On 30th March 2022, we submitted the CAST COP26 public consultation report to Jonathan Tew (Chief Executive Officer, South Tyneside Council) and his colleagues in the Regenerationand Environment Department. The fully-evidenced report presented YOUR ideas and recommendations for the direction YOU want to see the council taking to fight climate change. The council claim their 'role is to champion and represent the social, economic and environmental well-being of the area.' Can they live up to that billing?
Read their response to our report and decide for yourself! We're preparing our response so please let us know what you think here
Full STC response to CAST COP26 Public Consultation Report
South Tyneside Council welcome this report and are grateful to all involved in the Citizenβs Assembly. The important recommendations that have been put forward need to be carefully considered alongside the work that is currently being undertaken as part of the Councilβs Sustainable South Tyneside Strategy and 5-year Action Plan, to seek alignment and maximise resources.
In response to the comments put forward in the CAST COP26 report, please see the following information:
Reaching Net Zero
1. Follow the example set by councils such as Northumberland, Stockport and Leicestershire and offer staff carbon literacy training.
Response: This year, the Council is planning on implementing a climate change e-learning module to all staff this summer, as well as providing a cohort of officers, members and senior leadership with more focused climate change public engagement training, to upskill and support our staff to embed climate friendly practices both at work and at home.
2. All new housing applications satisfy stringent environmental criteria requiring all new homes to be as sustainable as possible and include the installation of heat pumps, effective insulation and solar panelling to ensure high standards of energy efficiency.
Response: The emerging Local Plan will have policies relating to climate change and reducing carbon emissions.
Next Steps:
3. The accelerated installation of EV charging points.
Response: There are currently 59 Operational units in the Borough (as of February 22). The network was expanded by 18 units in the 2021/22 financial year.
Next Steps:
4. CAST proposal: The creation of a support network β a central, regularly updated repository of resources and tools. These resources must be available in ALL local authority assets and other public buildings and in multiple formats.
Response: There is a directory of useful climate change local resources held on the climate change pages on the Councilβs website The Council has also created a Climate Change Toolkit for all schools across the Borough, which can be accessed online via the local schools network. This toolkit contains practical advice and guidance to teach children about the causes of climate change and the actions that can be taken to create a more sustainable future. It identifies opportunities to drive down carbon emissions while enhancing the school's natural environment such as promoting active travel, tree planting, setting up composting and a food growing space, reducing waste and recycling more.
Next Steps:
Protecting Communities
5. Air quality monitoring at schools and the surrounding areas.
Response: The Council understands the importance of air pollution and how this is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. Since 2000 we have had a statutory duty for managing local air quality under the Environment Act 1995 and are required to carry out annual reviews and assessments of air quality in South Tyneside.
We do this in a number of ways by:
We know transportation plays an important role in supporting daily activities; however we also know active travel (cycling, walking and use of public transport) can increase physical activity levels and improve physical and mental wellbeing. Prioritisation of active travel is a key area of focus as it helps to reduce the reliance on motorised transport, contributing to improved air quality.
Next Steps:
6. An immediate halt to the use of leaf-blowers to safeguard insect populations.
Response: We are currently preparing to go to tender for the new Grounds Maintenance contract and innovation/new machinery to reduce carbon impact will be considered as a key element of the tender process. Over the past 10 years, the Council has increased meadow grass and decreased amenity grass, helping to safeguard insect populations.
7. A move to herbicide-free weedkillers.
Response: This is already in place with a number of trials already undertaken, this will continue alongside the current weeding process.
Next Steps:
8. The expansion of a βno mow zoneβ initiative.
Response: We already have meadow grass areas and are working with colleagues to see where else within the Borough these would be suitable whilst maintaining usable green and open spaces for the public
Next Steps:
9. A more ambitious tree planting policy β the current target of 3000 per year doesnβt make clear whether these are in addition to those planted to replace those cut down.
Response: In 2021/22, the Council planted 3000 whips and 830 large standard trees throughout the Borough. This year has also seen the successful launch of the North East Community Forest.
Next Steps:
10. Greater priority to identifying areas for woodland creation.
Response for 9 & 10: As a partner in the newly-formed North East Community Forest (NECF), we are working on ambitious plans to plant 500 hectares by 2025 across the NECF area. Working with the NECF gives us a great opportunity to increase tree numbers, but more importantly to increase overall canopy cover across the area.
Next Steps:
11. Mature trees take high priority when considering planning applications.
Response: The emerging local plan has a policy to protect existing mature trees and hedgerows where appropriate.
12. New buildings are not constructed on flood plains.
Response: The Local Plan policies will be in line with national planning policies with regards to flood risk. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken to support the Local Plan.
13. CAST proposal: Generating ideas for the overhaul of our existing natural spaces, such as Temple Park, to enable local people to make more effective use of the space. Reestablishment of community gardens and allotments.
Response:
Mobilising Finance
14. Environmental protection consideration must be placed at the heart of all budgetary decisions.
Next Steps:
15. Follow the example set by councils such as Cardiff, Birmingham, Islington, Lambeth and Waltham Forest and fully commit to full divestment of pension funds from fossil fuels.
Response: South Tyneside Council is the administering authority of the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund. Climate change has been recognised as a material financial risk to the Fund. At Pensions Committee in November 2021, the Fund committed to range of carbon reduction targets as follows:
16. Genuine investigation into moving to a 'sustainable well-being economy'. The Wellbeing Economy Alliance provide support and resources to facilitate this transition.
Response: The Council is currently refreshing a number of its key corporate strategies in the wake of the pandemic, including the Health and Wellbeing Strategy (initial work is placing a real focus upon wellbeing, financial security and sustainability) and plans around the economy following on from the 2020 South Tyneside Economic Recovery Plan. The Recovery Plan placed a key emphasis upon green growth with one of its three key drivers being to βcatalyse green and sustainable growth by maximising the potential of our low-carbon and digital assets and expertiseβ.
17. Push for NEXUS to provide more eco-friendly, reliable and affordable public transport.
Response: The Council are working with Nexus and Local Bus Operators to ensure that public transport is reliable, affordable and does not act as a detriment to the environment.
18. Increased promotion of Meanwhile Use Leases to encourage innovative local enterprises and reinvigorate our town centres.
Response: The Council are keen to support initiatives that bring empty/surplus properties back into use in our Town Centres, including considering short-term or flexible lettings that will provide new businesses and opportunity to become established so that they may then commit to becoming a longer-term occupant in the locality.
19. STC run carparks offer low cost/free car-parking to EVs and dedicated spaces with electric charging points.
Response: STC will endeavour to provide electric charging points (subject to the appropriate external funding) within Council operated car parks, with the appropriate enforcement undertaken to prevent misuse by conventional vehicles.
20. Support for Right to Repair initiatives.
Response: The Council will continue to look at ways to champion a circular economy within the Borough.
Next steps:
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