Agenda item

The Climate Change, Sustainability, and Recycling Officer presented the report.

Members expressed gratitude towards the team for their continuous efforts and innovation, emphasising that their work is part of a broader, evolving strategy rather than a standalone document. The team is actively pursuing new contracts and advancing initiatives aimed at addressing climate requirements, with a particular focus on alleviating fuel poverty among families. A recent engagement with the UK100 conference reaffirmed the Council’s position as one of the most progressive councils in climate action. Additionally, there is a strategic approach to utilising heat from a forthcoming data centre in Abbots Langley, aiming to distribute this source across the network, including Watford. The team has secured a grant for a feasibility study related to this initiative.

The Chair highlighted the challenge of having to refer back to the detailed papers when reading the recommendation and proposed an amendment to the recommendation to include a bullet point summary of the new actions for easier reference, and for them to be captured in the minutes.

Members raised concerns regarding the wording of the recommendation relating to the delegation of authority to the Director of Finance for managing funds exceeding £25,000. The main issue highlighted was the lack of clarity on the ceiling limit for such delegated authority and the need for proper scrutiny to ensure accountability of taxpayers’ money. The officer responded by clarifying that the delegation relates only to externally secured grants linked to approved projects, not the Council’s own budget. The ceiling for delegated authority is governed by the Council's standard procurement regulations, and all financial activities under this delegation are subject to regular reporting and auditing through the Council’s finance reporting, Policy & Resources Committee and Full Council meetings.

Members argued that the current wording of the recommendation is too open-ended, potentially allowing the Director of Finance to enter into contracts of any size without Council approval. In response the officer reiterated that the delegated authority pertains specifically to accepting and spending external funds, such as a lottery fund, which must be used according to the grant condition. It was suggested that the word ‘external’ should be inserted in front of ‘funding agreement’ at iii. in the recommendation.

Councillor Jon Tankard moved the recommendation with the proposed amendments, seconded by Councillor Chris Lloyd.

On being put to the Committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee:

       i.          Notes the progress made in delivering the strategy.

      ii.          Agrees to the addition of new actions as outlined at paragraph 3.27:

• Support the delivery of the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy as a member of the Hertfordshire Retrofit Partnership agreed by this Committee in July 2025. 

• Build a network of local businesses and support them to decarbonise non-domestic buildings with technical and financial support where possible. 

• Work to secure feasibility funding for a Heat Network powered by the recently approved Data Centre in Abbots Langley.  

• Develop a sustainable travel communications plan for encouraging active travel, EVs and public transport. 

• Facilitate the establishment or re-invigoration of at least one community garden or biodiversity hub on non-Council-owned land in each parish in Three Rivers, maintained by volunteers. 

• Support Services for Young People to create and maintain gardens/growing spaces in West Hyde Youth Club. Explore opportunities with Three Rivers local schools, youth councils and scout groups, as part of Community Growing Spaces Working Group. 

• Re-design Environmental Forum with residents and key stakeholders to maximise participation and engagement with hard-to-reach groups. 

• Establish a "Three Rivers Green Champions Awards" and a prize for winners and nominees, annually until 2028. 

• Encourage and promote environmental and sustainability focused volunteering by promoting the GoVol Herts volunteer database to potential volunteers and charities seeking volunteers, and signposting opportunities clearly on TRDC website. 

• Embed Climate adaptation consideration into procurement tenders. 

     iii.          Give delegated authority to the Director for Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member and Director of Finance, to enter into a contract or external funding agreement above the value of £25,000 for delivery of actions within the strategy, Public Document Pack subject to securing external funds to facilitate projects and budget being agreed to support the implementation of the Committee agreed Climate Action Plan.