Agenda Document Pack - Climate Change and Sustainability Committee - 14/02/2024
Perth and Kinross Council · 14 February 2024
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 14 February 2024 and its agenda
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Securing the future… • Improving services • Enhancing quality of life • Making the best use of public resources Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 08/02/2024 A hybrid meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 14 February 2024 at 09:30. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Richard Watters (Convener) Councillor Liz Barrett (Vice-Convener) Councillor Hugh Anderson Councillor Dave Cuthbert Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor David Illingworth Councillor Noah Khogali Councillor Grant Laing Depute Provost Andrew Parrott Councillor Grant Stewart Councillor Jack Welch Page 1 of 44
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Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Wednesday, 14 February 2024 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES/SUBSTITUTES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OF 27 NOVEMBER 2023 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 FLEET DECARBONISATION STRATEGY Report by Strategic Lead - Environment & Infrastructure (copy herewith 24/54) 9 - 20 5 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE UPDATE Report by Executive Director (Communities) (copy herewith 24/55) Note: There will also be a Presentation on this item. 21 - 44 Page 3 of 44
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Minute of hybrid meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held in the Council Chambers on 27 November 2023 at 9.30am. Present: Councillors R Watters, L Barrett, H Anderson, Bailie R Brock (substituting for Councillor D Cuthbert), N Khogali, A Forbes, D Illingworth, G Laing, T McEwan, G Stewart and J Welch; and Mr R Oram and Mr N Jamieson. In Attendance: B Renton, Executive Director (Communities), F Crofts, M Butterworth, J Dick (for Item 4 only), E Kourtesi, S Merone (up to and including Item 6), P Dickson, G Bissett and R Stuart (all Communities); S Hendry, A Taylor, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Corporate and Democratic Services). Apologies: Councillor D Cuthbert. Councillor R Watters, Convener, Presiding. The Convener led the discussion on Items 1-5 and 8, with Vice-Convener L Barrett on Item 7. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Councillor R Watters welcomed everyone to the meeting and an apology was noted above. 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 AUGUST 2023 The minute of meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of 23 August 2023 was submitted and approved as correct record. 4. STATUTORY BIODIVERSITY DUTY: REPORT ON DELIVERY - JANUARY 2021 TO DECEMBER 2023 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (23/328) demonstrating how Perth and Kinross Council has performed regarding the biodiversity duty for the three-year period covering 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. Resolved: (i) The significant positive work undertaken over the period 2021-2023, be noted. (ii) The Biodiversity Duty Report as detailed in Appendix A to Report 23/328, be approved. 3 Page 5 of 44
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(iii) The approved report be uploaded to the Perth and Kinross Council website and submitted to the Scottish Government prior to the 31 December 2023 deadline. 5. PUBLIC BODIES CLIMATE CHANGE DUTIES REPORTING 2023 – CARBON EMISSIONS There was submitted a report by Executive Director (Communities) (23/329) providing an overview of the Council’s annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting (PPCCDR) submission and including an update on the Council’s carbon footprint and emissions trends for the reporting year 2022/23 along with wider actions the Council is taking to address the Climate Emergency. Resolved: (i) The contents of Report 23/329, along with the updated report to the Scottish Government as detailed in Appendix A, be noted. (ii) The progress in developing benchmarking information and the need to use it to provide an evidence-based platform to inform decisions and monitor performance, be noted. (iii) An officer briefing note on high carbon within Perth and Kinross Council’s purchased goods and services once the outputs from consultants are finalised and include an action in the Climate Change Action Plan to develop a plan for addressing these areas, be circulated. 6. LOCAL HEAT & ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGY 2024-2045 There was submitted a report by Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (23/330) seeking approval of the first Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) 2024-2045 and Delivery Plan (2024-2029) for Perth and Kinross to meet the requirements of legislation and Scottish Government guidance. Resolved: (i) The contents of the first Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) for the period 2024-2045 as detailed in Appendix 1 to Report 23/330, be approved. (ii) The contents of the LHEES 2024-2029 Delivery Plan as detailed in Appendix 2, be approved. (iii) The submission of the LHEES 2024-2045 and Delivery Plan to the Scottish Government and to the publication when finalised, be approved. (iv) The Executive Director (Communities) be authorised to make minor changes to provide easy access for further engagement and reviews, prior to publication. 7. CRAIGIE BURN FLOOD STUDY There was submitted a report by Head of Environmental and Consumer Services (23/331) setting out the outcome of the Council’s flood study on the Craigie Burn, Perth. The report recommends that a small flood protection scheme is taken forward as it has been found to be economically viable. As such, the proposed scheme will be submitted to SEPA for national prioritisation and inclusion in the next Page 6 of 44
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Tay Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan, to be published in 2028. Motion by Councillor L Barrett and R Watters (i) The completion of the Craigie Burn Flood Study, as required by the Tay Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan, be noted. (ii) It be noted that public engagement events have been held to disseminate the findings of the flood study. (iii) The recommendations of the study, including the proposals for a small flood protection scheme on the Craigie Burn, be approved. (iv) It be noted that details of the recommended flood protection scheme will be submitted to SEPA for national prioritisation and inclusion in the Cycle 3 (2027-2033) Tay Flood Risk Management Plan, to be published in December 2027, and Tay Local Flood Risk Management Plan, due for publication in 2028. Amendment by Councillor G Laing Insert the following as an additional resolution: Officers be instructed to investigate the potential for this project to be funded through the budget process to report back to the next meeting of this Committee. Note: The Mover and Seconder of the Motion agreed to incorporate the proposed Amendment into the Revised Motion as follows: (i) The completion of the Craigie Burn Flood Study, as required by the Tay Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan, be noted. (ii) It be noted that public engagement events have been held to disseminate the findings of the flood study. (iii) The recommendations of the study, including the proposals for a small flood protection scheme on the Craigie Burn, be approved. (iv) It be noted that details of the recommended flood protection scheme will be submitted to SEPA for national prioritisation and inclusion in the Cycle 3 (2027-2033) Tay Flood Risk Management Plan, to be published in December 2027, and Tay Local Flood Risk Management Plan, due for publication in 2028. (v) Officers be instructed to investigate the potential for this project to be funded through the budget process to report back to the next meeting of this Committee Resolved: In accordance with the Revised Motion. 8. SOUTH KINROSS FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME There was submitted a report by Head of Environmental and Consumer Services (23/332) (1) providing an update on the progress of the Council’s Page 7 of 44
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investigations into a potential flood protection scheme in Kinross, and (2) proposes that the Committee approves the preferred scheme, and that it is developed further through the statutory process, detailed design and eventual construction. Resolved: (i) The development of a flood protection scheme for South Kinross is consistent with the published Forth Estuary Flood Risk Management Plan and Local Flood Risk Management Plan, be noted. (ii) The progress on the development of the proposed South Kinross Flood Protection Scheme, be noted. (iii) It be noted that the flood scheme proposals were put to public consultation in September and October 2023. (iv) It be approved that the recommended proposals as detailed in Report 23/332, be adopted as the Council’s preferred flood scheme. (v) It be approved that the recommended scheme be published under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act and, subject to obtaining statutory approval and funding remaining in place, progress to detailed design and construction. (vi) The 31 March 2024 deadline for the publication of the South Kinross Flood Protection Scheme under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act, to comply with current capital flood grant requirements, be noted. (vii) It be noted that, subject to the scheme being confirmed under the 2009 Act, the same legislation ensures that planning consent will be deemed to have been granted. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 8 of 44
