Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which provided a summary of information provided at the Special Meeting of the Committee held on 13 December 2021, detailing relevant ecological data, to consider whether to recommend to Cabinet that a declaration be made and to determine any further additional recommendations for Cabinet’s consideration (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that when Cabinet asked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to undertake this work and consider the evidence base in relation to biodiversity decline, Cabinet requested that Overview and Scrutiny respond, with a recommendation to Cabinet, as to whether the Council should declare an ecological emergency.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer referred members to paragraph 10 of the report and having received evidence, stated that it was now a matter for Members to decide whether the Council should recommend to Cabinet that an ecological emergency is declared and to consider making further additional recommendations to the potential recommendations detailed in paragraph 11.  Following the meeting, a detailed report would be prepared, summarising the evidence provided and key findings of biodiversity decline, which would be presented to the Committee at a Special Meeting in April.  Members were then asked whether, having received the evidence, they wished to recommend to Cabinet that a declaration be made.  Councillor Elmer suggested that unless the Committee wished to discuss the issue of declaration first, there should be a show of hands which would provide an indication of Members’ views regarding the declaration.

Members at the meeting were unanimous in their decision to recommend to Cabinet that the Council should declare an ecological emergency.

The Chair then advised that two questions had been received from Mr Owens, a member of the public, and it had been agreed that the questions should be presented to the Committee.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer read out the questions as follows:

1.    Should the scrutiny committee decide to recommend to Cabinet that Durham County Council declare an ecological emergency (which I hope it does!) would the committee encourage those carrying out this work to engage with those County Durham residents and local conservation/nature groups willing to help, beyond just a consultation after a draft plan is produced, to not only to inform the drawing up of a plan or Local Nature Recovery Strategy but also explore how local ‘citizen scientists’ can help with the longer term monitoring

of the effectiveness of any proposed actions/interventions from that strategy/plan?  This could also prove to be a helpful and economical way to improve the data gaps at a county level, particularly over time, that have been identified in the reports provided to the committee. 

2.    Like climate change, the gradual degradation of the natural environment and the habitats of a number of endangered species of both flora and fauna is not fully appreciated by most residents in County Durham, or in the rest of England. In part this is due to the relatively slow rate of change over the years but also due to the increasing numbers of folk in the current era preferring to be increasingly engrossed with the virtual environments of television or the multitude of platforms available on the Internet rather than engaging with outdoor activities and so possibly noticing these changes for themselves. Would the committee consider recommending that any strategy/plan incorporates effective communication to raise awareness of the issue while also encouraging a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle incorporating activities out of doors for all County Durham residents regardless of age. 

Councillor Elmer stated that in relation to the questions posed by Mr Owens he agreed that there was a need for wider community involvement in developing and assisting the delivery of an action plan, as well as raising awareness of this issue within local communities. He suggested a recommendation was required to articulate the need for engagement and consultation with communities and special interest groups in developing and delivering an action plan.  In addition the Committee should also consider how to raise awareness of this issue across the county.

The Head of Environment welcomed the questions posed by Mr Owens and referring to the second question regarding awareness, he agreed that this was a prerequisite to increase engagement and support for the Council’s efforts with regard to wildlife and conservation.  He referred to the projects and schemes mentioned previously during the discussion, adding that future plans would build upon those schemes.  The Head of Environment then advised Members that, at the Cabinet meeting held on 9 February 2021, a range of investments were highlighted including extra resources to support the direction of travel for nature reserve management, extra resources in relation to engagement with volunteers and educational outreach work and the appointment of a local nature recovery strategy officer to offer a corporate and countywide approach.

Councillor Elmer commented that by declaring an ecological emergency, this would emphasise the gravity of the situation and elevate the work that was previously conservation, to work that is essential for future survival and that making this point was educational in its own right.  He then referred to Councillor Quinn’s question and agreed on the need for a step change in education and engagement. 

Councillor Elmer referred to the additional recommendations set out in paragraph 11 of the report and asked Members for their views on adding a further recommendation to respond to Mr Owens’ questions.

Councillor Adam referred to the next steps and advised that the information presented in the meetings highlighted the situation, not just locally but also nationally and globally.  He commented that the information had expanded Members’ knowledge as to whether the declaration of an ecological emergency was necessary.  He commented that human nature is essentially selfish with actions driven by economic pressures, having little regard to environmental impact.  Councillor Adam suggested that, in making the declaration, it was important to have a strategy to apply it, similar to the climate emergency response plan in 2019 and the work in relation to single-use plastics.  He suggested that a task force should be established to look at processes and procedures to identify the best ecological practices currently available to services within the Council.  He added that all decision-making reports by the Council should include the consideration of ecological emergency implications.  He also suggested that the work with partnerships should be expanded to include businesses, communities, the Environment and Climate Change Partnership and landowners.  Councillor Adam concluded by suggesting that objectives should be set for future long-term aspirations and the medium term financial plan should provide for dedicated funding and resources.

Councillor Quinn suggested that the recommendations should include financial considerations for an education and communication strategy.

Councillor Elmer added that an analysis was required on the work the Council carries out on its estate, including costings, and to identify further work required to encourage the wider community.

The Chair then referred Members to the second recommendation in the report concerning the declaration and proposed, with the agreement of the Members, that an interim report be prepared and sent to Cabinet for consideration at their April meeting, advising them of the Committee’s decision that Durham County Council declare an ecological emergency and that the Committee intends to send the full review report to Cabinet in June, following the agreement of the report by the Committee at a Special Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be held in April.

Members agreed that an interim report would be sent to Cabinet recommending that Durham County Council declares an ecological emergency.

RESOLVED:

The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee received the report and noted its content and:

a)    Agreed unanimously to recommend to Cabinet that Durham County Council declares an ecological emergency and that arrangements be made for an interim report to Cabinet advising of the Committee’s intention that a full review report will be presented to Cabinet in June.

b)    Agreed the potential recommendations outlined at paragraph 11 and that a further recommendation was required in relation to awareness raising and education and that individuals, specialist and community groups are involved in the consultation, development and delivery of the action plan.