Public Question Time
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Minutes:
Ms Heather Munro asked the following questions:
In light of the recent Decarbonisation Plan which
was agreed by Argyll and Bute Council, how do the councillors intend to
approach the climate emergency in the Helensburgh and Lomond area?
Specifically:
The Chair confirmed that a Short Life Working Group
around climate change had been set up by the Council and that the Group had
recently reported to Council. The Council has agreed that there will now be
quarterly updates to the Policy and Resources Committee which will provide an
update from the Council’s Climate Change Board.
The Chair advised that she was sure that the Council was following all
government guidance and guidelines on creating a clean, safe environment for
the people of Argyll and Bute to live in as well as tackling the climate change
matters of the day.
Councillor Morton noted that she had previously
been a part of the Climate Change Short Life Working Group and advised that a
number of the issues raised by Ms Munro had previously been discussed there,
including the addition of climate change to the implications referenced in
reports, however this was not currently being taken forward. Councillor Morton
advised that the Decarbonisation plan agreed by the Council was only the
starting point in Argyll and Bute’s response to climate change.
Councillor Morton confirmed that training was
available to Councillors through the Members Services team and a Members
Seminar on Climate Change and the Decarbonisation plan had taken place
approximately 4 weeks previously.
Councillor Morton advised that she was sure that more training could be
made available if requested and noted that the Head of Commercial Services was
also likely to be happy to discuss this with Councillors if requested.
Councillor Morton provided comment on the
suggestion of a Climate Change Champion, noting that previously this approach
had not been supported as there had been a high and somewhat unrealistic
expectation that the appointment of a Champion would resolve the issue.
Councillor Morton advised that Councillors would continue to make decisions
around the high level policy and strategy on climate change, such as the
Decarbonisation plan, and that this would be delivered by Officers on the
ground.
Ms Munro advised that she was aware that climate
change was a massive issue and she was very supportive of the Decarbonisation
plan, noting that she was aware that every individual had to do their bit to
reduce their carbon emissions. Ms Munro reiterated the importance of climate
change and urged all Councillors to receive as much training as possible and to
act on this as much as possible in all aspects of their work.
Councillor Trail confirmed that he would be happy
to receive training around climate change issues, as referenced by Ms Munro,
and asked that the link for same be circulated to Members following the
meeting.
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