Agenda Document Pack - Climate Change and Sustainability Committee - 12/11/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 04 November 2025 Dear Councillor Climate Change and Sustainability Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Norman Rae (Chair), Kirsten Robb (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), Alex Allison, John Anderson, Ralph Barker, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Margaret Cooper, Colin Dewar, Monique Equi, Ross Gowland, Gavin Keatt, Ross Lambie, Richard Lockhart, Katy Loudon, Julia Marrs, Lesley McDonald, Elaine McDougall, Carol Nugent, Mo Razzaq, John Ross, Graham Scott, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner, Margaret B Walker, Kirsty Williams Substitutes Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Andy Carmichael, Gerry Convery, Poppy Corbett, Andrea Cowan, Allan Falconer, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Elise Frame, Geri Gray, Martin Hose, Richard Nelson, David Watson 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 3 September 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 12 Item(s) for Noting 3 Just Transition in South Lanarkshire Preliminary Evidence Report Presentation by Sage Kuhens, PHD Student Item(s) for Decision 4 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties - Annual Report 2024/2025 Report dated 22 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 13 - 44 5 Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunities Assessment Report dated 23 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 45 - 58 Item(s) for Noting 6 Carbon Management Year End Report 2024/2025 Report dated 22 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 59 - 68 7 South Lanarkshire Council - Climate Week 2025 Report dated 17 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 69 - 80 8 Education Resources' Sustainability Report Report dated 23 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 81 - 88 9 Litter Strategy - Update Report dated 23 October 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 89 - 106 Urgent Business 10 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Susan Somerville 2
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Clerk Telephone: 07557 323097 Clerk Email: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 3 September 2025 Chair: Councillor Norman Rae Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Monique Equi, Councillor Elise Frame (substitute for Councillor Carol Nugent), Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Kirsten Robb (Depute), Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor Bert Thomson, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio), Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Carol Nugent, Councillor Margaret B Walker, Councillor Kirsty Williams Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources D Booth, Executive Director; A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; K Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services; G Dodds, Sustainable Development Officer; J Gillies, Senior Landscape Officer; K McCafferty, Carbon Management Officer; K McGuire, Waste Services Manager; C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services; A Wallace, Sustainability Adviser Education Resources D Hinshelwood, Interim Head of Education (Support Services and School Estate) Finance and Corporate Resources K McLeod, Administration Assistant; S Somerville, Administration Manager Housing and Technical Resources C Jardine, Head of Property Services; J Smith, Strategy Co-ordinator (Energy and Decarbonisation) 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 6 April 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing:- an overview of the Scottish Government’s proposed new draft statutory guidance under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 2 5
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a summary of the Council’s response to the consultation submitted to the Scottish Government on 23 May 2025 Under The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, Scottish Ministers were required to provide public bodies with guidance to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance had originally been published in 2011 and now required to be updated. The consultation sought the views of public bodies on the new draft statutory guidance. The draft guidance highlighted the critical role the public sector had in helping Scotland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make a just transition to a low carbon economy and prepare for the future climate. It was noted that the Council already complied with many of the recommendations within the proposed new guidance, however, the updated guidance offered opportunities for further improvement. The Council had submitted a response to the consultation on 23 May 2025, a copy of which was attached as Appendix 2 to the report. In its response, the Council had highlighted that any additional burdens placed on Council services as a result of the guidance would require to be fully funded by the Scottish Government. Once the full statutory guidance for public bodies on implementing the climate change duties was made available, which was anticipated to be by the end of the calendar year, it would be presented to this Committee. In response to members’ comments, officers advised:- that the timing of consultations did not always accord with the committee cycle timetable, although officers would always endeavour to submit to committee beforehand, where possible that, while reporting on Scope 3 emissions was not yet required, the Council was doing this as best practice in this first year that the emissions associated with school transport would not be considered as commuting, therefore, this would not be reported on in terms of this year’s annual submission to the Scottish Government In response to a member’s question on whether it would be possible for comments to be made following the closing date of the consultation, the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) advised that contact would be made in this regard, however, it would be for the Scottish Government to decide whether or not to take those comments on board. He further advised that he would clarify the actual deadline date set for responses to be made. The Committee decided: (1) that the overview of the contents of the proposed new draft statutory guidance for public bodies be noted; and (2) that the summary of the Council’s response to the consultation be noted. Councillor Allison joined the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 6
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4 Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing:- an overview of the Scottish Government’s draft Just Transition Plan for Transport a summary of the response to the consultation which was submitted to the Scottish Government on 19 May 2025 The Scottish Government had defined a just transition as both the outcome, a fairer, greener future for all, and the process of delivering net zero, in partnership with those affected. It described the intention of getting to a net zero and climate resilient economy in a way that delivered fairness and tackled inequality and injustice. In 2019, a Just Transition Commission was established to provide independent advice on achieving net zero. The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport had been informed by the Commission’s advice. It was fully aligned with the priorities of the Scottish Government’s National Transport Strategy and sat alongside the other Just Transition Plans for specific sectors, sites or regions that the Scottish Government were developing or had published. The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport was centred around the vision that, by 2045, Scotland would have a net-zero sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping to deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses, workers and visitors. Its planned outcomes, as outlined at paragraph 4.2 of the report, were centred around:- jobs, skills and economic opportunities communities and places people and equity adaptation, biodiversity and environment The Council’s submission to the consultation was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services responded to members’ questions on:- the cost of electric vehicles school transport how the new Local Transport Strategy’s future transport budget priorities would reflect Just Transition principles Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s plans to franchise transport and its effect on the rural area The Committee decided: (1) that the overview of the contents of the draft Just Transition Plan for Transport be noted; and (2) that the summary of the Council’s response to the consultation be noted. Councillor Razzaq left the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 7
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5 Full Term Report on the Implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund Part 2 - Funded Projects (2021 to 2025) A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the individual projects funded by the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund. Climate Emergency Funding had been made available to all Council Resources to progress Sustainable Development and Climate Change projects. A total of 28 projects had been approved for funding and some of the highlights included:- 13 feasibility studies had been completed 6 active travel projects had been funded 4 biodiversity and nature restoration projects had been supported 3 education and training projects had been funded 3 air quality supporting projects had been match funded 2 recycling and waste reduction projects had been carried out A full list of the projects that had been approved for funding by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group was included in Appendix 1 to the report, with case studies on those projects provided in Appendix 2 to the report. The climate emergency community grants scheme was designed to support projects which made South Lanarkshire a more sustainable and climate-resilient place. Grants had been allocated to community projects which contributed to the Council’s climate change, sustainability and climate adaptation objectives, as outlined in paragraph 4.1. A full list of the community grants that had been approved for funding in each financial year was provided in Appendix 3 to the report, with case studies on those projects provided in Appendix 4 to the report. In responding to a member’s question, the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) detailed ways in which young people got involved in some of the projects. The Committee decided: that the position in respect of the full implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund and the projects funded be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 4 June 2025 (Paragraph 6)] 6 Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 – Project Update A report dated 14 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on:- the recently announced Scottish Government funded Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 progress with the projects approved by the Executive Committee in May 2025 As part of the Local Government Budget Settlement, the Scottish Government had made an allocation of £40 million nationally for Climate Emergency Funding (CEF). This was fully funded from one-off ScotWind funding. The Council’s share of this funding was £2.198 million. 8
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In March 2025, the Council was advised that the purpose of this funding was to scale up existing projects, such as renewable energy, public transport and active travel networks. Details of the approved projects were provided at paragraph 4.2 of the report. The Sustainability Adviser highlighted that, since the time of writing the report, the Council had now taken delivery of 680 compost bins, with the approximate spend now sitting at £10,000. Officers responded to a member’s questions on the composting pilot and the school uniform recycling pilot. The Committee decided: that the delivery of the Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 allocation be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 28 May 2025 (Paragraph 5)] Councillor Razzaq joined the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 7 Nature Emergency Declaration A report dated 13 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted:- highlighting the body of evidence outlining the extent of the global nature and biodiversity crisis, which was driven by direct exploitation, development, pollution, climate change and the presence of invasive non-native species recognising the inherent value of nature as an integral part of culture and society, as well as its crucial importance for the nation’s health, wellbeing, and economy acknowledging the key role nature played in meeting climate targets, and for climate adaptation and resilience providing examples of the work, projects and actions aimed at mitigating the nature emergency setting out the objectives within the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045: Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland Biodiversity had declined dramatically in recent decades and The State of Nature Report 2023 provided compelling evidence that Scotland’s wildlife also continued to decline. The South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan set out how the Council and the biodiversity partnership would contribute to the targets in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 and the Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030. All of the Council’s principal strategies and plans were subject to full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as they were developed. This was one of the primary ways in which potentially significant negative and positive effects on South Lanarkshire’s biodiversity, fauna and flora were considered. The Council’s partnership approach also created links between sectors to raise awareness and to promote and enhance biodiversity on a landscape scale. Sharing resources was also important for the development and roll-out of training for volunteers and staff. The work to develop Nature Networks across South Lanarkshire commenced in 2024. The Countryside and Greenspace (CAG) team was currently in the process of identifying opportunities to create and enhance key habitats which would strengthen nature networks throughout South Lanarkshire. 9
