Issue - meetings

A report was presented which updated Members about progress against the climate change action plan since its adoption in November 2020. This confirmed that progress had been made on several fronts and invited Members to confirm:

(i)         how they would like Members to proceed with the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the Council’s car parks (four options were presented); and

(ii)        the future arrangements for the ‘Climate Change Task & Finish Working Group’ (two options were presented).

Regarding (i) above, the report commented on officer dialogue with charge point operators and the outcome of soft market testing to explore key issues such as funding options; the length and scope of a potential contract; the compatibility of back office operating systems; charging speeds and tariffs; the scope for profit sharing; measures to address EV ‘bay blocking’; environmental credentials and the potential for added social value. The merits of a partnership approach with the County Council were also referred to. The majority of Members favoured option 2 (resolution B below) although others supported option 3 (to “maintain a watching brief on EV infrastructure and the role of local authorities – to formally review as part of the November 2021 Action Plan update”). 

An initial ‘Council greenhouse gas emissions report’ for 2019/20 had been prepared but remained unpublished, pending a data reliability review. The significance of this was discussed, with opposing views about whether it compromised the rest of the action plan.

Officers agreed to check with Surrey County Council about when the data from its ‘Facebook live’ public engagement event would be shared with TDC.    

            R E S O L V E D – that

A.    the contents of this report and the progress against the Climate Change Action Plan be noted;

B.    regarding the potential installation of electric vehicle charge points in the Council’s car parks, Officers proceed with composing a form of tender based on parameters to be confirmed by the Executive Head of Communities in consultation with the Climate Change Task & Finish Working Group (as per No. 2 of the four options within the report);

C.   the Climate Change Task & Finish Working Group be renamed ‘the Climate Change Working Group’ and continue (as per No. 1 of the two options within the report) until further notice, comprising 7 Councillors, i.e.

                        2 x Independents and OLRG Alliance

                        2 x Conservative

                        2 x Liberal Democrat

                        1 x Independent Group

(In accordance with Standing Order 25, Councillor Cooper wished it recorded that he abstained  from voting on resolution C above)