The Housing Development, Programme Office and Policy Manager led the Climate Change Steering Group (CCSG) through the Consultation Plan for the Council’s Environment Strategy 2020.  It was noted that the consultation period would be held from 24 February 2020 to 18 May 2020.

Members noted the Council’s mission for the consultation process and main target groups which included residents, businesses, public sector organisations, voluntary and environment groups, educational establishments, housing providers, service contractors / partners, Parish and Town Councils and internal departments.

The timetable / milestones for the procedure were noted as follows:

·        Monday 27 January 2020 – draft proposals and consultation plan reported to Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·        Monday 10 February 2020 – Cabinet would consider draft proposals and approve consultation plan.

·        24 February 2020 to 18 May 2020 – consultation period.

·        June 2020 – complete analysis of findings and draft report.

·        June 2020 – Climate Change Steering Group meet.

·        July 2020 – final proposals presented to Cabinet.

·        September 2020 – final proposals presented to full Council.

Dependant on the number of responses received during the consultation period, Members were advised that the timetable could be subject to change.  However all efforts would be made to ensure that the above timetable was adhered too.

The CCSG was reassured that the Communications Team would be undertaking a wide range of activities to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process including regular press releases, use of social media etc., dedicated pages on the Council’s website, posters, stakeholder engagement and events / workshops across the district.  Specific questions would be aimed at relevant stakeholders / groups and all responses collated and presented to the CCSG for consideration.

All Members would be encouraged to engage with their residents and raise awareness of the consultation process and where possible hold events in their own Wards.  It was considered imperative that stakeholder events were held in public thoroughfare places across the district e.g. De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill Museum, railway stations, community halls etc.

After discussion, it was agreed that hard to reach groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer (LGBTQ), Black, Asian and migrant ethnic communities be added to the list of target groups for the consultation process.  Members also suggested that local educational establishments be targeted as stakeholders and that all advertising literature be made from recycled materials.  A further suggestion was proposed that a dedicated link / page be uploaded to the Council’s website where residents / children could make a pledge / public declaration of their intention to reduce carbon emissions by the target date of 2030.

RESOLVED: That:

1)     Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer+, Black, Asian and Migrant Ethnic communities be added to the list of target groups for the consultation process;

2)     local educational establishments be targeted as stakeholders;

3)     all advertising literature be made from recycled materials; and

4)     a dedicated webpage be established for residents / children to make a pledge / public declaration of their intention to reduce carbon emissions by the target date of 2030.