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During 2025, the CAG team would be facilitating conservation and volunteering opportunities for Council employees. The team had developed a Learn on Line course and, to date, 528 people had completed it. Following the success of Carluke and Holy Cross High Schools in the Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards, Education Resources would promote the scheme across remaining schools in the new school term. The Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services responded to a member’s question on how the Council would measure and monitor progress towards the Scottish Government’s target of ‘more nature’ by 2030. The Committee decided: that the action the Council was taking in support of the Nature Emergency be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 31 January 2024 (Paragraph 6)] 8 Progress Report: Making Space for Pollinators A report dated 13 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the progress made since the approval of the ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ report in 2023. The Council reported annually to the Scottish Government on the progress made to improve land for pollinators. The ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ report set out the Council’s aims to help conserve and enhance pollinators and their habitats. The ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ Progress Report, attached as Appendix 1, highlighted the work undertaken during 2024/2025 and demonstrated the Council’s commitment to the national Pollinator Strategy. Over recent years, the Council had developed and improved 155 grassland sites for pollinators. The 2024/2025 Progress Report provided detail of the pilot projects within the East Kilbride area. It also suggested other areas that could be included as future projects and provided examples of new signage installed in the pilot areas. Initial results showed that the longer grass supported, on average, an increase in plant species of over 300% after just one growing season. The Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services responded to members’ questions on plans to expand the projects and timescales for implementation of signage. The Committee decided: that the ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ progress report 2024/2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 29 November 2023 (Paragraph 5)] 9 Annual Review of the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy A report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted providing an overview of:- progress made during 2024/2025 against delivering the agreed outcomes set out in the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy 10
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the key priorities and actions proposed for delivery as part of the Strategy in 2025/2026 The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order placed a duty on local authorities to prepare, publish and update a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and associated Delivery Plan. The Council’s LHEES, approved by the Executive Committee on 26 June 2024, set out a long- term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving their energy efficiency. The Delivery Plan set out how the Council and its partners proposed to support the implementation of the Strategy. The priorities for the Council’s LHEES were outlined in paragraph 3.5 of the report. The Delivery Plan included 28 actions across the 5 chapters. Those were categorised into immediate actions (to be implemented in years 1 to 2) and medium-term actions (to be implemented in the years 2 to 5). Following the first full year of the Strategy, a review of progress had been conducted. The review identified that positive progress had been made across all 5 chapters of the Strategy, with 22 of the 28 actions either underway or anticipated to commence on schedule. The 6 areas yet to be progressed would do so, as intended, in 2025/2026. Key highlights of activity under each of the chapters were provided in Appendix 1 to the report. The Committee decided: (1) that the overview of progress made during 2024/2025 against delivering the agreed outcomes set out in the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy be noted; and (2) that the key priorities and actions proposed for delivery as part of the Strategy in 2025/2026 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 26 June 2024 (Paragraph 12)] 10 Interim Update - 10-Year Estate Strategy A report dated 14 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted providing:- a further update to members on the development and implementation of a cross-cutting review of the Council’s property asset base, which was linked to an intention to seek approval for a 10-Year Estate Strategy a summary of tasks undertaken to date and confirmation of the timescales for the subsequent phase of this exercise Since March 2025, work had continued to progress on a review that would promote a strategic and outcome focused methodology to Asset Management, with the key aim of approving a 10- year Estate Strategy. This long-term approach would inform and guide future land/property decisions on the investment, rationalisation, co-location, and disposal of assets, taking account of community, financial and service considerations. Phase One entailed a comprehensive review of assets and properties within the Council’s public building estate using an assessment and scoring criteria, as outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report. 11
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Phase Two would explore and identify potential service transformation initiatives, making the case for investment. Phase Three was the development of the Estate Strategy and an associated 10-year Delivery Plan. An initial, high-level public consultation exercise had run from 22 April until 30 May 2025. The initial consultation showed general approval for the approach, as outlined in paragraph 6.3 of the report. In responding to a member’s question on the cost of hall lets, the Head of Property Services advised that wider issues, such as the charging model, were being considered as part of the review process. The Committee decided: (1) that the progress made to date on the development of 10-year Estate Strategy, and next steps, be noted; (2) that the initial phase of public consultation feedback be noted; and (3) to note that the initial Interim Update 10-Year Estate Strategy Report had been agreed at the Executive Committee on 25 June 2025 and a final report on the proposed 10-Year Estate Strategy would be presented to the Executive Committee on 5 November 2025. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 25 June 2025 (Paragraph 17)] 11 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. Chair’s Closing Remarks The Chair:- reminded member of the Members’ Awareness Session on Climate Change which would be held, in person, on 17 September 2025 referred to the Lanarkshire Climate Festival, organised by the Climate Action Hub, which would take place from 8 to 21 September, and all elected members were welcome to attend At the invite of the Chair, the Sustainability Adviser confirmed that, as part of the Lanarkshire Climate Festival, there were over 80 events taking place and he would circulate the full programme to elected members. 12
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Public Bodies Climate Change Duties - Annual Report 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] present the Council’s annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance report for 2024/2025, as legally required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [recs] (1) that the Council’s Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance report for 2024/2025 is approved for submission to the Scottish Government. 3. Background 3.1. The statutory framework for climate action and reporting is outlined by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the Climate Change (Public Duties) (Scotland) Act 2009. 3.2. Section 44 of Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act:- in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s national emissions reduction targets in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme in a way that it considers is most sustainable 3.3. Public bodies are required to prepare annual reports on their compliance with these duties and publish and submit these reports to the Scottish Government by 30 November each year. 3.4. The Council has complied with the statutory reporting requirement every year since its introduction in 2015. The Council has also been reporting climate change action on a voluntary basis since 2007 as a signatory of Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. 4 13
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4. Climate Change Duties Report 2024-25 4.1. The report is in a similar format to previous years and is based on a template issued by Scottish Government. It contains six sections: 1 Profile of Reporting Body Provides a better understanding of the scale of activity of the body in addressing climate change in relation to its size. 2 Governance, Management and Strategy Organisations should be able to demonstrate a robust system of governance, management and strategy in respect of duties, decision making and leadership on climate action. 3 Emissions, Targets and Projects Provides data on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from organisational activities including service delivery and the exercise of other functions. 4 Adaptation Seeks to establish if the body has assessed the current and future risks climate change presents to its assets, infrastructure, service provision and business continuity. Reporting on action and capacity building, and monitoring and evaluating adaptation progress. 5 Procurement Clarify how sustainable procurement policy has had an impact on climate change reduction, reporting and compliance issues. 6 Validation Demonstrating internal and/or external validation of data. 4.2. A copy of the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report for 2024-25 can be found at Appendix 1. Some highlights from the 2024/2025 report are noted below:- there is a robust climate change and sustainability governance structure led by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and supported by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group a carbon emission reduction of 70% has been reported in 2024-25 compared to the baseline year of 2005/2006. This includes a 5% reduction in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. The 5% reduction was achieved despite the addition of new Scope 3 emissions sources to the carbon reporting a new Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) process was developed and implemented in 2024, incorporating a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) section. IIAs were completed for every Council savings proposal and the overall budget regular articles and good news stories were shared across the Council’s social media platforms, promoting initiatives such as Lanarkshire Climate Hub funding, sustainable tourism, the Glasgow Retrofit Summit, Climate Week activities, and the Lanarkshire Climate Festival 1,669 employees completed the Climate Change Learn online modules, representing an 18% increase compared with the previous year South Lanarkshire Council continues to actively participate in the Climate Ready Clyde partnership which is a collaborative initiative with an adaptation strategy and action plan for the Glasgow City Region (which includes all South Lanarkshire’s rural and urban areas) 14