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Climate Change and Sustainability Committee 14 February 2024 Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy STRATEGIC LEAD – ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE (Report No. 24/54) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to advise Members of the Committee on the progress being made regarding the Council transitioning its transport fleet from petrol and diesel vehicles to Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs) in line with Scottish Government guidance. It also seeks approval for the proposed way forward. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee: • notes the background and targets for the decarbonisation of the Council’s fleet, and our current position in relation to these. • agrees that the Council move to the purchase of electric vehicles from 2025 for its cars and small vans under 3.5 tonnes • agrees that officers continue to maintain a watching brief and investigate various low emission alternative solutions for its larger vehicles, as the technology and market continues to develop • notes the proposed introduction of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative to diesel for the Council’s Refuse Collection Vehicles, following a three month trial period. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background • Section 5: Proposals • Section 6: Conclusion • Appendices 4 Page 9 of 44
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4. BACKGROUND 4.1 The UK Government currently has a net zero emission target by 2050. Part of this is the ambition for all new vehicles to be effectively zero emissions by 2035. 4.2 To support this ambition, it is estimated that the UK will require around 280,000 publicly accessible chargers by 2035. The UK government has, therefore, set aside £1.3 billion to increase the provision of charging infrastructure through incentives and funding. Further to this, an update in the strategy, launched in 2022, expects there to be the need for at least 30,000 public charge points in Scotland. Scottish targets 4.3 The Scottish Government has also taken measures towards the decarbonisation of transport by setting the ambitious target of achieving a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2045. This includes the requirement for the public sector phasing out of any new purchases of petrol or diesel cars and vans by 2025, and the complete phase out by 2030. 4.4 Significant challenges exist in terms of meeting the UK and Scottish Government targets, given the financial and staff resources required to transition the Council fleet. The lack of availability of proven Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs) to satisfactorily replace Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) versions, specifically in relation to the heavy fleet above 3.5 tonnes, will undoubtedly cause a delay in moving the entire fleet to alternatively powered vehicles. Current technology 4.5 The technology for cars and vans, i.e. electric is well developed, and therefore investment in replacement electric vehicles is a low-risk approach. 4.6 However, the technological solution for larger vehicles and HGVs is still very much in its infancy. While many organisations and authorities have invested in Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs), be these electric, hydrogen or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), there is currently no single preferred technology. Furthermore, the cost of larger, low emission vehicles, e.g. an electric refuse collection vehicle can be as much as £450,000 compared with a diesel equivalent of £225,000. The hydrogen equivalent is dearer still and would be in the region of £750,000. 4.7 Officers will continue to closely monitor developments in the new technologies, particularly electric and hydrogen. Page 10 of 44
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Perth and Kinross Council in context 4.8 The Council’s vehicle fleet creates in the region of 2,690 tonnes of CO2 per annum. This is approximately 6.7% of the Council’s total carbon footprint per year. If the Council wishes to achieve its own carbon reduction targets, and contribute to local, national and global targets, and ultimately achieve net zero, consideration needs to be given to the way the Council operates its fleet in the future. 4.9 The Council’s Fleet Service is committed to supporting the reduction in carbon emissions, as well as keeping abreast of national initiatives, targets and funding opportunities. For example, the Fleet Manager attends a quarterly meeting with Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) sharing best practice with all Transport Managers in Scotland. Discussions have also taken place with Transport Scotland looking specifically at our requirements. 4.10 Officers are also in regular dialogue with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), which administers the funding for EV charging infrastructure, and Fleet Services will continue to work closely with the EST to secure as much funding as possible to support any future projects. Currently, there is no funding available to support all of the Council’s requirements. 4.11 Officers have also been working with a firm of consultants (Urban Foresight), who are specialists in this field, to understand the challenges and formulate a strategy and detailed implementation plan. This indicates that a differentiated approach is required between light and heavy vehicles, which forms the basis for proposals to Committee. 4.12 To support this approach to light vehicles, Fleet Services are progressing the development of an electric charging hub at Inveralmond industrial estate to support the likely growing number of electric vehicles based across the Council area and specifically housing services. 4.13 The Council is also exploring low emission technology for larger vehicles. For example, the Council undertook a recent successful trial of an Electric Refuse Collection (ERC) vehicle within Perth. Whilst this trial was successful, an ERC vehicle would present the Council with some issues in the more rural areas, due to the limitations of the available miles based upon a full charge. Experience demonstrates that the ERC vehicle would only currently be workable in Perth, or a town centre location as opposed to any of the outlying operational depots. It would not appear to be a realistic approach to purchase ERC vehicles for use by PKC in the foreseeable future, although close monitoring of the evolving technology will continue to be undertaken. 4.14 In relation to hydrogen technology, planning permission has been granted for a site at Binn Eco Park to have a hydrogen installation and an electric vehicle charging hub to be built by Greencat Hydrogen. It is expected that this will be operational within three years and officers will liaise with the facility owners to ascertain any potential opportunities for the Council. A further proposal for a hydrogen facility is being discussed by private funders within the vicinity of Page 11 of 44
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Broxden roundabout. These facilities should provide a welcome addition of hydrogen that could benefit the Council in the future, particularly around the HGV fleet. 4.15 As part of the Council’s operational estate asset review, we will consider all opportunities to work in partnership with other organisations, such as Tayside Contracts, to develop an integrated approach for more sustainable fuel sources, across the Perth and Kinross area. PKC Current Fleet 4.16 The Council’s transport fleet currently consists of 452 vehicles, the large majority of which are diesel or petrol vehicles. There are a number of reasons for this, including the affordability of Low Emission Vehicles, the current lack of charging infrastructure and the relatively low distance that most electric vehicles can travel on a single charge, which is a particular issue given the geography of Perth and Kinross. In addition, whilst the electric solution regarding cars and vans seems to be clear, it is less clear in relation to larger vehicles and HGVs, with many organisations still experimenting with the various solutions on the market. 4.17 The table below shows the current makeup of the Council fleet: Type LEV ICE Total Co2 Cars 17 133 150 251 Commercial vehicles under 3,500kgs (Vans) 0 186 186 598 Commercial vehicles over 3,500kgs (HGVs) 0 80 80 1766 Buses (Mobility and minibuses) 0 36 36 75 Total 17 435 452 2690 PKC progress in comparison with other local authorities 4.18 Local authorities across Scotland are at varying stages on their decarbonisation journey. A small number are at a more advanced stage than the Council with around 50% of their fleet already changed to electric. Others have less ]than 10% of their fleet changed which is more aligned with our current position. 4.19 Funding is a significant issue for many councils in reaching the 2030 deadline. As noted above, there is also insufficient infrastructure in place to support the introduction of electric fleet, with many sites requiring new power supplies. This will significantly impact on any timelines set and adds to the costs of the infrastructure overall. Page 12 of 44
