Agenda item

To consider a joint report by Councillors Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, Tony Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities and Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet approval of a new scheme of delegated decision making for land acquisition (freehold/leasehold) for carbon sequestration and ecological improvement purposes.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the introduction of the new scheme of delegated decision making for land acquisition (freehold/leasehold) for carbon sequestration and ecological improvement purposes as proposed in  Appendix 1 to the report, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration.

Councillors Brian Jones, Tony Thomas and Julian Thompson-Hill presented a joint report seeking Cabinet approval of a new scheme of delegated decision making for land acquisition for carbon sequestration and ecological improvement purposes.

The proposed changes to the scheme of delegation would effectively expedite the process of land acquisition to enable the Council to deliver on its Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Declaration and targets within its Climate and Ecological Change Strategy (2021/22 – 2029/30).  Reference was made to the consultation and engagement undertaken and assurances were provided that the open communication with communities and stakeholders would continue in the future.  The point was also made that there was no intention to purchase prime agricultural land.  In terms of finance, part of the budget allocated for the net carbon zero target programme of work was for this type of land purchase and individual projects over £1m would still require Cabinet approval.  Safeguards around the decision making process were also highlighted with a clear scoring matrix on land assessment and the extensive involvement of both elected members and officers in that process.

The Leader highlighted the sensitivities relating to land acquisition in order to offset carbon emissions and the impact on rural communities nationally.  However, the report referred only to proposals to amend the delegation process and it was clear in the site assessment process that land for food production would not be acquired.  He had also been assured with regard to the continuing consultation going forward.

During consideration of the report debate focused on the following areas –

·         in accordance with the Council’s land disposal policy internal services were consulted to ascertain whether there was any requirement for the land prior to disposal which also included the suitability of land for environmental use

·         improved access to land for visitors would be a key consideration

·         there was sufficient resource currently within Countryside Services for land maintenance and there was a mechanism via the Budget Board to bid annually for both capital and revenue funding in the event more resources were required to manage future land acquisition which would be a consideration going forward

·         the Council was committed to reducing its carbons emissions as much as possible and a range of targets had been set in that regard, which included buildings and fleet; land acquisition for carbon sequestration was another means of contributing to that process and offset emissions which could not be removed

·         there was some discussion on the practice of private companies buying Welsh farmland for the purpose of planting trees to offset their own carbon emissions which was an emotive issue and a particular problem in mid/South Wales

·         in response to concerns raised by Councillor Gwyneth Ellis and the contentious nature of the issue, the Leader accepted it was a sensitive issue but was assured regarding the criteria for land acquisition (which did not include agricultural/food producing land) and that the approach was part of a programme of carbon reduction measures which would contribute to the Council’s environmental agenda

·         the sustainability score (31 / 36) in the Wellbeing Impact Assessment was explained, given that it was a wide measure and included integration with other activities and partnership working and was sustainable long term

·         the report related to the decision making process and ensuring it was effective and the key decision makers were the lead members and therefore assurance could be taken that it was a political decision for members to make

·         regular information on the Council’s carbon reduction achievements was provided and the Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group would continue into the new Council with an open invitation to all members

·         there were currently sufficient resources within the Climate Change Team with much of their role focusing on coordination and planning with collaborative working with staff across the Council to promote and implement the programme, but the situation may need to be reviewed as the Strategy progressed.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the introduction of the new scheme of delegated decision making for land acquisition (freehold/leasehold) for carbon sequestration and ecological improvement purposes as proposed in  Appendix 1 to the report, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report) as part of its consideration.