Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Khondoker.

There were no declarations of substitute members.

If you have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest* in an item of business:

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In both the above cases, you must leave the room without participating in discussion of the item.

If you have a personal interest in an item of business and you intend to speak or vote on the item you must declare both the existence and details of it at the start of the meeting or when it becomes apparent but you may participate in the discussion and vote on the item.

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This applies to all members present at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

None

The order of business would be as per the agenda.

The Chair invited both the Executive Member for Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Champion and The Corporate Director of Environment and Regeneration to address the meeting and give a presentation, a copy of which is interleaved. The following main points were made:

·         Councillor Champion, Executive Member for Environment and Regeneration acknowledged the challenges and opportunities in the last year, reiterating the Council’s commitment in building a greener, healthier and fairer borough for all its residents

·         It was noted that the pandemic has further exposed deep and entrenched inequalities which underlines the need for urgent action to address inequality and health inequality in Islington.  

·         Despite an almost unprecedented global economic slowdown, last year has witnessed the second hottest year on record, further underlining the urgent need to take action to combat global warming and climate change. 

·         Executive Member acknowledged that prior to national lockdown in March 2020, the Council was engaging with local people and organisations on its draft Vision 2030: Building a Net Zero Carbon Islington by 2030 Strategy, however this has now been agreed alongside the Council’s new Transport Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan in November 2020.

·         A new delivery team has been created within a new Climate Change and Transport Service.

·         The Executive Member noted that 2021 has not just been about adopting the Strategy and preparing Action Plan, the Council has made significant strides in terms of delivering its 2030 Vision by continuing to deliver initiatives such as School streets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and Cycle lanes etc. In addition, Council has commenced work on its ambitious programme to improve the energy efficiency of council homes and buildings; ensuring electric vehicles make up 10% of the council fleet and developing ambitious and robust planning policies to ensure the highest possible environmental standards for all new buildings in Islington. 

·         Executive Member acknowledged that in delivering its Action Plan, the Council will be investing £48 million over the next three years.

·         The Corporate Director reiterated that carbon emissions for Islington as a borough is presently 679,589 tonnes, representing a reduction of 42% since 2015.

·         The Council has categorised its proposed commitments and actions as to what the Council can commit to immediately and actions to take; what the Council see as potential commitments but will require further investigation before committing to and what the Council will need from others so as to be able to achieve its net zero target, including funding, powers and legislation.

·         It was noted that this period is an opportunity to deliver a transformative reduction in carbon emission in the borough and this can be achieved through collaboration with residents, local communities and borough and regional partners.

·         Meeting was advised that the programme has eight delivery work streams and the Council has invested additional resources to make it happen. The Corporate Director reiterated the importance of the Council developing a governance arrangements for councillor scrutiny and engagement, borough partnerships and engagements and regional and national working.

·         The Council continues to build on existing partnerships  ...  view the full minutes text for item 448.

For members of the public to ask questions relating to any subject on the meeting agenda under Procedure Rule 70.5. Alternatively, the Chair may opt to accept questions from the public during the discussion on each agenda item.

In response to concerns and the possibility of the Council’s being able to meet its 2030 target, it was suggested by the Executive Member that it is imperative that communication with residents will need to be improved.

With regards to Council’s commitment on planting trees, the meeting was advised that the current canopy (target) is presently 27% but the Council has a target of 30% which is a significant shift.

In terms of the huge investment required by both the private and public sector in other to fulfil most of the green initiatives highlighted in the Strategy, the meeting was advised that the Council in conjunction with other authorities via the London Climate Change Programme is working on an investment strategy which will be presented to central government.

A suggestion to involve schools and colleges as they have a vital role to play was noted, that curriculums should reflect the Council’s target.

In response to a question about TMO’s, TRA’s and Co-op’s and its involvement with green initiative, meeting was advised that the Council recognises the need to work with them and will include them with the Council’s plans

On whether support is available to home owners or if they would be able to access or benefit from some of the green initiatives, meeting was advised that the council will continue to lobby government to be more flexible in this area especially as different criteria exists for different applications.

On the question of involvement with voluntary organisations, the meeting was advised that the Council has carried out some work with ISEP previously but it will be considering their involvement as the programme goes forward.