Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which outlined an initial strategy and action plan for Council activities in response to the declaration of an ecological emergency made by Cabinet on 6 April 2022 (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Councillor B Coult, Chair of Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee provided an insight and the background to the Scrutiny work undertaken in this area. Councillor Coult explained that a summary of available information and trends for habitats, species and conservation management was presented for consideration by the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 14 February 2022. The findings showed that the national picture of decline in priority species was being echoed at a local level across all species atlases. Consequently, the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed that an interim report be sent to cabinet recommending that Durham County Council declared an ecological emergency.

The majority of actions were centred around the potential to streamline and improve existing work programmes, such as biodiversity interventions on open space, or by expanding existing programmes, such as awareness around climate change to further include the ecological emergency, however, this was an important first step. Actions proposed to improve biodiversity delivery within new built development and ensure that Council land holdings could benefit from biodiversity-focused financial contributions arising through the planning system were also welcomed.

In moving the report, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, Councillor Wilkes explained that the County had an excellent track record in the protection and restoration of ecology and the natural environment, including award winning initiatives to address the industrial legacy of the past and the strides taken to a cleaner, greener future. The ‘planet’ ran through the recently agreed Economic Strategy as a stated priority. This plan recognised the growing fiscal challenges of the day, however, better thinking did not necessarily mean more expenditure. The plan presented looked to bring actions together, working together better and finding better outcomes for nature from collective actions. The Council had strengthened its Countryside team to protect nature reserves and parks and improved access to nature through public rights of way and active travel initiatives within the last year.

The action plan marked the beginning of a blueprint for more to be done and recognised the importance of ecological issues. It placed the council firmly in a position of leadership regionally and nationally on a issue of vital importance to the planet, our people and our economy.

Councillor S McDonnell, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Digital, Customer Services and Procurement, seconded the recommendation and was proud of the strong leadership role taken in relation to environmental issues under the Joint Administration. This included the climate emergency response plan, refreshed action plan and strong track record on delivery. The equally robust Ecological Emergency Outline Strategy and Action Plan presented to Cabinet would ensure that the future of the County was in good hands. Councillor McDonnell reflected on the impressive progress made to date on vital conservation issues and explained that there was much to admire and be proud of, however, it was important to keep up momentum despite the current financial climate.

Resolved:

That the recommendation in the report be approved.