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4.20 Officers are also aware that two Scottish local authorities are considering the “do nothing option” regarding transitioning its low emission vehicles, continuing instead to purchase diesel vehicles for the Council. The stated reasons are linked to purchase cost, volume of replacements and the cost of the associated infrastructure. Options for moving forward 4.21 There are a number of options available to the Council when considering its move towards a low emission vehicle fleet, each with different resource implications, risks and benefits. 4.22 Based on the information outlined above, and the advice from our consultants, officers are recommending the adoption of a two-phase approach depending on the size of the vehicles. Cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes would form part of a first phase (2025 – 2030) and the options linked to this are outlined in section 4.3 of this report. 4.23 The larger vehicles will form part of a second phase over a five year period (2030-2035), or sooner should the technology advance before then. 4.24 In the meantime, as part of our transition arrangements to decarbonising our fleet, officer will trial the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative to diesel. This would allow the Council to reduce its Co2 emissions from the HGV fleet by up to 90% of the current diesel emissions, without the need for capital investment. 4.25 It should be noted that this would incur higher fuel costs to run the RCV fleet as the current cost of HVO fuel is more expensive than the diesel alternative. The estimated cost of moving the full HGV fleet to HVO would be circa £50,000 - £75,000 per annum. 4.26 This would provide an estimated Co2 reduction of around 725 tonnes. Currently a Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) emits around 31 tonnes of Co2 per year. The reduction of 90% of the current Co2 emitted (as noted above) is the equivalent of driving a diesel vehicle for 2,900,000 miles. Further CO2 reductions could be achieved through extending the use of HVO fuel to other larger vehicles once the transition has been made for RCVs. This approach can be progressed independently of any vehicle replacement plan. It is anticipated that this can be accommodated through current fuel budgets. 4.27 To support this approach, an initial three-month trial with the RCV fleet will be undertaken to allow the Council to have a more informed view of whether this should be rolled out across all the RCV fleet. Based on previous experience, it is the professional opinion of the fleet manager that there are no mechanical issues for the fleet in making this change. Page 13 of 44
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Options for transitioning cars and light vehicles (under 3.5 tonnes) 4.28 When focusing on a strategy which involves the replacement of only cars and vans with LEVs, as a first phase, the options for the Council are: • a 2 to 3 year accelerated transition programme (para 4.3.2) • a 5-year transition programme to replace diesel vehicles with electric (para 4.3.3), or • continue, for the foreseeable future, with the current approach of largely purchasing Diesel and Petrol vehicles, maintaining the status quo position (para 4.3.4). 2 to 3 year accelerated transition programme 4.29 This approach would involve the transition to electric vehicles at a rapid pace. It is the option which could most quickly deliver reductions in the Council’s CO2 emissions in our small fleet. However, this represents a high risk, high- cost approach. 4.30 As outlined above, a key requirement of any transition strategy is ensuring that there is an adequate charging network to keep the fleet running and on the road. There are examples across Scotland of local authorities purchasing LEVs without the necessary infrastructure which has led to vehicles unused and a waste of finite Council resources. The Council currently has 80 charging points, and it is estimated that an additional 70 charging points would be needed, located across Perth and Kinross, to adequately service our fleet. It would be a challenge to ensure that this number of charging points could be delivered within these timescales, even if the necessary level of investment was secured during this period. 4.31 It is estimated that there would need to be investment of circa £1m to install the necessary electric supply in the right locations, including Council depots, and community campuses. It also requires capacity in, and willingness from, the private sector to install the charging infrastructure, as well as consideration of the impact of the National Grid capacity. 4.32 The cost and availability of electric vehicles are also a challenge. Electric vehicles are generally still 50% more expensive than petrol or diesel vehicles and the lead in time for electric vehicles is generally longer (circa 9-18 months). There are no grants available now to encourage the move from diesel to electric. The additional investment required for this option is estimated to be circa £8m, which would include vehicles not at the end of their useful life, which would not be cost effective. 4.33 Given the above, it is not proposed to take this approach. Page 14 of 44
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5-year transition programme to replace diesel vehicles with electric 4.34 This option would be to transition the Council's fleet cars and vans to electric over a five year period. 4.35 This is more cost effective as vehicles would only be replaced at the end of their useful life or lease period. It would be a more affordable option as the additional cost of electric vehicles would be spread over 5 years as opposed to two or three years. This would be a lower risk approach as it allows more time for the necessary charging infrastructure to be developed and installed. It would not, of course, reduce the Council’s carbon footprint at the pace which the short programme could, However, it is considered a more realistic transition period. 4.36 This approach would also allow fleet staff to look at the required infrastructure to support that transition. It could include options of a partnership approach involving the private sector to support that transition. 4.37 Using the fleet management system data to support the programme will ensure that the fleet continues to be fully utilised. Fleet would suggest only to dispose of vehicles that are beyond economic repair during that transition to allow for a meaningful transition to support services with the fleet that is needed. 4.38 Officers would recommend this approach to elected members. Continue for the foreseeable future with the current approach of largely purchasing Diesel and Petrol vehicles (status quo) 4.39 This approach is in effect the “Do Nothing” option, as it simply continues with the current replacement programme of largely petrol and diesel vehicles. It is recognised that this approach would be contrary to the Council’s Climate Change commitments. However, it is a low-cost approach, and low risk from a service delivery perspective. 4.40 Given the above, it is not proposed to take this approach. 5. PROPOSALS/RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 It is proposed that: i. A two phased approach should be adopted with regard to transitioning the Council’s fleet to low emission vehicles, with cars and light vehicles forming part of a first phase, and larger vehicles forming part of a second phase. ii. For larger vehicles, officers continue to maintain a watching brief and investigate various low emission alternative solutions for its larger vehicles, as the technology and market continues to develop. In addition, officers introduce Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative to diesel for the Council’s Refuse Collection Vehicles, following a three month trial period Page 15 of 44
