Agenda and minutes

To receive notification of the appointment of any Substitute Members at the meeting.

There were no substitute members reported.

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in matters appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensations that have been granted to you in relation to any matters appearing on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 31 July 2024.

The minutes of the meeting of the sub-committee held on 31 July 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A member queried if emails sent to the Chair would be able to be recorded as part of the minutes, the Chair responded he would investigate the matter and inform the member separately.

A report to provide members of the Green Sub Committee with information on the Authority’s Carbon Net Zero 2030 programme of work which supports the Our North Tyneside Plan policy priority.

A report was presented to members with information on the Authority’s Carbon Net Zero 2030 programme of work which supports the Our North Tyneside Plan policy priority.

Officers confirmed that Carbon Net Zero 2030 Action Plan 2023/24 that was approved by Cabinet in August, would hopefully be replaced by the forthcoming Action Plan refresh to be heard at the September Cabinet and would then be available on the Authority’s website.

In response to a query re: Fleet electrification, officers confirmed that while the changeover had begun there were a number of vehicles belonging to the Authority. The Authority wouldn’t replace good functioning diesel vehicles till they were no longer of use and the electric variants were cost effective.  Officers stated that the efficiency of electric vehicles was something they would keep a close eye on, as well as the indicators required for regional and national recognition.

A member asked whether the LED streetlight changeover had led to any safety concerns from residents.  Officers stated there had been very little opposition, and no major safety concerns raised but would be happy to investigate if members had any ongoing concerns. 

It was noted that the cross-party working group on Electric Vehicle Charging had reported back to Cabinet in February 2024.

A question was asked about the Authority’s likelihood of hitting the targets set.  Officers responded that there was still the appetite to reach these targets, and that current policies and financial framework were set with these goals in mind.

The Sub-Committee thanked officers for their input, and made a few suggestions

How are we already doing in engaging with residents?  What internal criteria are we using to benchmark our performance?

Could we use Authority communications to highlight potential savings to residents or to point them in the right direction re: legitimate savings / solar panel entitlement?

Could we explore better ways of communicating the 2030 target to residents e.g. case studies on how small changes can affect people and targets?

To consider the priorities for inclusion in the Sub-committee’s work programme 2024-25.

Members were asked to make suggestions for future Work Programme items, these included:

·         Insulation for less well-off residents

·         Cullercoats Bay and the Blue Flag status

·         Vision Zero and the Authority’s approach to Road Safety

·         The Flytipping Policy

5 Nov 2024 6.00 pm

5 Nov 2024 6.00 pm