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4.3. The information contained in Section 3 of the report provides data on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from organisational activities. It details the Council’s organisational emissions which are currently measured from the following sources:- Buildings energy use (including water) Buildings waste Employee Business Travel Fleet Household waste Homeworking Street lighting 4.4. The information contained in Section 4 of the report details how the Council is assessing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The strategies and plans relevant to this include the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy, Risk Management Strategy, Local Development Plans, Local Transport Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy. 4.5. The Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report will be published on the Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) website. SSN also publish an Analysis Report providing a high-level analysis of all Public Bodies Climate Change Duties annual compliance reports. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The Council’s Policy and Performance Team produce the annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report in conjunction with relevant Council Resources. The statutory reporting regime has elevated the importance and accountability of climate change reporting within the Council. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. Collection of climate change information is a core management task and, therefore, is absorbed into the daily business operations. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. The Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy outlines the action to meet our climate change duties and has undergone a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This can be found on the Scottish Government’s SEA Gateway database. 8. Other Implications 8.1. The annual statutory reporting requirements have implications for all Resources; however, the following services/teams will have more involvement: Community and Enterprise Resources - Sustainable Development team, Fleet service, Environmental Services, Roads and Transportation Services, Flood Risk Management Team, Street Lighting Service, Waste Services, Resilience Support Team, Countryside and Greenspace Service, Planning and Building Standards Service Finance and Corporate Resources – Procurement, Finance (Capital Investment), and Risk Management Teams. Housing and Technical Resources - Energy Management, Asset Management and Property Services Teams. 15
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8.2. ‘Inability to take the necessary action due to funding constraints, to combat climate change, and work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, thereby contributing to negative and irreversible environmental, social and economic impacts on the council and its residents’ is one of the top risks for the Council. Without a plan in place and a financial plan to support it, then this risk will continue to be one of the Council's top risks. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy; therefore, no impact assessment is required. The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 has undergone full Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equality Impact Assessments. 9.2. Consultation has been undertaken with all relevant Council Resources in the preparation of this report. David Booth, Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 22 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Public Bodies Climate Change Duties annual report 2023/2024, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 18 December 2024 List of Background Papers Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022 -2027 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Name: Kathryn McCafferty Designation: Carbon Management Officer 16
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Appendix 1 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance Report 2024 - 25: South Lanarkshire Council If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone 0303 123 1015 Email equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Part 1: Profile of reporting body 17
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1(a) Name of reporting body: South Lanarkshire Council 1(b) Type of body: Local Government 1(c) Highest number of full-time equivalent staff in the body during the report year: 12,740 1(d) Metrics used by the body Specify the metrics that the body uses to assess its performance in relation to climate change and sustainability: Metric Unit Value Comments Population size served population 334,030 Figure taken from National Records of Scotland 2024 mid-year estimate 1(e) Overall budget of the body Specify approximate £/annum for the report year: £980,703,000 The budget represents the year end budget from our 2024-25 outturn report 1(f) Report year: Financial (April 2024 to March 2025) 1(g) Context Provide a summary of the body’s nature and functions that are relevant to climate change reporting. South Lanarkshire is Scotland's fifth largest local authority in terms of population with 334,030 (National Records of Scotland (NRS), 2024) residents living within 155,572 households (NRS, Household estimate figure). The Council covers 180,000 hectares of land stretching from almost the centre of Glasgow to the Scottish Borders. The area has a mix of urban, rural, and former mining environments - almost 80% is classed as agriculture but 70% of the population live in the major settlements in the north. There are four towns in South Lanarkshire with a population of more than 20,000 (East Kilbride, Hamilton, Rutherglen and Cambuslang) and a further 23 towns and settlements with a population of over 1,000. South Lanarkshire is divided into 20 electoral wards which are represented by 64 Councillors who are responsible for agreeing the Council's plans and policies and deciding how the Council's budget should be spent. The Council provides services for everyone in this large and diverse geographical area from five Resources: Community and Enterprise Resources comprise various services operating from a wide variety of locations throughout South Lanarkshire. The diverse range of services contributes significantly to the quality of life experienced by both residents and visitors to South Lanarkshire. Activities include maintaining the road and active travel networks; waste disposal and recycling services; street cleaning and maintaining open spaces; promoting economic development; planning and building standards; environmental health; trading standards; facilities services within schools and council offices; bereavement services; fleet; and leading the development and promotion of sustainable development and climate change action. Education Resources is South Lanarkshire Council’s biggest service. There are 54,233 young people attending nursery, primary, secondary and additional support needs schools in South Lanarkshire. Education is both a national and local priority. The service aims to raise achievement and attainment and improve young people’s health and wellbeing. The main focus is on raising standards, particularly in numeracy and literacy and in closing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged children so that every child has the same opportunity to succeed. Also, to provide young people with the necessary skills for life and work. 18
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Finance and Corporate Resources provide the framework of support which allows the Council to deliver its wide range of services on behalf of local people. Services throughout the Resource include overseeing the Council’s budget; revenue; Customer Services Centre; digital transformation; human resources; registrars and licencing; audit; communications; and legal services. Housing and Technical Resources is the fourth largest council provider of rented housing in Scotland and delivers a range of key housing management, homelessness, and property and repairs services. Activities include managing nearly 26,000 homes for tenants; support to prevent and alleviate homelessness; adapting homes for independent living; maintenance, repair and improvements to the Council’s properties; and asset management. Social Work Resources supports social welfare and provide effective care and support to meet the needs of vulnerable people in South Lanarkshire. Activities include assessment and support; targeted services for vulnerable children, young people and adults; providing care at home; community support services; respite and residential services; and supporting carers. South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation delivering services on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council including the operation, management and development of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities, community halls, arts venues, country parks, libraries and museum services. The data includes emissions reporting from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO. Part 2: Governance, management and strategy 2(a) How is climate change governed in the body? Provide a summary of the roles performed by the body’s governance bodies and members in relation to climate change. If any of the body’s activities in relation to climate change sit outside its own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify these activities and the governance arrangements. Sustainable Development, including climate change duties compliance is a priority objective for the Council. This is reflected in the Council Plan and the Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS). The climate change agenda is governed through the Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee which has decision making powers to help to accelerate the pace and scale of action needed in response to the climate emergency and meet challenging climate change national targets. The Committee is supported by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group which is made up of senior managers from all Council Resources and has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the SDCCS; compliance with the climate change duties; embedding sustainable development within Council policy; and the scrutiny of performance monitoring reports. Progress on the Council's SDCCS and complying with our climate change duties are reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee biannually using IMPROVe (the Council's performance management system). A Climate Change and Sustainable Development Officers Group has been established to support strategic direction, oversight, and guidance on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainability initiatives within South Lanarkshire Council. The group works to ensure that South Lanarkshire Council aligns its operations, policies, and practices with sustainable and environmentally responsible principles, aiming to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts and promote sustainability. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Corporate Working Group is a cross-resource group that works together to ensure that all plans, polices and strategies undergo the SEA process which includes assessment of climatic factors. The SEA group feeds into the Steering Group and reports progress of the Council’s SEA process to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. 19
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The following diagram outlines governance, management and strategy for the Council: 2(b) How is climate change action managed and embedded by the body? Provide a summary of how decision-making in relation to climate change action by the body is managed and how responsibility is allocated to the body’s senior staff, departmental heads etc. If any such decision-making sits outside the body’s own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify how this is managed and how responsibility is allocated outside the body Sustainable Development and Carbon Management sits within the Performance and Development Team of Community and Enterprise Resources. The Performance and Development Team have a strategic overview of the Council's progress to reduce carbon emissions, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability and work with all Council Resources to build capacity on climate change awareness. The Performance and Development Team are responsible for developing the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) and yearly action plan in conjunction with all Resources. The SDCCS action plan is monitored and reported using the Council's IMPROVe system. The SDCCS action plan is reported bi-annually to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee using the progress update in IMPROVe. Many of the SDCCS actions are embedded in Resource and Service plans which results in many employees having climate change actions included in their key work objectives as part of their annual performance development review. The Council also has a ‘Behaviours Framework’ which sets out 5 key principles of how employees are expected to approach their work. The first principle is ‘Efficient’ which includes taking action to ensure sustainability and minimising environmental impact. Employees must evidence how they contribute to this principle as part of their annual review. The Behaviours Framework helps to embed sustainability and climate change considerations in the culture of the Council. 20
