Agenda item

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council's (BMBC's) Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), Zero Carbon Engagement, Governance and Delivery Proposals

To consider a report of the Executive Director Core Services and the Executive Director Place (Item 4a attached) in respect of BMBC’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan (Item 4b attached).

Minutes:

The following witnesses were invited to the meeting:

 

·         Paul Castle, Service Director, Environment & Transport, Place Directorate, BMBC

·         Richard Burnham, Head of Housing & Energy, Place Directorate, BMBC

·         David Malsom, Group Leader, Housing & Energy, Place Directorate, BMBC

·         Cllr Chris Lamb, Cabinet Spokesperson - Place (Environment and Transportation)

 

Members were invited to consider the report of the Executive Director Core Services and the Executive Director Place regarding BMBC’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), which sets out the Council’s ambitions for Zero40 and Zero45 and how it plans to achieve these targets through engagement, the adoption of key principles and partnership working.  It was explained that  

Barnsley's approach will consist of 5 year 'chunks' of activity to improve people's lives concentrating on fuel poverty, an inclusive economy and putting young people at the heart of our economy, with the three elements of civic leadership, positive engagement and positive action.

 

In the ensuing discussion, and in response to detailed questioning and challenge the following matters were highlighted:

 

Councillor Wraith referred to an issue which had arisen around additives in diesel causing problems with Council vehicles.  An explanation of the problem was provided by Councillor Leech.   It seems there was too much water in the additive which is mixed with the fuel and caused a problem with the vehicles.  This issue has been addressed with suppliers who have identified an issue with the facility and re-using of barrels whereby a residual amount of water was being left in the barrels which affected the mixture.  Discussions are ongoing with the suppliers and the issue will be resolved within the next few days.

 

A member raised concerns regarding the cost of bio mass boilers and ground source heat pumps in Berneslai Homes communal properties.  In these instances the residents are unable to switch suppliers to save money on the open market.  Officers are aware of the higher costs in communal schemes but were under the impression that the cost is subsidised to similar levels as in other properties.  Discussions with Berneslai Homes are ongoing and further information will be provided outside of the meeting.  It is imperative that higher costs associated with de-carbonisation do not fall on vulnerable people.

 

Members sought reassurance that the Economic Recovery Plan post-Covid will be in line with carbon neutral targets.  It was acknowledged that Covid has affected society in many ways, but with some positives in terms of a reduction in carbon already seen as a result of behaviour changes and also by presenting opportunities to reduce carbon emissions by retro-fitting housing, creating jobs and thus aiding the economy.  It was explained that the Government has made available various grants and initiatives for decarbonising private sector property and public sector buildings, partly to aid recovery and also to reduce carbon emissions and aid achievement of the carbon reduction targets.  

 

Partners and stakeholders in the climate action agenda include Berneslai Homes, Barnsley Premier Leisure, schools,  Sheffield City Region, Leeds City Region; Sheffield University (who are a world leading facility in food production), Energise Barnsley and Northern Powergrid.  A lot of work is being done, but there is  a need to do more, particularly in terms of encouraging and growing the capacity of community groups and working with the private and voluntary sector.  There is a need for an open dialogue with 'big emitters' - such organisations need to make changes themselves, with an input from Central Government in terms of initiatives and sanctions for carbon emissions, whilst ensuring that companies don't decide to move businesses abroad to avoid sanctions.  A programme is being developed to help SMEs to become more efficient, grant funding dependent.  In addition the Council has an ambitious aim to plant 10,000 trees in the Borough, working with a range of partners including the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Water and others.  Work with younger people is crucial in the carbon neutral agenda as it is about their future. 

 

The biggest threats to achievement of the targets set is the cost and responsibility thereof.   For example, by 2035 every property should have an EPC certificate.  At the moment 85,000 homes in Barnsley will need work to bring up to EPC C standard which will cost around £1billion , with no clear plan in place to do this.   BMBC has no jurisdiction in terms of private property compliance.  Transport and industry are other areas which need attention and depend largely on the actions of central Government.  

 

Strong local engagement and consultation is key to the development of the 2030 Framework and Plan within the Sustainable Barnsley theme.    

 

Barnsley ran a scheme called Better Homes Barnsley which attracted funds which were invested in private sector and owner-occupied households to improve energy efficiency.  This is no longer running, but funding from other sources is being explored and pilot programmes will be put in place.  There is expertise within the team to support householders, publicising schemes via various means whilst recognising that there is no statutory obligation placed on households to comply.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(i)            Witnesses be thanked for their attendance and contribution, and

(ii)          Members note the report.

  

 

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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