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iii. For cars and light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, the Council transitions to LEVs over a five year period. 6. CONCLUSION 6.1 It is important that the fleet decarbonisation strategy for the Council reflects both the Scottish Government guidance in terms of alternatively fuelled vehicles, and our own aspirations and policies with regard to addressing Climate Change. This report proposes that the approach should be to initially focus on vehicles less than 3.5 tonnes, as a first phase, and to maintain a watching brief for larger vehicles, to allow for evolving technologies to assist with changing larger vehicles (HGV fleet) to either electric or hydrogen should that be available. However, this report also notes a transition to HVO fuel from diesel for the Council’s Refuse Collection Vehicles, on a phased basis, following a three-month trial. This would require no upfront capital investment, but would generate significant reductions in the Council’s CO2 emissions. 6.2 As stated above, it is estimated that the Council’s fleet creates over 2,690 tonnes of Co2 each year. Replacing the Council’s cars and vans with electric vehicles could reduce the Council’s carbon footprint by 600 tonnes per year. 6.3 The introduction of HVO for the Council’s Refuse Collection Vehicles is likely to further reduce the Council’s creation of Co2 by around 725 tonnes. Author Name Designation Contact Details Fraser Crofts Mark Butterworth Pat Taggart Strategic Lead – Environment and Infrastructure Head of Environmental and Consumer Services Fleet Manager 01738 475000 ComCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Barbara Renton Executive Director (Communities) 8 February 2023 Page 16 of 44
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement Y Corporate Plan Y Resource Implications Financial Y Workforce Y Asset Management (land, property, IST) Y Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Y Strategic Environmental Assessment Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Y Legal and Governance Y Risk Y Consultation Internal Y External Y Communication Communications Plan Y 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This report supports the following of the priorities within the Community Plan 2022-27. (i) Skills, learning and development. (ii) Employability Corporate Plan 1.2 This report supports the objectives within the draft new Corporate Plan: - (i) People and businesses are increasingly able to prosper in a local economy which support low carbon ambitions and offers opportunities for all; (iii) Perth and Kinross is a safe and vibrant place, mitigating the impact of climate and environmental change for this and future generations. Page 17 of 44
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2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 The Council’s vehicle fleet is currently funded by prudential borrowing through the Council’s capital programme with associated loan charges charged to Service revenue budgets. The EV proposal would require additional options appraisals to look at the best funding method whether that is through lease or prudential borrowing. Low Emission vehicles currently have a greater capital cost than traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. 2.2 In addition, any transition to electric vehicles would require the Council to further develop access to appropriate charging infrastructure across the Council area. This will be explored in consultation with colleagues in Transport Planning and Property to ensure alignment with the development of a wider public charging network and other work being undertaken in relation to the Council’s Operational Estate Asset review. 2.3 The estimated financial implications in this report will be reported back to Council in autumn 2024 for further consideration with input from the Strategic Investment Advisory Group (established as part of the Corporate Asset Management Framework on 22nd January 2024). Workforce 2.4 There are no direct workforce implications arising from this report, other than operatives within the Council’s fleet workshop will receive the relevant training to ensure that any new fleet will be able to be serviced and maintained efficiently. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.5 There are no direct asset management implications, although the transient to low emission vehicles requires the appropriate charging infrastructure, which would need to be locally on Council sites, such as Operational Depots and Community Campuses. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 The Equality Impact Assessment undertaken in relation to this report can be viewed clicking here. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. Page 18 of 44
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Option 3 pre-screening has identified that the PPS will have no or minimal environmental effects, it is therefore exempt and the SEA Gateway has been notified. The reason(s) for concluding that the PPS will have no or minimal environmental effects is that the proposals in this report support the Council’s Climate Change targets. Sustainability 3.3 The proposals in this report support the Council’s policy objectives with regard to a sustainable environment and achieving its targets regarding carbon reduction as set out within the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan. Legal and Governance 3.4 There are no legal or governance issues arising from the recommendations in this report. Risk 3.5 The key risks regarding the implementation of the proposals in this report including the installation of an adequate charging network which meets the Council’s needs and the availability of electric vehicles. These issues have been discussed in the body of the report. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The proposals in this report have been discussed with officers from the various relevant Council services, including transport planning and property. External 4.2 The Council is in regular contact with various agencies regarding low emission vehicles and these have been highlighted in the report. 5. Communication 5.1 It is important that the Council has a clear direction of travel regarding its transition to low emission vehicles, and that this is communicated to all internal and external stakeholders. Page 19 of 44
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PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL Climate Change and Sustainability Committee 14 FEBRUARY 2024 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE UPDATE Report by Executive Director (Communities) (Report No. 24/55) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 This report provides members with an update on Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) progress towards delivering Sustainable Development to fulfil its reporting duties, in line with Best Value requirements. It reviews overall performance and progress in relation to the areas for improvement 2023/24, as detailed in the Sustainable Development Performance Report previously approved by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in February 2023 (Report No. 23/45 refers). It also provides an update on the contribution Perth and Kinross is making towards the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on a new Quality of Life indicator dashboard. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: • comments on the updated performance position for the Council’s compliance with the Best Value Sustainable Development duty. • notes the updated contribution Perth and Kinross is making towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, using information from the new Quality of Life Dashboard. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background/Main Issues • Section 5: Progress to date • Section 6: Proposals • Section 7: Conclusion • Appendices 5 Page 21 of 44
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4. BACKGROUND / MAIN ISSUES 4.1 The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 introduced a statutory framework for Best Value. It places a duty on all local authorities in Scotland to secure Best Value while discharging their duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development. Revised Best Value statutory guidance was published in 2020. The revised guidance refers to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as providing a fuller definition of Sustainable Development and how they set out an internationally agreed performance framework for their achievement. 4.2 In February 2023, the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee approved the Sustainable Development Performance Report (Report No. 23/45 refers), which highlighted the Council’s existing performance and progress in accordance with the revised statutory guidance. The report also included a number of proposals for main areas of focus for sustainable development in 2023/24. An update on the performance and progress of actions from the areas of focus is included in Appendix 1. 4.3 In the Perth & Kinross Council Sustainable Development Report 2023, Best Value Commitment 2 - Outcome 4 highlights the requirement for ‘a broad range of qualitative and quantitative measures and indicators to be in place to demonstrate the impact of sustainable development in relation to key economic, social, and environmental issues. Performance in relation to sustainable development is evaluated, publicly reported and scrutinised’. 4.4 To fully comply with this requirement, Action 2.5.1 outlined the need to ‘Develop a digital indicator platform in 2023 – making the indicators more relevant and allowing the user to compare data across multiple indicators and sustainable development goals’. Details of the digital indicator platform are provided in this report, and an update on the performance and progress of the indicators in contributing towards the 17 SDGs is included in Appendix 2. 5. PROGRESS TO DATE 5.1 This report covers the progress made towards the actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 (Appendix 1). It also provides a summary of the current contribution to progressing the SDGs across Perth and Kinross (Appendix 2). The key points are summarised below. 5.2 Perth and Kinross Council continues to make steady progress in delivering sustainable development in compliance with the 2020 revised guidance. There is a clear commitment to sustainable development as reflected in strategic priorities and objectives. This commitment is also represented by elected members and senior management adopting an integrated approach towards the impacts of decision-making on the delivery of sustainable development. Effective partnership working and engagement with stakeholders is helping to promote sustainable development within the community to raise awareness and encourage a shift towards more Page 22 of 44
