Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The following declaration of interest was received:

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2024, were approved as an accurate record.

Members were provided with information on the current position regarding costed decarbonisation delivery plans for Net Zero, and the wider funding challenges associated with this.

The circulated report informed the Committee of the approach taken by Swansea Council, following direction from the Welsh Audit Office (WAO), in order to meet Welsh Governments Net Zero ambition. It was noted that Councils needed to fully cost their action plans and ensure that they were aligned with Medium-Term Financial Plans.

Officers from Swansea Council explained that they developed a high-level costed delivery plan, which was a way of monetising what the ask was going to look like. A discussion took place regarding the findings of that piece of work, which included buildings and energy, street lighting, fleet and grey fleet. It was explained that this process provided an indication of how much money would be needed to take this work forward; this was noted to be a high cost for Local Authorities.

It was expressed that Local Authorities were committed to taking this work forward in order to achieve Net Zero, however there would need to be some changes from a Welsh Government level, in order to assist them in doing so.

Officers from Carmarthenshire Council provided their experiences and confirmed that they had adopted a similar approach and had similar figures to Swansea Council.

It was stated that it would be beneficial if there was a consistent approach throughout Wales in regard to this work stream, which would allow all Local Authorities to come up with a consistent methodology. This statement was support by Members, who expressed that the biggest benefit of doing this was around the commonalities where Councils could co-procure, as well as the ability to find priorities as a Region. It was added that it would be even more beneficial if this was carried out on a National basis.

External advisors, from Welsh Government Energy Service, highlighted that there was a climate strategy panel task and finish group set up with a focus on procurement; particularly looking at the ways in which the Energy Service could support Local Authorities going forward.

Reference was made to offsetting, and the fact that even though Councils purchase 100% renewable energy, this wasn’t counted in terms of offsetting. Members expressed their frustration with this and felt that it was a missed opportunity. 

Following on from the above, it was noted that Welsh Governments view was that offsetting should be the last resort, and that the focus should be on all reasonable efforts to reduce emissions. The Committee was informed that there was a team within the Welsh Government Energy Service, who were working hard on determining what offsetting might look like. In addition, there was work being undertaken to identify how the guidance could be updated; with a focus on renewables and purchasing.

Officers from Neath Port Talbot Council and Pembrokeshire Council also provided an overview of the work they were progressing. Representatives from Neath Port Talbot confirmed that in January 2024, they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items received.