into growing; they were not permitted to make a profit from sales.
13.5 The Chairman commented that the local organisations and residents had put a significant amount of work into the proposals and that it was disappointing that the previous Government had not come forward with a decision. She hoped to see a quick decision from the new Government.
13.6 CouncillorSteedman welcomed the Early Day Motion that all of the city’s MPs had signed expressing their disappointment that a decision had not been made on the proposals by the former Government. He suggested that the council write to the city’s MPs to ask them to give their support to the proposals put forward by local organizations and residents.
13.7 The Chairman agreed to take Councillor Steedman’s suggestion forward.
13.8 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Committee accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the progress made to date on the council’s proposals made under the Act in 2009 be noted and officers be instructed to keep the Committee informed of Government announcements on:
(i) the implementation of any outstanding proposals; and (ii) plans to invite councils to submit a second set of proposals. |
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Brighton & Hove Fair Trade Steering Group Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Committee welcome the progress made by the steering group to date. Minutes: 14.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance updating Members on the work of Brighton & Hove’s Fair Trade Steering Group.
14.2 The Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy reported that many people had expressed an interest in joining the steering group and that the membership had a broad representation including shops and other retailers, businesses, campaign groups and national Fair Trade figures living in the city. He advised that the steering group was working with Visit Brighton on raising awareness of Fair Trade outlets in the city.
14.3 Councillor Fallon-Khan advised that he had attended a recent meeting of the steering group and had been impressed by the ideas and positive outlook. He added that he looked forward to reporting back to the Cabinet Committee at future meetings.
14.4 The Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy advised that two versions of Appendix 1 had been attached to the agenda and that the second one was out of date.
14.5 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Committee accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the progress made by the steering group to date be welcomed. |
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Community Land Bank Feasibility Study Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 15.1 The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning the Community Land Bank study and the feedback of the roundtable.
15.2 The Chairman stated that it was good to see that the leading role Brighton & Hove was playing in community food growing had been recognised and that the city are taking part in this national pilot.
15.3 The Sustainability Officer explained that the council was awaiting the outcome of the study and that there was a possibility that the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens (FCFCG) would come forward with some funding. She advised that the council was able to identify a number of sites and that other organisations were also expected to offer sites for use.
15.4 Councillor Steedman welcomed the progress and the council’s clear support for the initiative.
15.5 The Chairman advised that a good response could be expected from other organisations if it was made clear that the scheme would be flexible and that the sites could be reclaimed if necessary; this would also need to be communicated to the growers.
15.6 John Patmore from Brighton-based environmental consultancy advised that sites proposed from community food growing may also hold biodiversity worth and that it should be considered alongside food growing potential.
15.7 Councillor Caulfield confirmed that work was being undertaken with biodiversity issues in mind and that community groups were being given the appropriate advice.
15.8 RESOLVED – That the council’s participation in the Community Land Bank initiative be noted.
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CESP - Community Energy Saving Programme To note the draft extract from the proceedings of the Housing Cabinet Member Meeting held on the 7 July 2010 (copy attached).
(i) Report of the Director of Housing Culture & Enterprise (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 16.1 The Cabinet Committee considered an extract from the Housing Cabinet Member Meeting held on 7 July 2010 and associated report of the Director of Housing, Culture & Enterprise concerning the potential opportunities offered by the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) as part of the council’s wider strategic housing vision of making best use of the city’s assets by improving and increasing investment in homes for the benefit of tenants and residents of the city as a whole.
16.2 Councillor Caulfield reported that the council was working with the energy providers to improve energy efficiency and in particular to target low income households.
16.3 CouncillorSteedman welcomed the proposals and stated that it would help the council to meet its Local Area Agreement (LAA) targets. He queried whether there would be an increased benefit seen if the council was to focus more on private sector housing given that Standard Assessment Ratings (SAP) ratings for the council’s own stock were very positive.
16.4 The Head of Housing Strategy and Development explained that the aim was to improve energy efficiency in all housing across the city; it was easier to deliver the necessary match funding on the council’s own stock, but it did not prevent the council working with homeowners and private tenants. The expectation was that a substantive proposal would be considered at the Housing Cabinet Member Meeting in September and that work would begin soon after.
16.5 The Chairman added that once work began on the council’s own stock, homeowners and private landlords would see the advantages gained and the scheme would take off.
16.6 RESOLVED – That the extract and report be noted.
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Report of the City Sustainability Partnership (a) To note the minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2010 (copy attached).
(b) To note the minutes of the meeting held on 8 March 2010 (copy attached).
(c) To note the draft minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2010 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 17.1 The Cabinet Committee considered the minutes of the City Sustainability Partnership (CSP) held on 18 January 2010, 8 March 2010 and the draft minutes of the CSP held on 10 May 2010.
17.2 RESOLVED – That the minutes be noted. |