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sustainable behaviours. Work is already underway to ensure sustainable development principles are integrated into all Council corporate and service level plans, as well as to increase awareness of sustainable development through operational practices. 5.3 Key Achievements 5.3.1 Development and implementation of the Impact and Value Assessment (IVA) – ACTION 2.1.2. The IVA was launched in May 2023 and is now being used across the Council to screen the development of proposals (such as projects, strategies, policies and frameworks) against statutory and non-statutory environmental, social and economic requirements. It has replaced the Integrated Appraisal Toolkit (IAT) to provide a more streamlined process of assessment and improvement for decision-making. The questionnaire has been developed with support from the Corporate Policy & Governance Group to give a more robust screening of proposals, with sections covering Strategic and Resource Implications, and impact assessment for Climate change, Equality & Fairness, Child Rights & Wellbeing, Sustainable Procurement & Supply, and Strategic Environmental Assessment. Questions are also included throughout the listed sections in relation to Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Further work needs to be done to mainstream the IVA as a key stage of proposal development across the Council, and this will be the focus for 2024. Work is underway with Committee Services to replace the existing Committee Report Template Annex with a pdf report generated from the IVA. Using Microsoft 365 Power Automate, the report will automatically draw the required information from the IVA into the standardised pdf. On completion of an IVA form, each pdf will automatically upload to a dedicated Committee Report SharePoint site where anyone with the specific hyperlink can view the pdf. This will be set up to allow members of the public to view the pdf through a link in the Committee Report itself. The three key stages of the IVA process are: 1) Impact Assessment, 2) Evidence and Analysis, and 3) Value and Improvement. 1) Impact Assessment – uses a branched Microsoft 365 form to guide users through a detailed assessment questionnaire in relation to their proposal (for example, policy, strategy, project, or framework). The questions relating to Equality & Fairness Impact Assessment (EFIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) have been designed to guide the user to select the correct route of statutory assessment, if required. Each completed IVA is automatically stored on SharePoint for easy viewing. For any proposal being taken to full Council or any Committee, the IVA form is an integral part of the committee reporting process and must be completed before the committee report enters the committee reporting cycle. Page 23 of 44
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2) Evidence and Analysis – allows the answers to the IVA questionnaire to be analysed and identified impacts scrutinised. Once an IVA form is submitted, the content is automatically stored to a master excel file on SharePoint. This allows queries to be set up to analyse any information given within the form. For example, the number/type of climate change impacts identified, or the number of contributions towards each community plan objective annually. Where a further statutory impact assessment has been identified as required (for example, full Equality and Fairness Impact Assessment, or SEA Screening Assessment) it can be used to check if they have been carried out correctly or within the statutory deadlines. When a positive, mixed or negative impact is identified through IVA, details of the impact are automatically emailed to the subject lead officer in the Council. This allows for further scrutiny and discussion, helping to improve the overall quality of proposals and assist with any mitigation action. 3) Value and Improvement – uses the data collected and analysed to inform and improve future proposal development. Data collected can be used to provide evidence for audit or to show statutory compliance (for example, sustainable procurement information to show how the Council is considering procurement in relation to the Sustainable Procurement Duty). Data trends can also be used to identify areas where more guidance or training is needed to help achieve compliance (for example, to help people better understand detailed processes, such as SEA). Analysed data will become a standard feature of all future Sustainable Development Annual Performance Reports. 5.3.2 Development and launch of a new Quality of Life Indicator Dashboard. A new digital Quality of Life Dashboard has been developed using Microsoft 365 Power BI to display and update the latest Quality of Life Indicator information. This replaces the old pdf based system of indicator reporting and allows for information to be updated automatically and presented digitally. The dashboard is organised using the 17 SDGs and contains information on over 100 indicators. The digital nature of the platform allows for cross-referencing of indicators where they represent more than one of the SDGs (for example, Energy Consumption indicators are used to assess progress for both ‘SDG7 - Affordable and Clean Energy’, and ‘SDG12 – Responsible Consumption and Production’). This helps the dashboard user understand the interconnected nature between the SDGs and the integrated nature of sustainable development. Work will be undertaken in 2024 to further improve the reporting function of the dashboard. The dashboard will be launched at the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee meeting on 14 February 2024. 5.4 The Quality of Life Dashboard has been used to assess the current progress towards the SDGs in Perth and Kinross, providing a ‘snapshot’ of our current contribution. The specific indicators chosen to collectively measure progress for each SDG are based on the official list of UN SDG targets and indicators. The 17 main SDG pages within the Quality of Life Dashboard identify which of these targets are relevant to Perth and Kinross. Page 24 of 44
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5.5 Overall progress in contributing to the SDGs across Perth and Kinross is good, with some progress being made for all 17 SDGs. In particular, very good progress is being made towards ‘SDG4 – Quality Education’ and SDG13 – Climate Action’. Good progress is also being made towards ‘SDG3 – Good Health & Well-being’, ‘SDG6 – Clean Water & Sanitation’, ‘SDG10 – Reduced Inequalities’, ‘SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities’, ‘SDG12 – Sustainable Consumption & Production’, ‘SDG 14 – Life below Water’, ‘SDG15 – Life on Land’, and ‘SDG16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions’. The progress trend over time for most of the SDGs is steady to improving, with the exception of ‘SDG6 – Clean Water & Sanitation’, ‘SDG8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth’, and ‘SDG10 – Reduced Inequalities’, all of which show a worsening trend. 5.6 A summary of the latest position regarding contribution to the SDGs across Perth and Kinross can be found in Appendix 2. Further in-depth data and analysis for each SDG is available from the Quality of Life Dashboard on the Council’s website. 6. PROPOSALS Areas of focus for 2024 6.1 The main area of focus will be to complete all outstanding actions detailed in Appendix 1. 6.2 Focus will also be given to fully embedding the IVA process into the Committee reporting system, and to refining the reporting functions of the Qualiity of Life Dashboard. This will further promote improvement across the four Best Value Sustainable Development criteria, providing more effective evidence of the Council’s compliance with the Best Value duty. 7. CONCLUSION 7.1 Perth & Kinross Council continues to make steady progress in mainstreaming sustainable development throughout the Council’s processes and practices, in-line with the statutory requirements of Best Value. Good progress is also being made across Perth and Kinross in contribution to each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Author Name Designation Contact Details Angela Harris Sustainable Development Officer (01738) 475000 ComCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Barbara Renton Executive Director (Communities) 1 February 2024 Page 25 of 44
