Minute of Meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of 30 April 2025 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 20 August 2025
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 20 August 2025 and its agenda
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DRAFT Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held in the Council Chambers on 30 April 2025 at 9.30am. Present: Councillors R Watters, L Barrett, H Anderson, D Cuthbert, A Forbes, D Illingworth, N Khogali, G Laing, A Parrott, G Stewart and J Welch. In Attendance: C Mailer, Depute Chief Executive; F Crofts, Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure; A Clegg, A O’Connell, C Bachell, M Morgan (all Housing & Communities) (up to and including Item 4); N Taylor, D Grant, P Leonard, H Wilson (all Environment and Infrastructure); K Rough (Strategic Planning, People and Performance); S Hendry, A Taylor, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Councillor R Watters, Convener, Presiding. The Convener led on Items 1-5, with Vice-Convener L Barrett on Item 6. 1. Welcome And Apologies Councillor Watters welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no apologies for absence. 2. Declarations Of Interest There were no Declarations of Interest made in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. Minute Of Meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Of 23 October 2024 The minute of meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of 23 October 2024 was submitted and approved as correct record. 4. Ash Dieback Strategy There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (25/95) setting out the proposed strategy for addressing the risks of the widespread Ash Dieback disease, focusing on environmental impacts, public safety, and resource management for both Council managed land and private land near public roads. Resolved: (i) The approach and proposals as set out in Appendix 1 to Report 25/95 to identify and effectively deal with diseased trees on Council managed land, and those affecting the adopted road network, in a prioritised way over a 5- year period, be agreed. (ii) Note that revenue resources have been allocated for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years and that further resources will need to be approved to complete the proposed 5-year programme.
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DRAFT 5. Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (25/96) advising on the progress being made on plans for decarbonisation of the Council’s transport fleet, including transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs) in line with Scottish Government guidance and seeking approval for the proposed way forward. Motion by Councillors R Watters and L Barrett To accept the recommendations as set out in the report. (There Followed a Brief Recess and the Meeting Reconvened at 11.15am). Amendment by Councillors D Illingworth and A Forbes In accordance with the Motion, however, to revise Recommendation 2.3 as follows: This Committee is asked to approve the principle of redirecting the funds, estimated at £100k, for the use of HVO across the Council’s entire HGV fleet to enhancing rural bus routes and that the financial decision for this is subject to approval at the Finance and Resources Committee. In terms of Standing Order 21 a roll call was taken. 7 Members voted for the Motions as follows: Councillors L Barrett, D Cuthbert, G Laing, A Parrott, G Stewart, R Watters and J Welch. 4 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Councillors H Anderson, A Forbes, D Illingowrth and N Khogali. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. 6. Nature Restoration Fund 2025-2026 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure (25/97) (1) outlining the proposed approach for utilising the Council’s allocation of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration fund for 2025-2026, and (2) seeking approval for delegating authority to the Strategic Lead for Environment and Infrastructure to approve projects recommended by the NRF working group. Resolved: The delegation of authority to the Strategic Lead for Environment and Infrastructure to approve projects recommended by the NRF working group, using set scoring criteria to ensure best-value nature restoration across Perth and Kinross, be approved.