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The Council has corporate key performance measures that all Resources must comply with that contribute to meeting the climate change duties. Each Resource reports progress on these measures, on a quarterly basis using IMPROVe, to each Resource’s committee. The Council has taken steps to further embed climate change action across the organisation. Staff engagement and awareness activities are ongoing including e-learning modules on climate change and sustainability, climate change and sustainability sessions in the management development programme and regular articles on the staff intranet. The Council has a Sustainable Development and Climate Change Communications Plan. The purpose of the Communications Plan is to identify suitable communication methods and approaches for: • promoting and raising awareness of the vision, themes and priorities of the sustainable development and climate change strategy. • promoting the climate positive work which is already happening in our communities and encourage others in the community to undertake climate positive action. • informing council employees about upcoming events or useful information. • sharing information about funding opportunities. The SEA Corporate Working Group provides a mechanism to liaise with council services to ensure that relevant plans, polices and strategies include the climate change duties considerations and any actions accordingly. The Sustainable Development Adviser is also part of the Council's procurement network. The Council’s sustainable procurement objectives, in accordance with the Sustainable Procurement Duty, are set out in the Procurement Strategy. The following diagram outlines how climate change is managed and embedded in the Council: 2(c) Does the body have specific climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives in its corporate plan or similar document? Provide a brief summary of objectives if they exist. 21
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Objective Doc Name Doc Link The Council Plan has 3 priorities – People, Progress and Planet. Planet – we need to work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. We will act in ways that protect our natural world for a healthier future. We will work together to develop local solutions to protect nature and to take action on climate change and support our young people to lead the way. The Council’s Corporate Plan: Connect 2022– 2027-page 10 Plans and policies - South Lanarkshire Council 2(d) Does the body have a climate change plan or strategy? If yes, provide the name of any such document and details of where a copy of the document may be obtained or accessed. The Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) 2022-2027, published on the Council website, has been prepared following extensive public consultation which helped to shape the strategic vision and themes of the strategy. It outlines the changes in sustainable development and climate change policy since the publication of the last strategy, and the Council's strategic priorities for sustainable development and climate change over the five-year period. The main principles of the SDCCS are: • Promote opportunities to support climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Promote improvements in human health and wellbeing and reduce inequality across South Lanarkshire. • Promote the protection of a functioning environment. • Promote sustainable economic growth and sustainable communities. • Promote the benefits of greenspace and biodiversity across urban and rural areas of South Lanarkshire. • Promote the benefits of sustainable development and infrastructure and encourage sustainable living. • Promote the importance of effective corporate and partnership working to achieve better outcomes for South Lanarkshire. Carbon management and emissions reduction actions are incorporated into the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027. 2(e) Does the body have any plans or strategies covering the following areas that include climate change? Provide the name of any such document and the timeframe covered. Topic Document Link Time period Comments Adaptation Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Climate adaptation is embedded throughout the plan – in particular Policy 1: Spatial Planning, Policy 2: Climate Change, Policy 13: Green Network and Greenspace, and Policy 22
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Topic Document Link Time period Comments 16: Water Environment and Flooding. Adaptation Biodiversity Strategy Biodiversity Strategy 2024 - 2030 2024 - 2030 Climate change adaptation is incorporated into Chapter 3: Our eco- systems and challenges. Adaptation Local Transport Strategy Local transport strategy 2013 – 2023 (A new strategy is in development due for publication in 2025) LTS includes adaptation through Flood Risk Management. Adaptation Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Climate adaptation is embedded throughout the strategy. Adaptation Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMP) - Clyde and Loch Lomond, and Tweed Local flood risk management plan 2022- 2028 The Flood Risk Management team also have 'Response to Flooding' procedures. Business travel Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan 2024 -2029 The air quality action plan includes a number of measures to encourage a shift to walking, cycling and public transport instead of the reliance of private car. Business travel Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 4: Improve affordable, sustainable and accessible transport options. Energy efficiency Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 5: Progress a transition to net-zero, energy efficient and climate resilience homes, buildings and infrastructure. Energy efficiency Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Chapter 2: Housing Quality, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation. Fleet transport Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan 2024-2029 South Lanarkshire provide fleet operators, including the Council's own fleet, free access to assessment and tailored guidance to assist fleet operators in becoming more economic in terms 23
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Topic Document Link Time period Comments of fuel, emissions and costs. Fleet transport Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 4: Improve affordable, sustainable and accessible transport options. Land Use Core Paths Plan Core paths plan South Lanarkshire Council The CPP provides easier access to the outdoors and the countryside and helps to promote active travel. Land Use Contaminated Land Strategy Contaminated Land Strategy The CLS provides opportunities for future land use changes to mitigate the effects of climate change. Land Use Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Land use is featured throughout the LDP however the most relevant policies are Policy 1: Spatial Strategy, Policy 2: Climate Change, Policy 13: Green network and greenspace. Land Use Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 9: Enhance, protect, and respect the outdoors and the natural and historic environment. Renewable energy Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Policy 1: Spatial Planning, Policy 2: Climate Change, and Policy 18: Renewable Energy. Renewable energy Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) 2024 - 2028 Priority 2: Transition to zero direct emissions heating systems in buildings across South Lanarkshire to tackle climate change. Renewable energy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 5: Progress a transition to net-zero, energy efficient and climate resilience homes, buildings and infrastructure. Staff Travel Employee Travel Plan Employee travel plan The staff travel plan was refreshed in March 2020 however was not published due to impact of Covid19 pandemic. The employee travel plan is currently under review. 24
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Topic Document Link Time period Comments Sustainable/ renewable heat Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Sustainable/renewable heat is included in Policy 2: Climate Change. Sustainable/ renewable heat Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027 Chapter 2: Housing Quality, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation. Sustainable/ renewable heat Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) 2024 - 2028 Priority 2: Transition to zero direct emissions heating systems in buildings across South Lanarkshire to tackle climate change. Waste management Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Policy 2: Climate Change, and Policy: 18 Waste Waste management Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Priority 8: Take action to allow South Lanarkshire to become a zero-waste society Other (please specify in comments) Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan 2024 - 2029 The air quality action plan includes a measure to incorporate green infrastructure integration to reduce emissions within air quality management areas Other (please specify in comments) Procurement Strategy Procurement strategy 2023 - 2028 Sustainable Procurement - includes contribution to sustainable procurement duty and the climate emergency 2(f) What are the body’s top 5 priorities for climate change governance, management and strategy for the year ahead? Provide a brief summary of the body’s areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. 1. Implement the 2025-26 action plan for the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. 2. Further embed sustainable development and climate change into the Council’s decision-making processes. Embed greater scrutiny within the sustainability and climate change section of committee reports and within the Integrated Impact Assessments Sustainable Impact Assessment and staff training. 3. Progress development of the Net Zero Route Map for Scope 1 emissions by engaging with Fleet and Estates Services on the development of their new strategies. 4. Undertake climate change risk assessment upon which action planning, decision-making and monitoring will be built with regards to climate change adaptation and resilience. 5. Implement a robust communications plan for promoting and raising awareness of the sustainability, climate change and adaptation agenda within the SLC, national and global context. This sets out the Council’s overarching framework for engaging the people of South Lanarkshire in relation to sustainable development and climate change. 2(g) Has the body used the Climate Change Assessment Tool (CCAT) (a) or equivalent tool to self-assess its capability - performance? If yes, please provide details of the key findings and resultant action taken. A Climate Change Assessment Tool (CCAT) was last carried out in 2024 as part of the 25
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development of the 2024-25 action plan development. The Leadership Climate Emergency Checklist was also used to review the Council’s compliance with reporting duties and to identify areas for improvement. Workshops were held with the both the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group and Officers Group to assess performance and identify the key priority areas and actions for improvement. The key findings are as follows: Leadership Checklist Workshop Outcomes Theme SLC Current Rating Improvement Actions Identified Strategy Advanced Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications section in reports – corporately encourage officers to embed 26
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Leadership Checklist Workshop Outcomes Theme SLC Current Rating Improvement Actions Identified scrutiny into reports, key issues to be listed at this section of the reports. Targets Foundation National targets are reported on, however, step targets are now required Tangible actions and projects required for each service to ensure progress is being made. Governance Advanced Influencing role needs to be expanded to move to exemplary Broaden our governance structure to include partners (e.g. SPT, NHS, SPEN and other energy providers). Delivery Foundation Co-ordination with all Resources to ensure targets are met. Increase reporting to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. Increase visibility of what is happening council wide, share good practice. Finance Foundation Spend needs to be aligned with climate change targets (steps being taken to address this for example Sustainable Impact assessments for the capital budget process). Performance Advanced Share and review reporting with stakeholders. Increase and encourage peer review (for example the Public Sector Duties reporting). Communicate more effectively externally. Skills Foundation Review training requirements for all staff. Make Climate Change Learn On Line modules mandatory. Encourage training as part of the staff appraisal process. 2(h) Supporting information and best practice. Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to governance, management, and strategy. A Climate Change and Sustainability Committee was established in 2019. This was in response to both the UK and Scottish governments declaring a climate emergency in May 2019 and the introduction of new national climate change targets (net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in UK and by 2045 in Scotland). To support the work of the Committee a cross-resource Steering Group was established to: provide senior level management and guidance on the actions required in the Council’s transition to a net zero economy and society; help to build resilience to climate risks; and address the climate emergency. A Climate Change and Sustainable Development Officers Group has also been established to support the work of the Committee and Steering Group. 27