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APPENDICES • Appendix 1 - Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 • Appendix 2 - Summary of the current contribution to progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Perth and Kinross Page 26 of 44
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial None Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment None Strategic Environmental Assessment None Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 The objectives of the Perth and Kinross Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement together reflect proposed action towards environmental, social and economic well-being, necessary for delivering and achieving sustainable development. The proposal therefore relate to all 5 priorities: (i) Reducing Poverty (including child poverty, fuel poverty and food poverty) (ii) Mental and physical wellbeing (iii) Digital participation (iv) Skills, learning and development (v) Employability Corporate Plan 1.2 The objectives of the Council’s Corporate Plan collectively reflect proposed action towards environmental, social and economic well-being, necessary for delivering and achieving sustainable development. The proposal therefore relates to all 5 priorities: (i) Children and young people grow up safe, respected, well-educated, and confident in their ability to realise their full potential; Page 27 of 44
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(ii) People and businesses are increasingly able to prosper in a local economy which support low carbon ambitions and offers opportunities for all; (iii) People can achieve their best physical and mental health and have access to quality care and support when they need it; (iv) Communities are resilient and physically, digital and socially connected; (v) Perth and Kinross is a safe and vibrant place, mitigating the impact of climate and environmental change for this and future generations. 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 This report has no direct financial implications. Workforce 2.2 This report has no direct workforce implications. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 This report has no direct asset management implications. 3. Assessments 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. The Equality Impact Assessment undertaken in relation to this report can be viewed clicking here. This section should reflect that the proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. This proposal is presented as an update in an advisory capacity only. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. Option 1 However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. This is because the Committee are requested to note the contents of the report only and the Committee are not being requested to approve, adopt or agree to an action or to set the framework for future decisions. Page 28 of 44
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Sustainability 3.3 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 the Council also has a duty relating to climate change and, in exercising its functions must act: • in the way best calculated to delivery of the Act’s emissions reduction targets; • in the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaptation programmes; and • in a way that it considers most sustainable. Whilst the proposal is presented in an advisory capacity only, it seeks to inform of the Council’s contribution towards sustainable development, in-line with Best Value requirements. The next steps presented in the report will have positive benefits for improving how the Council’s processes and practices work towards contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. Legal and Governance 3.4 This report has no direct legal and governance implications. Risk 3.5 This report has no direct risk implications. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The Council’s Senior Management Teams have been briefed on the Impact ands Value Assessment process as referenced in the report. 5. Communication 5.1 Not available (n/a). 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS 2.1 Sustainable Development Performance Report - approved by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in February 2023 (Report No. 23/45 refers). Page 29 of 44
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Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 Best Value Commitment 1 Corporate commitment towards sustainable development is reflected in the Council’s vision and strategic priorities Action number Action RAG Status in Feb 2023 Responsibility Timescale RAG Progress in Dec 2023 1.2.1 Sustainable development guidance (including updated SEA guidance) to be produced and accessible via eric for all staff. G Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team Apr 2023 G Completed Apr 2023. 1.2.2 Training for members and senior management on how to use the IVA for more effective scrutiny of sustainable development. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team Jun 2023 A Partially completed. Introductory presentation of IVA process has been provided for Senior Management Teams. Training to be organised for Members and senior managers once new committee reporting template has been finalised with Committee Services. Expected early to mid-2024. Appendix 1 5 Page 31 of 44
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Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 Best Value Commitment 2 Sustainable development considerations are embedded in the Council’s governance arrangements Action number Action RAG Status Feb 2023 Responsibility Timescale RAG Progress Dec 2023 2.1.1 Work with the corporate improvement team to explore options for incorporating IVA and Sustainable Development guidance into the existing corporate management framework. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team/ Corporate Performance Team Aug 2023 A Started and ongoing. Expected mid to late-2024. 2.1.2 Develop and implement the IVA. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team/Corporate Policy & Governance Team Final version by Mar 2023. Fully implement by Jul 2023 G Completed May 2023. The IVA will be routinely maintained from 2024 onwards. 2.4.1 Establish sustainable development and climate change hub on eric with general guidance on how to integrate sustainable development into service specific roles; training for sustainable A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team Mar 2023 G Completed April/May 2023. Hub established April 2023, including Climate Change, IVA and SEA pages and resources. Page 32 of 44
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Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 development and a dedicated page and resources for IVA. 2.5.1 Develop a digital indicator platform in 2023, making the indicators more relevant and allowing the user to compare data across multiple indicators and sustainable development goals. G Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team Dec 2023 G Completed Dec 2023. The Quality of Life Dashboard will be routinely maintained from 2024 onwards. 2.6.1 Submit annual sustainable development performance report to Climate Change & Sustainability Committee for scrutiny and approval. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team Early 2024 G Completed. Report submitted to Committee 14 Feb 2024. Best Value Commitment 3 Systematic approach to the management of resources, which are planned and used in a way that contributes to sustainable development Action number Action RAG Status February 2023 Responsibility Timescale Rag Progress December 2023 3.2.1 Provide an update on Climate Change action within Procurement Strategy. Presented A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Early 2024 A Initial discussions have taken place. Highlighted as a key action for the Page 33 of 44
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Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 as part of the Sustainable Development Progress Report 2023/24. Team / Corporate Procurement Team Climate Change Governance Working Group to take forwards in 2024. Expected late-2024. 3.2.2 Provide update on PCIP progress in relation to set climate change questions. Presented as part of the Sustainable Development Progress Report 2023/24. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team / Corporate Procurement Team Early 2024 A Expected late-2024. 3.2.3 Provide update on sustainable development and climate change implications in relation to the seven Public Procurement Priorities. Presented as part of the Sustainable Development Progress Report 2023/24. A Climate Change & Sustainable Development Team / Corporate Procurement Team Early 2024 A Expected late-2024. 3.3.1 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Annual Report submitted to Scottish Government G Climate Change and Sustainable Development Team End Nov 2023 G Completed. Report submitted to Scottish Government following approval by Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 27 Nov 2023. Page 34 of 44
