The Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cumberland Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Climate and Nature Strategy and tourism initiatives. The Committee reviewed the draft Climate and Nature Strategy, provided feedback on its contents, and discussed the importance of addressing coastal erosion. Additionally, the Committee examined the Council's efforts to support tourism in Cumberland, including promotional activities and the need for improved transport infrastructure.

Climate and Nature Strategy

The Climate and Natural Environment Manager presented the draft Climate and Nature Strategy, outlining the objectives, commitments, and programmes for the next three years (2024-2027). The strategy, developed with input from the Climate and Nature Advisory Group, aims to address climate change and nature conservation through various initiatives.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the heating and energy costs for community centres. A member suggested forming a task and finish group to explore options for reducing these costs. The Corporate Decarbonisation Manager mentioned that the Council's Asset Management Plan could include energy efficiency methods for Council-owned centres.

Concerns were raised about the lack of detail on coastal erosion in the strategy. The Chair requested a report on the impact of coastal erosion on tourism, transport routes, and the railway, and how these issues would be incorporated into the strategy. The Committee also emphasised the need for more training for members on the Climate and Nature Strategy.

The strategy includes support for the Cumbria Community Forest to deliver up to 150 hectares of trees, woodlands, and forests. A member requested careful consideration of the types of trees being planted to avoid large areas of quick-growing trees like pine.

Tourism

The Assistant Director Thriving Place & Investment provided an overview of the Council's efforts to support tourism. A promotional video showcasing Cumberland was presented, which had been used at the UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds. The Committee noted that the video did not reflect Cumberland's diversity and requested edits to include minority groups.

The Destination Manager discussed the challenges of providing information to non-English speaking visitors and mentioned that work would be done to ensure the Council's website offers information in multiple languages. The Committee also discussed the potential benefits of establishing a strategic group to address tourism issues and the development of a Destination Plan to attract and disperse tourists to lesser-known areas.

A member highlighted the importance of improving transport infrastructure to support tourism and the economy. The Destination Manager acknowledged these issues, which are outside the Council's remit, but noted that the Economic Strategy would address public transport as a strategic economic issue.

Committee Update Report and Work Programme

The Policy and Scrutiny Officer submitted the Committee Update Report and Work Programme. The Committee noted the progress on previous resolutions and the items on the most recent Forward Plan of Key Decisions. A member inquired about the transfer agreement for the Citadels, and the Policy and Scrutiny Officer agreed to provide a written response.

For further details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet of the meeting.