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South Lanarkshire Council also participate in the Sustainable Scotland Network Local Authority Forum and have been an active member of the network, with participation in both Finance and Reporting Action Groups and presenting at member events. A PHD student has been commissioned from Glasgow Caledonian University Centre for Climate Justice to undertake a study to assess the impact of climate change on South Lanarkshire. The 3- year study will focus on the climate vulnerability of South Lanarkshire communities, capacity to transition to net-zero, and building resilience in this area. Part 3: Emissions, targets and projects 3(a) Emissions from start of the year which the body uses as a baseline (for its carbon footprint) to the end of the report year (comments include new emissions categories added over the reporting year) Reference Year Year Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total tCO2e Comments Baseline carbon footprint 2005- 06 42,014 50,836 63,115 155,965 Water is not included. Emission factors were set at baseline year and have not been updated for any subsequent year. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel. Year 1 2006- 07 40,119 49,806 61,956 151,881 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 2 2007- 08 39,655 52,085 59,597 151,337 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 3 2008- 09 38,168 52,797 56,658 147,623 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 4 2009- 10 41,637 50,846 52,349 144,832 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 5 2010- 11 40,263 50,645 50,356 141,264 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 6 2011- 12 36,510 51,081 47,665 135,256 Water is not included. Emission factors were set at baseline year and have not been updated for any subsequent year. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel and pool cars. Year 7 2012- 13 39,999 53,216 46,226 139,441 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 8 2013- 14 37,119 51,383 47,513 136,015 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 9 2014- 15 35,269 47,850 42,084 125,203 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 10 2015- 16 35,498 45,071 39,707 120,276 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 11 2016- 17 34,017 38,950 37,927 110,894 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 12 2017- 18 34,599 36,860 42,656 114,115 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) 28
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Reference Year Year Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total tCO2e Comments Year 13 2018- 19 32,863 35,378 31,942 110,183 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 14 2019- 20 33,583 14,966 18,783 67,282 Water is not included. Emission factors are updated annually. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel and pool cars Year 15 2020- 21 32,530 12,256 9,805 54,591 Comment as above (in year 2019-20) Year 16 2021- 22 31,989 11,807 12,002 55,798 Comment as above (in year 2019-20) Year 17 2022- 23 32,869 11,781 8,904 53,554 Water is not included. Emission factors are updated annually. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity and EV pool cars; Scope 3=waste, staff travel (own cars). Year 18 2023- 24 30,281 11,982 6,223 48,486 Comment as above (in year 2022-23) Year 19 2024- 25 30,291 11,669 4,770 46,730 Emission factors are updated annually. Scope 1= buildings gas, oil, biomass and fleet; Scope 2= buildings electricity, street lighting electricity and EV pool cars; Scope 3= buildings waste, buildings water, homeworking, household waste, staff travel (own cars). 3(b) Breakdown of emission sources Emission source Scope Consumption data Units Emissions (tCO2e) Units Source Biomass 1 2,953,456 kWh 33.43 kgCO2e/kWh Buildings Gas Oil 1 4,022,635 kWh 1,031.77 kg CO2e/kWh Buildings Natural Gas 1 117,941,221 kWh 21,571.45 kg CO2e/kWh Buildings Diesel (average biofuel blend) 1 2,977,243.56 litres 7,481.2 kg CO2e/litre Fleet Petrol (average biofuel blend) 1 83,267.39 litres 173.56 kg CO2e/litre Fleet Grid Electricity (generation) 2 47,650,323 kWh 9,866 kg CO2e/kWh Buildings Average business travel car - Battery Electric Vehicle 2 847,068 miles 65.06 kg CO2e/mile Electric vehicles (Fleet) 29
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Emission source Scope Consumption data Units Emissions (tCO2e) Units Source Grid Electricity (generation) 2 8,395,909 kWh 1,738.37 kg CO2e/kWh Street Lighting Average Car - Unknown Fuel 3 1,037,578 miles 278.69 kg CO2e/mile Staff travel (own vehicles) Grid Electricity (transmission and distribution losses) 3 47,650,323 kWh 872 kg CO2e/kWh Buildings Water supply 3 586,411 Cubic metres 46.91 kgCO2e/cubic metres Buildings Grid Electricity (transmission and distribution losses) 3 8,395,908 kWh 153.65 kg CO2e/kWh Street Lighting Commercial and industrial waste - Combustion 3 2,569 tonnes 16.47 kg CO2e/tonne Waste (Council Buildings) Mixed dry recyclates - Recycled 3 371 tonnes 2.38 kg CO2e/tonne Waste (Council Buildings) Organic: food and drink waste - Composting 3 326 tonnes 2.90 kg CO2e/tonne Waste (Council Buildings) Refuse Municipal to combustion 3 83,003 tonnes 532.10 kg CO2e/tonne Waste Refuse Municipal to composting 3 19,660 tonnes 174.66 kg CO2e/tonne Waste Refuse Municipal to Landfill 3 5,278 tonnes 2,623.40 kg CO2e/tonne Waste Refuse Municipal to mixed recycling 3 42,607 tonnes 273.14 kg CO2e/tonne Waste Homeworking 3 15% FTE working from home kWh 833.46 kg CO2e/FTE/ annum Estimated figure using PBDR Guidance Total 47,770.58 (Grid Electricity (transmission and distribution losses) included in 3(b) only. 3(c) Generation, consumption and export of renewable energy. Provide a summary of the body's annual renewable generation (if any), and whether it is used or exported by the body. Renewable Electricity Renewable Heat Technology Consumed by organisation (kWh) Consumed by organisation (kWh) Comments Solar PV 1,614,541 71 sites with PV systems Biomass 2,953,456 49 sites with Biomass heating All renewable electricity and heat generated is consumed by the organisation. 30
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3(d) Organisational Targets. List all of the body’s targets of relevance to its climate change duties. Name of target Target Scope of target Baseline Year Baseline figures (tCO2e) Target completion year Progress against target (tCO2E) (2024/24 figure) Zero direct emissions Reduce to zero emissions Energy use in buildings (gas and oil) 2005 31,595 2038 22,603 Zero direct emissions • Phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 • Petrol/diesel HGVs phased out from 2030 Fleet 2005 10,417 2030 7,655 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Energy use in buildings (electricity) 2005 37,831 2045 9,866 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Waste collected from households 2005 61,320 2045 3,603 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce emissions as quickly as possible and In line with relevant transport policies. Staff travel (travel in personal vehicles) 2005 1,795 2045 279 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Street lighting 2005 13,005 2045 1,738 Reduce overall carbon footprint Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Council carbon footprint 2005 155,965 2045 46,730 3(d)a How will the body align its spending plans and use of resources to contribute to reducing emissions and delivering its emission reduction targets? All Council committee reports include a section on 'Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications' to ensure that these implications are fully assessed and taken into consideration when making decisions. The capital programme bid, and approval process includes an environmental assessment which ensures all environmental impacts, both positive and negative are considered when making decisions. The Annual Revenue Budget process includes information on the environmental impact of budget additions and the savings package, to ensure that the impact, positive or negative, is considered when making decisions. The Council developed and implemented a new Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) process in 2024 which includes a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) section. This process was introduced as part of the capital and revenue budget which ensures that factors related to carbon reduction, climate change adaptation and the wider principles of sustainable development are included in the decision- making process. As part of the annual budget process, assessments of the impact of projects, and changes to the revenue budget, are prepared and shared with Elected Members, prior to them making decisions. 31
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As part of the Council’s longer term strategic planning, a Net Zero Route Map is under development. The route map is being developed in cognisance of other statutory Service strategies and highlighting the significant financial investment required to achieve net zero, detailing costs and potential sources of finance. 3(d)b How will the body publish, or otherwise make available, it's progress towards achieving its emissions reduction targets? Performance on all actions relating to the Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change strategy are made available via the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee update reports which are uploaded to the Council website. The Climate change page on the Council website is updated each year and includes a comprehensive update on progress towards emissions reduction targets. The Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report is also published on the Council website. 3(e) Estimated total annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the report year Emissions Source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 25 LED lighting and PV installations projects Gas 76 • Retrofit project at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Replacement of gas boiler with air source heat pump. • Estate changes 3(f) Detail the top 10 carbon reduction projects to be carried out by the body in the report year. Provide details of the 10 projects which are estimated to achieve the highest carbon savings during report year. Project Funding source Capital cost (£) Project lifetime (years) Fuel/ emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/ annum) PV Panels – Cairns Primary School CEEF 77,000 25 Electricity 8.3 PV Panels – David Livingston Memorial Primary CEEF 66,000 25 Electricity 8.3 PV Panels – Craigbank Primary CEEF 66,000 25 Electricity 8.3 PV Panels – Livingstone Boulevard Fleet Depot CEEF 157,000 25 Electricity 15 Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Internal project supported by PSHDF 6.5 million 25 Gas 76 32
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3(g) Estimated decrease or increase in the body's emissions attributed to factors (not reported
elsewhere in this form) in the report year. If the emissions increased or decreased due to any
such factor in the report year, provide an estimate of the amount and direction.
Emissions Source Total estimated
annual carbon
savings (tCO2e)
Increase or decrease
in emissions
Comments
Estate changes 150 Decrease Social Work property
closures and
Community Asset
Transfers
3(h) Anticipated annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the year
ahead
Source Total estimated annual
carbon savings (tCO2e)
Comments
Electricity 100 8 PV projects & 37 LED projects
3(i) Estimated decrease or increase in the body's emissions attributed to factors (not reported
elsewhere in this form) in the year ahead. If the emissions are likely to increase or decrease
due to any such factor in the year ahead, provide an estimate of the amount and direction.
Emissions Source Total estimated annual
emissions savings
(tCO2e)
Increase or
Decrease
Comments
Estate changes 200 Decrease Removal of properties from
Council Estate via
Community Asset Transfers
and other closures
3(j) Total carbon reduction project savings since the start of the year which the body uses as
a baseline for its carbon footprint. If the body has data available, estimate the total emissions
savings made from projects since the start of that year ("the baseline year").
Unknown
3(k) Supporting information and best practice. Provide any other relevant supporting
information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to its emissions, targets
and projects.
Carbon management actions, targets and projects are incorporated into the Sustainable Development
and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Updates are reported on the Council website. Carbon
Management Reports outlining the yearly carbon emissions reductions are presented to the Climate
Change and Sustainability Committee. This demonstrates our commitment to reducing our carbon
footprint and reporting in a transparent manner.