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Progress on actions detailed in the Perth & Kinross Council Best Value & Sustainable Development Progress Report 2022/23 3.4.1 Biodiversity Duty Progress Report approved by Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Climate G Climate Change and Sustainable Development Team Dec 2023 G Completed. Report approved by Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 27 Nov 2023. Page 35 of 44
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Summary of the current contribution (position as of 19th December 2023) to progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Perth and Kinross SDG Overall progress Summary of indicator performance Mixed progress with steady to improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to employment and income poverty, and housing poverty. • The percentage of Perth and Kinross employees earning less than the living wage has decreased over the last few years but remains above the Scottish average. • Average gross hourly pay in Perth and Kinross has increased over recent years, in-line with the Scotland average, although women continue to earn less than men. • The percentage of children living in relative low-incomes families has increased, following the trend for the Scotland average while consistently remaining just below. • The trend for workless households in Perth and Kinross has declined over recent years, and it remains consistently below the Scotland average. • The house price to earnings ratio in Perth and Kinross is consistently higher than the Scotland average, indicating reduced affordability for home buying. • The trend for homelessness applications in Perth and Kinross shows a reduction in number, although 2022-23 saw an increase in total applications. The number of children associated with applications assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness in Perth and Kinross is reducing. Mixed progress with steady to improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to nutrition and food security. • Since 2016, the trend for Perth and Kinross P1-3 school children who were classified as being of clinically non-healthy weight (underweight, overweight, obese, and severely obese) has increased and exceeds the Scotland average. • Emergency food parcels received from Perth and Kinross Foodbank has increased. • Both primary and secondary pupils registered for free school meals has remained steady. Appendix 2 5 Page 37 of 44
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Good progress with steady to improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to child and adolescent health, lifestyle and well-being, and reproductive and maternal health • Uptake rates for the MMR1 and 6 in 1 vaccines by 24 months, and the completed course for the HPV vaccine in girls by S3 remain high and in-line with the Scotland average. • P1-3 pupils classified as being of clinically healthy weight remains high but shows a decreasing trend since 2016, and has fallen below the Scotland average. • Life expectancy rates remain steady for both females and males in Perth and Kinross and remain consistently higher than the Scotland average. • The mortality rate from Coronary Heart Disease under age 75 for both females and males in Perth and Kinross continues to show a declining trend, and remains consistently lower than the Scotland average. • The number of alcohol related hospital stays in Perth and Kinross continues to show a decreasing trend and remains consistently lower than the Scotland average. • Registered deaths from probable suicide remain low but show an increasing trend. • Road casualties where the individual was either killed or seriously injured in Perth and Kinross are declining. • Live singleton births classed as healthy weight in Perth and Kinross remain very high and steady, in-line with the average across Scotland. • Teenage pregnancy rates for females under the age of 16 shows a decreasing trend and remains consistently lower than the Scotland average. • Breastfeeding (exclusively breast or mixed fed) at 6-8 weeks of age shows an increasing trend and remains consistently higher than the Scotland average. Very good progress with steady to improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to learning, attainment, and further education, skills, and training. • Perth and Kinross P1, P4, P7 and S3 pupils continue to show sustained high levels of attainment for expected literacy and numeracy across all areas. • Perth and Kinross school leavers continue to show sustained high levels of attainment for literacy and numeracy at both SCQF levels 4 and 5. • The trend for working aged people with no qualifications is declining and remains consistently lower than the Scotland average. • The general trend for both school leavers going into initial positive destinations and rate of participation in the Participation Measure is steady and consistently high scoring, in-line with the Scotland average. Page 38 of 44
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Mixed progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to gender related pay and employment. • Average hourly pay (excluding overtime) for women in Perth and Kinross remains below that for men. • Paid employment by gender in Perth and Kinross consistently shows a lower percentage of women working in both full-time and self-employment compared to men, and a higher percentage of women working in part-time employment compared to men. This is in-line with the Scotland average. • The proportion of women looking after the home/family in Perth and Kinross remains consistently higher than for men. • Gender equality is favourable within Perth and Kinross Council, with a continued low gender pay gap between female and male employees, remaining consistently lower than the Scotland average. The trend for the proportion of the highest paid 5% of employees who are women has increased, indicating gender equality for senior Council employees. However, this remains consistently below the Scotland average. Good progress with steady to worsening trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to drinking water and sanitation, and surface water quality. • The trend for water consumption per household in Perth and Kinross remains stable and follows the trend across Scotland. • Since 2019, the trend for quality of regulated private water supplies tested for compliance has declined and remains below the Scotland average. • Overall surface water quality classified as high or good within Perth and Kinross has remained stable and fair, in-line with the Scotland average. The condition of surface waters assessed for alien species, water ecology and chemistry remains very good. Page 39 of 44
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Mixed progress with improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to energy consumption, energy efficiency, and renewable electricity. • The trend for total gas and electricity consumption for both domestic and non-domestic users in Perth and Kinross continues to decline, in-line with the across Scotland. Household consumption of electricity and gas in Perth and Kinross also continues a declining trend, although figures remain consistently higher than the Scotland average. • Although declining, households experiencing fuel poverty and extreme fuel poverty in Perth and Kinross are consistently higher than the Scotland average. In Perth and Kinross, households experiencing fuel poverty remain steady and in-line with the Scotland average. However, households experiencing extreme fuel poverty in Perth and Kinross have increased and are considerably higher than the Scotland average. • There is a general increasing trend for Perth and Kinross Council housing meeting the Energy Efficient Standard for Social Housing, remaining both consistently high and above the Scotland average. • Since 2014, total renewable electricity generated within Perth and Kinross shows a slight declining trend. Both renewable electricity generation, and installed capacity by source remain steady, with Hydro and Onshore Wind accounting for most of the electricity. The number of renewable electricity installations has remained steady, being mostly photovoltaic. Mixed progress with steady to worsening trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to business and enterprise, and sustainable tourism. • Since 2014, the count of enterprise births in Perth & Kinross has shown a general downward trend (although high in 2021), with enterprise deaths remaining stable. • Business start-ups supported by Perth and Kinross Business Gateway shows a downward trend, in- line with the trend across Scotland, but remains consistently above the Scotland average. • Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, sustainable tourism turnover and labour costs in Perth and Kinross showed a rising trend. Post-2019 fluctuations indicate a slight rising. Employment from sustainable tourism remains steady. • Small to Medium Enterprises as a proportion of all sustainable tourism businesses in Perth and Kinross remain high. Page 40 of 44
