Purpose

This report sets out proposals for a new programme of environmental improvement and carbon reduction for the county council.

In December 2020, the county council adopted an ambitious carbon reduction and nature recovery resolution that seeks to 'transition the Lancashire economy away from carbon by 2030, and address the biodiversity crisis'.  Emerging new duties for the county council in the Environment Bill complement the resolution. To help implement the new responsibilities, a cross-directorate programme of environmental improvement and carbon reduction activity across Lancashire is proposed, comprising of:

1.  Carbon reduction from county council buildings and property.

2.  Tree planting.

3.  Peatland restoration and carbon capture.

4.  Local air quality management.

5.  Nature recovery.

6.  Active travel.

7.  Strategy and programme management.

To deliver the programme, eleven new posts are proposed costing £543,000, together with operational budgets of £430,000. 

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.