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Part 4: Adaptation 4(a) Has the body assessed current and future climate-related risks? If yes, provide a reference or link to any such risk assessment(s). (Please note this section contains references to the Adaptation Scotland Capability Framework codes). The Council’s Risk Management Team assists in the identification and evaluation of risks associated with the delivery of the Council's objectives and provide support to help manage these risks (UCB1). The risk management team manage the Council's risk register and one of the top risks identified is: • Inability to take the necessary action due to funding constraints, to combat climate change, and work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, thereby contributing to negative and irreversible environmental, social and economic impacts on the council and its residents. The risk scorecard identifies the impacts of climate change now and in the future and contains control measures such as ensuring that the climate change duties are embedded in policies, plans and strategies and working with services to raise the awareness of the business risks of a changing climate. Adverse weather is also one of the risks in the Council's risk register: • Inability of the council to manage the impacts that increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather events such as floods, storms, cold and freezing conditions and extreme heat, water shortages and wildfires have on council services, budgets and our communities. Across the Council the impacts of weather on the functionality and responsiveness of individual services are recognised. These council functions range from flood defence management to local planning. The Council’s Corporate Contingency Plan sets out how it will work with partners to deal with emergencies, including the impacts of severe weather events (UC2C). The Council’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) leads on responding to emergencies. The EMT is made up of senior managers from Services who may be involved in dealing with emergencies and led by the Council's Resilience Adviser. The South Lanarkshire area is covered by the West of Scotland Resilience Partnership which has representatives from the emergency services, councils, NHS boards and utilities companies. The West of Scotland Community Risk Register includes severe weather incidents, the possible consequences, and what the Regional Resilience Partnership are doing to mitigate the risks. Assessing Future Climate Risks The Council has a dedicated Flood Risk Management Team who manage flooding priorities and deliver prioritised flood protection schemes. In accordance with the requirements of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, the Flood Risk Management Team has been involved in the publication of the Clyde and Loch Lomond Local Plan District and the Tweed Local Plan District Flood Risk Management Plans. The production of these plans has involved a national flood risk assessment and identification of potentially vulnerable areas. Flood risk assessments and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems are required as part of the planning process for any new builds developments. These future flood risks are also incorporated into the Local Development Plan 2. The impacts from increased rainfall are the area’s biggest climate change risks, however the challenges from rising temperatures and sea levels will also bring risks as well as opportunities for the area. To understand these risks further, and what action is required to mitigate them, the Council is an active member of the Climate Ready Clyde partnership, a collaborative initiative that has developed an Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Glasgow City Region (which includes all of South Lanarkshire, both rural and urban areas) which was informed by the Glasgow City Region Climate Risk and Opportunities Assessment (UC1B, UC2B). 4(b) What arrangements does the body have in place to manage climate-related risks? Provide details of any climate change adaptation strategies, action plans and risk management procedures, and any climate change adaptation policies which apply across the body 34
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The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 includes the Council's approach to managing climate change adaptation. Within the ‘Sustainable Places’ theme the intention is to work in partnership to ensure local infrastructure, buildings and communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change (OC1C). This theme builds on work already happening across South Lanarkshire to improve communities and place, although it will do this through a sustainable development and climate lens which will take the diversity of rural and urban South Lanarkshire into account (OC2A). The Council’s Risk Management Strategy aims to provide a sensible and proportionate approach to risk management that promotes awareness rather than avoidance. Resources are required to ensure that risk management is embedded in service planning and delivery; in the way they make decisions; in major projects; and in their dealings with partners and contractors. The Council also has a corporate Business Continuity Plan which is managed by the Resilience Adviser. South Lanarkshire Council is a category 1 responder and leads the Local Resilience Partnership on work required to meet the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its associated Scottish Regulations and Guidance as part of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership (OC2A). In addition, the Council has the following strategies and plans which include policies and actions to address climate related risks: Local Development Plan 2 (2020-2025) A key theme running through the Local Development Plan 2 is the need to address the land use issues arising from the impact of climate change. • Policy 2: Climate Change – proposals for new development must, where possible, seek to minimise and mitigate against the effects of climate change. • Policy 13: Green network and Greenspace - Development proposals should safeguard the green network, as identified on the proposals map, and identify opportunities for enhancement and/or extension which can contribute towards mitigating greenhouse gases and adapting to the impacts of climate change. • Policy 16: Water environment and flooding - the avoidance principle of flood risk management as set out in Scottish Planning Policy must be met. In the preparation of the Local Development Plan 3, a topic paper has been produced which covers the requirements of both NPF Policy 1 – tackling the climate and nature crisis and NPF Policy 2 – climate mitigation and adaptation. It lays out regional risks as identified in the Glasgow City Region Climate Change Risks and Opportunities Assessment with local context. The paper highlights nine risks to which particular attention should be paid due to the threat they present to the area in terms of economy, society and environment. It highlights that planned projects and interventions should consider how adaptation measures to manage the above risks can be built into LDP3 (OC2A). 9 focus risks: · IN3: Risk to infrastructure services from coastal flooding and erosion · IN7: Risks to energy, transport and ICT infrastructure from storms and high waves · IN8: Risks to energy, transport and ICT infrastructure from extreme heat · SH5: Risks to NHS estates due to flooding and overheating · NE1: Risks to soil stock from changes in temperature and water regime · NE5: Risk to crops and livestock from extremes in temperature and water regime · NE17: Risks to freshwater biodiversity from pests, invasive species and disease · BI1: Risk to new and existing business sites from river, surface water and coastal flooding · BI4: Risks to business from disruption to supply chains and distribution networks Managing Flood Risk The Flood Risk Management team have procedures aimed at reducing flood risk and managing the impacts of flood events, called the “Managing Flood Risk2 procedure, which is reviewed annually and takes cognisance of the effects of climate change upon predicted flood risk. Flood risk assessments and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems are required as part of the planning process for any new builds or developments. Annual reservoir inspections, drainage investigation works, watercourse surveys, and subsequent clearance works are undertaken regularly by the Flood Risk 35
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Management team. As situations arise during a financial year, minor work packages are regularly included in the Works Programme for investigation and delivery of solutions. Local Transport Strategy 2013-2023 The Local Transport Strategy includes the following key objectives relating to climate change adaptation: • Improve health and wellbeing by facilitating and encouraging active travel, through the development of attractive, safe and convenient walking and cycling networks • Mitigate, adapt and manage the effects of climate change, including flooding, on transport infrastructure and communities A new Local Transport Strategy is currently under development and due to be published. Biodiversity Strategy 2024- 2030 Climate change is identified as a key cross-cutting theme in the Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030 that affects all ecosystems. Issues related to this are identified and addressed where possible. Peatland management which benefits carbon sequestration remains a key theme. The Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan 2024-2026 (BDIP) encourages appropriate management of the council estate. The BDIP, through the planning function, encourages other landowners and developers to adopt the principles of the Biodiversity Strategy in their land use. This is especially important in woodland cover and peatland conservation for carbon management and intrinsic biodiversity. 4(c) What action has the body taken to adapt to climate change? Include details of work to increase awareness of the need to adapt to climate change and build the capacity of staff and stakeholders to assess risk and implement action. Delivering adaptation actions (SM1B, SMI2C): • The Flood Risk Management team continue to be consulted regularly during the Planning and Development Management process to ensure all new developments are being designed in accordance with the latest guidance on flood risk, climate change and the sustainable management of surface water. • An ongoing programme targeting culvert inlets, and their surrounding areas is in progress to improve asset performance and operative safety. This includes repairing or replacing inlet trash screens, steps, fencing, handrails, and improving access. These works are progressed on a continuous basis throughout the year. • Internal culvert-lining works were required to the outfall pipe which drains James Hamilton Heritage Loch in East Kilbride. A Reservoir Engineer report has been carried out and the work has been commissioned. • Active Travel Studies have been completed for all areas of South Lanarkshire. The priorities identified in these studies will be reviewed as part of the development of the new Local Transport Strategy. • The Council continues to encourage active travel by extending the network of walking and cycle routes. • The Council has signed the Clyde Climate Forest Concordat committing to actively participate in, and promote, the realisation of Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) targets; increase the average tree canopy cover to 20%, increase the average broadleaf network by 20% and increase forest and woodland cover in Glasgow city region to 20% by 2032 (totalling 18 million trees planted across the region over the next decade as a response to the Climate and Ecological Emergencies). • An Ash Dieback Action and Recovery Plan Template has been developed. • On Council owned or controlled land, the Council continues to develop its records of the nature, condition and resilience of tree assets through onsite assessment and updating of its web-based Tree Asset Management Software. This approach to collecting records and the ability to report and analyse tree assets at a landscape level is starting to provide an understanding of composition and structure, resilience, benefits and the management strategies required. The approach is also aiding an insight into assets that form part of the developing Glasgow City Region Broad Leaved Nature Network and diversity to inform tree planting. 36