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Mixed with steady to improving progress. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to sustainable industry and innovation, and connectivity and transport infrastructure. • The percentage share of all businesses that are classed as SMEs has remined stable and in-line with the Scotland average. • The percentage share of all businesses that are categorised as manufacturing in nature has remained stable and in-line with the Scotland average. • The percentage share of all employment which is related to manufacturing has remained stable, but consistently below the average for Scotland. • Growth sector statistics in Perth and Kinross have remained steady since 2008. • Expenditure on Research and Development performed within businesses as a percentage of GDP remains steady in Perth and Kinross but below the Scotland average. This does not follow the increasing trend across the average for Scotland. • Road transport fuel consumption by mode of transport in Perth & Kinross has remained fairly steady since 2005. Figures for 2020 and 2021 are lower than previous years and it should be noted this coincides with the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement. HGV freight, and personal use of both diesel and petrol cars make up the top three consumer modes. • The number of public electric vehicle charging devices in Perth and Kinross continues to rise. • Resident satisfaction with public transport in Perth and Kinross remains fairly steady and good. • Home internet access in Perth and Kinross remains high, in-line with the Scotland average. Households with superfast broadband in Perth and Kinross remain high but below the Scotland average. Good progress with steady to declining trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to discrimination and harassment, and deprivation. • Levels of perceived discrimination and harassment in Perth and Kinross remain low, in-line with the Scotland average. Although low, levels of perceived discrimination show an increasing trend, with disability, ethnicity, gender, religious belonging, and sexual orientation all showing an increase. Levels of perceived harassment show a decreasing trend, with decreases in relation to age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. • Deprivation in Perth and Kinross data zones as a share of Scotland’s total is low and less than 1% of the national share of the 20% most deprived data zones. Page 41 of 44
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Good progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to access to greenspace, and local environmental quality. • The proportion of local residents within up to a 5-minute walking distance of their nearest green or blue space remains high and steady, and consistently above the Scotland average. • Satisfaction with nearest green or blue space remains high but shows a decline, whilst remaining above the Scotland average. • Compliance with the maximum annual mean for sites monitored for Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10) remains very high. • Street Cleanliness score in Perth and Kinross shows a slight declining trend but remains high and in-line with the Scotland average. • Satisfaction with street cleanliness shows a declining trend in-line with the trend across Scotland, although remains consistently higher than the Scotland average. • Satisfaction with local refuse collection services has remained high and stable, and consistently higher than the Scotland average. Good progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to household waste and sustainable behaviour. • Total household waste generated in Perth & Kinross has shown a decreasing overall trend. Household waste generated per person has shown a decreasing trend but remains consistently higher than the Scotland average. • Household waste recycled/composted in Perth & Kinross has shown a decreasing trend but remains consistently and significantly higher than the Scotland average. • The carbon impact per person from household waste in Perth and Kinross has remained steady but consistently below the Scotland average. • The proportion of total procurement spend that is spent on local businesses by Perth and Kinross Council shows a slightly increasing trend but remains consistently below the Scotland average. • Since 2012, the percentage of nursey, primary and secondary pupils travelling to nursery/school by active travel modes has remained steady. Page 42 of 44
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Very good progress with improving trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to carbon dioxide emissions, and behaviour and action. • Area-wide Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Perth and Kinross have declined for all sectors except Transport, which remains largely the same. • Since 2005, there has been a steady declining trend for per capita area-wide CO2 emissions, with recent data showing figures lower than the Scotland average. • Since 2006, CO2 emissions within the scope of influence of Perth and Kinross Council have steadily reduced for all sectors. Over half of all CO2 emissions within the scope of influence of Perth and Kinross Council are due to Transport. • The total carbon footprint from Perth and Kinross Council's operations and service delivery shows a declining (improving) trend. Good progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to River Tay Catchment Area, and Water-dependent Protected Nature Sites. • The overall condition of surface waters within the Perth and Kinross boundary of the River Tay Catchment Area remains moderate and stable. The condition of surface water ecology and water quality located within the Perth and Kinross area of the River Tay Catchment has remained good and stable since 2015. Surface water fish condition also remains good and stable. • The overall condition of water-dependent Protected Nature Sites within Perth and Kinross remains good and stable, following the general trend across Scotland. Good progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to Protected Nature Sites, Protected Montane Habitats, and Woodland Cover. • The overall condition of Protected Nature Sites within Perth and Kinross remains good and stable, following the general trend across Scotland. Since 2010 the condition of SAC designated Montane habitats within Perth and Kinross has steadily improved. • Woodland cover in Perth and Kinross as 18.5% of the total land area, with 50% of cover being from conifers. This has changed little since 2010. Page 43 of 44
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Good progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to Crime and Safety, Informed and Engaged Citizens, Democratic Participation, and Neighbourhood Well-being. • Crimes recorded in Perth and Kinross show a declining trend and remain consistently below the Scotland average. The clear up rate for total crimes in Perth and Kinross remains stable and slightly above the average rate for Scotland. • Perception of prevalence of negative neighbourhood issues by residents of Perth and Kinross has remained steady for both neighbour problems and rubbish and fouling. The perception of prevalence of anti-social behaviour shows a decreasing trend. All categories consistently fall below the Scotland average. • Perceptions of safety by residents of Perth and Kinross has remained steady for both feeling safe at home and feeling safe walking alone after dark. Both categories are in-line with the average for Scotland. • The proportion of residents who agree the Council is good at communicating about performance and the services it delivers, and good at listening, remains steady but moderate to low. However, all are consistently above the Scotland average. • The proportion of residents who feel they can influence local decisions remains fairly stable and in-line with the Scotland average. • In the 2022 local Council election, the percentage poll of local electorate turning out to vote was slightly lower than the 2017 election but remained above the average turnout across Scotland. • The proportion of residents who feel their neighbourhood is a good place to live, and that there is a strength of belonging to the community, remains high and consistent with the Scotland average. The proportion of residents who feel people take action to improve the neighbourhood, that most people in the neighbourhood can be trusted, and that people are kind to each other all remains high and above the Scotland average. Mixed progress with steady trend. Progress towards this Goal is measured using indicators relating to service delivery. • Since 2013, the proportion of residents who agree the Council is delivering high quality services has shown a gradual declining trend, although consistently remains above the Scotland average. The trend for who agree the Council designs its services around the needs of the people who use them has remained steady, and consistently above the Scotland average. Residents who agree the Council is addressing the key issues affecting the quality of life in their local neighbourhood has shown a gradual declining trend, consistent with the trend for Scotland. The trend for residents who agree that the Council does its best with the money it has, shows a slight decline but remains consistently above the Scotland average. Page 44 of 44