Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Purpose of report

To seek the Executive’s approval of the Climate Action Plan for 2026-27, which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To adopt the Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the 2026-27 financial year.

1.2           To note that following the adoption Climate Action Plan, Executive will receive an annual update on delivery progress.

Resolved

(1)            That the Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the 2026-27 financial year be adopted.

(2)            That it be noted that following the adoption of the Climate Action Plan, Executive will receive an annual update on delivery progress.

The Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience submitted a report to seek the Executive’s approval of the Climate Action Plan for 2026-27.

In response to Executive member comments regarding the alignment of the action plan with those of other authorities and embedding in future plans in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGE), Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services explained that currently different tier of local government were responsible for collection and waste disposal, LGR offered an opportunity to remove this and align. All local authorities CDC was working with in respect of LGR should be operation at peak performance, so would be ready to go at the relevant time.

Resolved

(1)          That the Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the 2026-27 financial year be adopted.

(2)          That it be noted that following the adoption of the Climate Action Plan, Executive will receive an annual update on delivery progress.

Reasons

The Climate Action Plan 2026-27 identifies actions and projects across a range of carbon emissions sources and enabling themes.

For Cherwell District Council, each action identifies the emissions area, the goals they would contribute towards, carbon saving potential and key performance indicators to monitor delivery progress. Council actions focus on carbon emissions from fleet, property, staff activities, procurement and enabling areas including funding, governance and monitoring.

For the district area, each action identifies the emissions area, the goals they would contribute towards and key performance indicators to monitor delivery progress. District actions focus on carbon emissions from transport, households, business, community and enabling areas including planning, evidence bases, communications and engagement.

Alternative options

Option1: Do Nothing: This option is not recommended as the previous action plan covered up to the end of 2025-26 financial year only. A refreshed CAP enables stronger programme management and likelihood of realising new opportunities to deliver the Council’s net zero ambitions.

Option 2: Delay Decision: This option is not recommended as this CAP covers the 2026-27 financial year only and a delay will reduce the potential impact and benefit of the plan.

Option 3: Do Not Adopt:  This option is not recommended as this CAP supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities and covers the 2026-27 financial year only, where a delay will reduce the potential impact and benefit of the plan.