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• Utilising tools such as Tree Equity Score UK and with the assistance of the Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) the Council continues to measure and assess tree canopy cover (TCC) and tree equity across South Lanarkshire. The overall TCC is currently 17% (2032 target 21%) with the Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assessed by CCF is 17.2% (2032 target 20%). • Using Tree Asset Management Software a dynamic 5-year planting masterplan is being created. Although the study has yet to be fully integrated, 661 sites and 2,640 standard trees are already in the assessment process. Prioritisation is determined using data tools and information sources such as Tree Equity Score, CCF interactive map and Glasgow City Region Broad Leaved Nature Network guidance. • Forming part of the Tree Council Volunteer Tree Wardens programme, a Community Volunteer Coordinator post has now been created to co-ordinate and manage a team of volunteer Tree Wardens, who will help in the creation and monitoring of tree planting. • A biosecurity statement is being developed to promote implementation and understanding of good practices to help safeguard the future of our trees from the introduction and spread of other harmful organisms. • A new management plan has been developed for one of the Council's two key peatland sites, Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve. The plan, covering the period 2026–2031, outlines proposals to retain and enhance key habitats and includes a bid for funding from the Peatland Action Fund to improve the raised bog within the reserve. Ongoing collaboration continues with the Friends of Langlands Moss community group to promote awareness of the site’s ecological importance and the challenges. • The Making Space for Pollinators report (2024) highlights the work and commitment we have made in improving grasslands for pollinators and wildlife throughout South Lanarkshire. Greater plant species-richness is a key driver to increased diversity, abundance and activity of soil microbes, fungi and ecosystem engineers such as worms and ants, which facilitate greater sequestration of soil organic carbon. Species rich grassland habitats also improve soil structure and nutrient cycling; provide pollination services to nearby crops, wildflowers and trees; purify water; mitigate against drought and flood events; and increase resilience to the impact of climate change. • An evidence report has been completed to support the development of proposed Nature Networks in the next Local Development Plan in partnership with the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network, the Council have helped establish a Biodiversity Partnership sub-group to monitor and identify opportunities for Nature Network development. The proposed Nature Networks will be highlighted and mapped within the upcoming LDP3. • Although no Nature Restoration Fund awards were made in 2024, the Council are continuing restoration efforts through a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid led by Froglife. This project will deliver habitat improvements in three Local Nature Reserves - Langlands Moss, Westburn, and Fernbrae Meadows - as well as Chatelherault Country Park. Approximately 15–17 new ponds will be created across these sites. In addition, tailored management plans for each location are currently being developed. • Climate change impacts and resulting workforce needs, including skills development, have been incorporated into the revised Workforce Strategy and Council Workforce Plan. • The Council actively issue severe weather alerts via its social media channels. • Information has been updated on the Council’s website to support constituents to prepare for extreme weather events and their potential impacts. • An annual communications campaign related to preparing for winter is undertaken and aimed at colleagues and community members. Building adaptive capacity: • South Lanarkshire Council remains an active member of the Climate Ready Clyde (CRC) local authority Forum, which meets quarterly to support collaborative climate adaptation across the Glasgow City Region. Through this forum, officers contribute to shared planning, knowledge exchange, and the delivery of integrated climate adaptation actions. Throughout the year, officers have actively participated in CRC workshops and progress meetings, helping shape the forum’s work programme. These sessions have supported connections with other local authorities and created opportunities for shared learning and future collaboration. As part of Climate Ready Clyde, officers have also attended several training sessions on key themes such as place-making, social care, and partnership working. Officers continue to seek out relevant sessions and share learning and best practice with colleagues to support wider knowledge development and training on adaptation across the Council. Through this network, 37
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the Council have access to an advisory board which is a virtual group of practitioners, cities and adaptation experts to inform and challenge the City Region’s approach to adaptation. (SIM3C) • Flagship action 1 in the Climate Ready Clyde adaptation strategy is ‘Local authorities in the region working together to build capabilities and deliver collaborative adaptation’. • The Council continues to raise awareness of Climate Ready Clyde’s Risk and Opportunity Assessment and Climate Adaptation Strategy. • A PhD project is being jointly funded by the Council and Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for Climate Justice. The study will focus on the climate vulnerability of South Lanarkshire communities, capacity to transition to net-zero and building resilience in this area. (SIM2A) • In December 2024, the Sustainability Team delivered a climate change adaptation workshop with Climate Ready Clyde to Council officers from across all five Resources. The purpose of the session was to increase knowledge and awareness of climate change adaptation, identify service areas potentially most at risk from climate change impacts, and understand the level of activity currently being undertaken to adapt to those impacts. • In early 2025, Adaptation Scotland launched the refreshed Public Sector Climate Adaptation Benchmarking Tool. SLC used this tool to assess current adaptation capabilities and identify areas for development. The tool provides a baseline assessment of current adaptation capabilities and how development progresses over time. The assessment was carried out with the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group who used the tool to assess the Council’s climate adaptation progress, helping to identify areas for improvement. Findings showed strong performance in the ‘Working Together’ and ‘Culture and Resources’ capabilities, reflecting cross-Resource collaboration and robust governance. Areas identified for development included ‘Understanding’ and ‘Strategy’, which are now key focus areas for the coming year. 4(d) Where applicable, what contribution has the body made to helping deliver the Programme? Local Development Plan SNAP 3 Outcome – Nature Connects Objectives: NC1 Nature-based solutions, NC3: Development planning The Local Development Plan 2 contains policies on protecting and enhancing priority greenspace and green networks and ensuring the effect of development proposals on the natural environment. Flood risk is considered during the application process. The plan also contains policy to ensure development proposals mitigate and adapt against climate change. The Planning Service works closely with colleagues in the Greenspace and Countryside team to ensure habitats are not adversely affected by new development. Masterplanning of the Council’s Community Growth Areas has incorporated measures to enhance existing habitats. Managing Flood Risk SNAP3 Outcomes – Nature Connects, Public Services & Infrastructure Objectives: NC1 Nature-based solutions, PS2 Public service and infrastructure resilience Local flood risk management plans (LFRMPS) were published in December 2022. South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) was involved in the production of the Clyde and Loch Lomond and Tweed LFRMPs. Through the process of developing these plans, a National Flood Risk Assessment identified the areas at risk of coastal, pluvial and fluvial flooding, and objectives and actions were included in the Plans for Responsible Authorities to undertake to improve the current situation. The Council has been involved in the production and the ongoing updating of the Scottish Detailed River Network (SDRN), and in complying with the duty under the Flood Risk Management (FRM) Act. This dataset is used within the asset management database to assess and maintain waterbodies. The Council also has access to the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) dataset which is regularly utilised during the catchment analysis stage in the production of Flood Studies. Annual reservoir inspections, drainage investigation works, watercourse surveys, and subsequent clearance works are undertaken regularly by the Flood Risk Management team. As situations arise during a financial year, minor work packages are regularly included in the Works Programme for investigation and delivery of solutions. 38
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Biodiversity SNAP3 Outcomes: Nature Connects Objectives: NC1 Nature-based solutions, NC4 Nature networks, NC6 Natural carbon stores and sinks, C2 Locally-led adaptation, C3 Community resilience, C1 Regional and place-based collaborations South Lanarkshire Council have designated 17 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) with a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient woodland, open water, wetlands, peatland and grassland. The Council continue to maintain and enhance the diversity of habitats creating wildflower meadows, planting trees, enhancing existing wetlands and preserving our peatlands. Invasive non-native species (INNS) including rhododendron, snowberry and Himalayan balsam continue to be removed from the LNR areas. In partnership with the Glasgow City Region Green Network, the Council have been collating and mapping data on priority species rich grasslands, wetlands and woodland in establishing our regional Nature Networks, a key priority in the draft Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045: Tackling Nature Emergency. As part of this over 100 Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS) have been identified for the next Local Development Plan. The amount of intensively managed grassland throughout the area has been reduced with the aim to improve habitats for pollinators. A pilot project in East Kilbride is underway in partnership with local volunteers and Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network as part of their Clyde Grasslands project. At selected sites mowing and management regimes have been altered, and species composition is monitored through survey work. The Council’s Biodiversity Officer works in partnership with the Peatland Officer at Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network to determine the need for future management to restore and preserve local peatland sites. A new management plan has been developed for one of the Council's two key peatland sites, Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve. The plan, covering the period 2026–2031, outlines proposals to retain and enhance key habitats and includes a bid for funding from the Peatland Action Fund to improve the raised bog within the reserve. Ongoing collaboration continues with the Friends of Langlands Moss community group to promote awareness of the site’s ecological importance and the challenges it faces. In partnership with the Clyde Climate Forest, the Council have identified and continue to plant trees in three ‘Target Neighbourhoods’ across the urban parts of South Lanarkshire which have low levels of existing tree canopy cover and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Working in partnership with the Clyde Climate Forest Community Volunteer Coordinator, the Council is creating wider stakeholder groups for tree and woodlands through development of a Tree Warden scheme, promotion of the existing Young Tree Champions and Clyde Climate Forest. Other Measures SNAP Outcomes: Communities Objective: C4 New and existing buildings ABS Funded Measures completions 2024/25: Heat Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (HEES:ABS) programmes were developed to install external wall insulation in privately owned and council properties and are prioritised to target fuel poor areas and households in most need of assistance. There are significant changes to the way in which these programmes can now be delivered, with the introduction of PAS2035, market supply of materials, and significant increase in costs. In the financial year 2024-25, 4 private properties and 59 council properties had external wall insulation applied, 59 council and 1 owner also had new windows and doors as a secondary measure through HEES:ABS. 128 owners and 198 council properties had cavity wall insulation, 16 owners and 14 council properties had loft insulation. 18 amenity units across two of the Travelling Persons Sites had new PV’s and battery storage installed. This information was reported to the Scottish Government on our HEES:ABS Returns. Measure Numbers 39
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Owner Occupied Private rented Social Landlord Total External Wall Insulation (solid wall) 4 0 59 63 Cavity Wall Insulation 128 0 198 326 Loft insulation (virgin) 2 0 0 2 Loft insulation (top up) 14 0 14 28 Window Glazing 1 0 59 60 High Performance External Doors with greater than 60% glazing area 1 0 59 60 Photovoltaics 0 0 18 18 Micro hydro 0 0 0 0 Total (ECO funded measures) 150 0 407 557 ECO4 LA Flex Scheme: In 2024/25, 308 measures were installed in 106 homes across South Lanarkshire. ECO4 Measures Number of Measures Boiler - Upgrade to a non-renewable heating system 46 Boiler - Upgrade to a renewable heating system 33 Cavity wall insulation 7 ESH - Upgrade of an inefficient electric storage heater 2 External / Hybrid / Internal insulation of a solid wall 15 First time central heating 15 Flat roof insulation 1 Loft insulation where there is greater than 100mm pre-existing insulation 2 Loft insulation where there is less than or equal to 100mm pre-existing insulation 37 Pitched roof insulation 1 Programmer & room thermostat 49 Room-in-roof insulation insulated 10 Room-in-roof insulation uninsulated 2 Smart Thermostat 3 Solar PV 32 Time and temperature zone control 16 TRV's 36 Underfloor insulation 1 Grand Total 308 4(e) What arrangements does the body have in place to review current and future climate risks? Provide details of arrangements to review current and future climate risks, for example, what timescales are in place to review the climate change risk assessments referred to in Question 4(a) and adaptation strategies, action plans, procedures and policies in Question 4(b). The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) 2022-2027 includes the Council's approach to managing climate change adaptation. The strategy includes current and future climate risks and a 5 year action plan has been developed. The SDCCS annual action plan is reported bi-annually to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. The Council's top risks, which include risks on both climate change and adverse weather, are reviewed annually. A climate change risk assessment is under development which will be reviewed annually. 40
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The Local Development Plan (LDP) was renewed in 2020. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are key themes throughout the LDP2. LDP3 is in development with the climate mitigation and adaptation topic paper under development. Once approved the LDP3 will cover a 10-year period. The Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030 and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) were launched in 2024. The Biodiversity Partnership group meet annually to monitor the progress of the Biodiversity Strategy. The Biodiversity Duty Report 2024-2026 is requested by Scottish Government every three years, this summarises the work achieved by the Council on biodiversity. The BDIP is reviewed every three years. Action planning takes places on a rolling programme and kept under continuous review. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process is well embedded within the Council and provides an opportunity to assess the risks and opportunities of climate change in new or revised plans, policies and strategies. A full SEA was carried out alongside preparation of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. This has ensured a consistency in approach to addressing the climate crisis alongside the ecological emergency. It ensures that the importance of sustainable development is mainstreamed across the Council and promoted to communities and partners. The climate adaptation strategy for the city region is also undergoing a full SEA. Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMP) continue to be delivered. The monitoring of weather patterns, including rainfall statistics, continues to be carried out to help inform how the Council allocates resources and tracks the observed effects of climate change. Actions for the Council in the LFRMPs include the production of four Flood Protection Studies and five Surface Water Management Plans. The Council are currently working through a programme of delivering these projects, and the effects of climate change upon future flood level, and the resultant impacts upon building and infrastructure networks will be considered in each of these projects. Climate Ready Clyde launched the first comprehensive risk and opportunity assessment for the Glasgow City Region in October 2018. The findings and recommendations in the assessment were used in the development of the first Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Glasgow City Region. The risk and opportunity assessment provides context for the Council’s risk management approaches to climate change adaptation. 4(f) What arrangements does the body have in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of the adaptation actions? Please provide details of monitoring and evaluation criteria and adaptation indicators used to assess the effectiveness of actions detailed under Question 4c and Question 4d. South Lanarkshire's State of the Environment Report provides data that facilitates the monitoring and evaluation of a range of environmental issues - such as Biodiversity, Soil, and Water - where climate change adaptation action has been undertaken. This also includes a specific chapter related to climate change. The Council's performance management system IMPROVe is used to monitor and report actions and measures within the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) and associated action plan. The SDCCS includes adaptation actions covering biodiversity, greenspace and flood risk management which are monitored and evaluated through IMPROVe and reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee biannually through the SDCCS Performance Reports (SIM3C). SEPA prepared indicators that have been used in the first cycle of the LFRMPs, however these will be reviewed and adapted to ensure they are reflective of the ongoing changes within the cycles and as our understanding improves through the process. Several Surface Water Management Plans (SWMP) and Flood Studies have been developed for the locations assessed with the highest Annual Average Damages from surface water and river flooding. Any actions or recommendations identified within the plans and studies will be evaluated regarding the reduction or mitigation of damages due to flooding within these areas. The regional adaptation strategy and action plan, through Climate Ready Clyde (CRC), will be monitored and evaluated (SIM3C). As a member of CRC, we have started a review process of our 41
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concordat which will include actions that work towards the flagship actions sent out in the regional adaptation strategy and action plan. This will also include a specific review period. The Adaptation Scotland Climate Adaptation Capability Framework was completed with the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group to understand the Council’s maturity with respect to climate adaptation work. This has provided a baseline and action for inclusion in the 2025/26 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Action Plan. The benchmarking exercise using the Capability Framework will be completed annually. The Making Space for Pollinators Progress Report is the Council’s second report on the work undertaken to improve habitats for pollinators. The Progress Report covers the period 2024-2025 and provides details about the pilot projects within the East Kilbride Area. The report suggests other areas that could be included as future projects and provides examples of new signage installed in the pilot areas. The Pollinator Strategy brings together various groups, including Government agencies, advisory bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with an interest in biodiversity in South Lanarkshire. Key partners include NatureScot, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and the Glasgow City Region Green Network Clyde Grasslands project 4(g) What are the body’s top 5 priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate change adaptation? Provide a summary of the areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. 1. Develop a climate change risk assessment upon which action planning, decision-making and monitoring will be built with regards to climate change adaptation and resilience. 2. Continue as an active member of the Climate Ready Clyde Local Authority Forum participating in city-region wide workshops and events, creating connections and opportunities for development/co-sharing of knowledge and training. The CRC Concordant to reaffirm our commitment to the strategy and action plan. 3. Reassess the Council against Adaptation Scotland’s Capability Framework and use the results to benchmark current performance and identify key actions for improvement and progression. 4. Contribute to the development and implementation of local actions that contribute to the wider Glasgow City Region's (GCR) Adaptation Strategy, where appropriate, working across Council Resources. 5. Mainstream adaptation into governance practices and other key council plans and strategies. Promote training and upskilling opportunities relating to climate change adaptation. 4(h) Supporting information and best practice, Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to adaptation. South Lanarkshire Council is a partner in Climate Ready Clyde which is a cross sector initiative bringing partners together to work strategically to minimise risks and seize the opportunities climate change presents for the economy, society and environment across the Glasgow City Region. Its aims are: • People and communities benefit from actions to adapt to climate change. • Climate adaptation helps to secure existing investment and generates new opportunities. • To protect the area’s natural environment and uses it to help adapt to climate change. Climate Ready Clyde has developed Glasgow City Region’s first Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. The Strategy aims to ensure Glasgow City Region’s economy, society and environment is not only prepared for but continues to flourish in the face of current and future climate impacts. The Council develops and implements local actions that contribute to the wider Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. Part 5: Procurement 5(a) How have procurement policies contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how the procurement policies of the body have contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties. 42
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The Council continues to consider environmental and social issues when purchasing goods and services. The Council adheres to the Sustainable Procurement Duty to ensure that regulated procurements: • Improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the authority area, with a particular focus on reducing inequality. • Facilitate the involvement of small and medium enterprises, third sector bodies and supported businesses. • Promote innovation. The Council also use the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Procurement Toolkit, and performance against the Flexible Framework is published on the Procurement and the council - South Lanarkshire Council webpage. Where appropriate, tenders include full sustainability tests to ensure sustainable outcomes have been embedded in the Invitation to Tender. A new sustainability process has been in place since 2022/2023, which mandates a new scoring approach in the technical envelope, with 30% of the total technical score allocated to sustainability, including Fair Work First, Community Benefits and, for the first time, a specific score for climate considerations. The Council has a five-year Procurement Strategy in place for 2023-2028 and one of the seven key objectives is sustainable procurement, incorporating the climate change duties. In 2023/2024, the Council’s spend with local enterprises increased from 18% to 19.5%, representing £67m spent in the South Lanarkshire area, with a further £41m spent with North Lanarkshire enterprises. 5(b) How has procurement activity contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how procurement activity by the body has contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties. The Council has confirmed it will contribute to the Scottish Government led research on driving emission reduction through the public supply chain and will consider any new recommendations from this research. In respect of procurement activity which has contributed to compliance with climate change duties, the procurement team has supported the Council approaches to: • Expanding the use of electric fleet and the EV charging infrastructure • Upgrade projects for social housing to achieve Energy Efficiency standards (EESSH) • New construction arrangements for construction projects, including Larkhall Leisure Centre and New Build Housing, with embedded sustainability standards. 5(c) Supporting information and best practice The output from the Sustainable Procurement tools can be accessed through the Council’s Procurement and the council - South Lanarkshire Council webpage. Part 6: Validation and declaration 6(a) