Purpose

The annual report for 2023/24 regarding progress against the aims, objectives and actions from the Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy shall be presented for noting by Cabinet.

Decision

The Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy 2023-2024 Progress Report provided an update on the significant progress made against the aims, objectives, and actions set out in the Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy during the third year since its adoption on 19th October 2021.

Details of a wide range of activities were provided, all of which delivered against one or more of the actions in the strategy. Following the procurement of renewable electricity in 2022 there had been a reduction in net emissions to 4,476 tCO2e, representing a decrease of 78.2% against the 1990 baseline. The Council remained comfortably within the first carbon budget, having used 47.1% over the first four years of the seven-year budget. This meant the Council was on track to meet the first carbon budget.

Air quality had seen consistent improvement since the adoption of the strategy in 2021. Following good progress, the council had now begun the formal process of revoking four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA).

RESOLVED

1. 1.               That the progress made in 2023-2024 against the aims, objectives and actions in the Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy be NOTED.
2. 2.               That the Council is on track to meet its first carbon budget be NOTED.