The Environment Select Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and service delivery matters. Key decisions included the approval of a new Parking Plan and revised parking tariffs, alongside noting updates on the Waste Transformation Programme and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The committee also received reports on the council's winter resilience, housing compliance, and the progress of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure project.

Parking Plan and Tariffs Approved

The committee received reports detailing proposed changes to Wiltshire Council's parking services, aiming to create a more sustainable, customer-focused, and financially viable parking system. The Parking Plan 2026-2030 was presented, outlining key initiatives such as improving accessibility, integrating technology for real-time availability and EV charging, enhancing signage, and restructuring the parking service for better asset management. The plan also includes proposals for resident parking schemes, managed event parking, and improved enforcement.

Alongside the plan, the Parking Tariffs 2026-2030 report proposed amendments to parking charges to align with the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4), the Parking Sub-strategy (PSS), and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). These proposals include a two-year review cycle for tariffs, extending charging hours to 07:00–19:00, aligning Sunday charges with weekday rates, and introducing charges in staff car parks outside of work hours. The aim is to secure funding for transport services, support environmental goals, and maintain regional competitiveness while considering local economic needs.

The committee noted the contents of these reports, with the proposals for the Parking Plan and Tariffs set to progress to Cabinet for approval.

Waste Transformation Programme Update

Councillor Dominic Muns, Chairman of the Waste Transformation Task Group, provided an update on the group's recent activities. The task group met on 20 November 2025 to consider a draft Cabinet report on the Waste Transformation Programme (WTP), focusing on the rationale, governance, and timelines of the programme. They reviewed proposals including a Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) contract variation, the formation of a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCO) partnership, retention of the twin-stream recycling system, and a public feedback exercise on changing residual waste collections to three-weekly.

A further meeting on 28 November 2025 with detailed financial information allowed the task group to examine the Mid-Term Finance Strategy (MTFS) scenario modelling, contract price increases, and proposed capital expenditure. The group also discussed proposed changes to Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), including the phased closure of two sites and the introduction of a booking system. The task group's forward work plan was noted, indicating continued scrutiny of the WTP.

Climate Emergency Task Group Update

Councillor Graham Wright, Chairman of the Climate Emergency Task Group, presented an update on their recent activities. The task group met on 28 November 2025 to provide input into the new Climate Delivery Plan 2026, suggesting the inclusion of progress against key performance indicators and actions related to climate adaptation. They also discussed the plan's linkage to the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans, and financing options, including green finance and central government funding. Engagement with town and parish councils, social housing providers, and suppliers to reduce their emissions were also highlighted as areas of focus.

On 5 December 2025, the task group considered a report on the council's Enhanced Biodiversity Duty, welcoming the report and seeking clarification on the monitoring of planning applications for biodiversity net gain, associated costs, and the management of trees on new housing developments. The task group's forward work plan was also noted.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Ready for Adoption

Councillor Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste, introduced the final draft of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Wiltshire and Swindon. The LNRS is a statutory initiative aligned with the government's 25-year environment plan and contributes to Wiltshire Council's Business Plan. It aims to protect and conserve biodiversity, with a key target of protecting at least 30 percent of land and sea by 2030. The strategy includes a written document and an interactive map identifying priority habitats and areas for reconnection.

Extensive public consultation had taken place, leading to updates in the strategy regarding planning law, farming, and community involvement. The strategy identifies 25 nature recovery priorities. The committee noted the draft LNRS and requested a briefing note on biodiversity net gain (BNG).

Resilience Service Update

The committee received an update on the Resilience Service's preparedness for winter and other emergencies. Wiltshire Council operates under the Highways Act 1980, mandating safe highway passage during adverse weather. The service has reviewed its winter service policies, emergency response plans, and contractor coordination for 2025/26. Operational capacity includes 48 contractor drivers for 24-hour coverage, supported by duty engineers and a fully staffed Resilience Team. Infrastructure improvements include new salt stores and a fleet of new gritters and 4x4 vehicles. Monitoring and coordination are maintained through weather stations and forecasting systems, with a multi-agency working team for large-scale events. The allocated budget for winter maintenance and other emergencies for 2024/25 was £2.3 million and £0.38 million respectively. The committee noted the report and requested a further update in the future.

Housing Management Service Reports

The committee received two reports concerning the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) service. The Wiltshire Council's Housing Board Annual Report to Cabinet provided an overview of the Housing Board's activities between December 2024 and November 2025, highlighting resident engagement, investment in homes, and the council house build programme. The report noted the strengthening of the regulatory agenda, including the Regulator of Social Housing's enhanced regime and the introduction of Awaab's Law.

The Housing Management Service - Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Annual Landlord Compliance Report detailed the council's statutory responsibilities as a landlord, focusing on health and safety standards across key areas such as gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety, asbestos management, water hygiene, and lift safety. The report indicated strong performance in most areas, with targeted improvement plans for any identified gaps. It also provided an assessment of Housing Management Services' readiness for Awaab's Law, effective from 27 October 2025, noting that the service was broadly compliant with the initial requirements.

The committee noted the contents of both reports.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Project Update

An update was provided on the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project, which aims to deliver public residential electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Wiltshire. The report detailed current provision, demand growth, funding, and the project's approach, including timescales and delivery focuses. The committee noted the report and requested a further update in 12 months.

Other Business

The committee approved the Forward Work Programme and noted that there were no urgent items. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 13 November 2025.

Public participation included a statement from Mr Andrew Nicolson of the Wiltshire Climate Alliance regarding environmental measures and waste collection, and questions from Dr Philip Richter concerning Sunday parking charges and the potential need for a Park & Ride service on Sundays. Responses to these were provided or noted for a verbal response at the meeting.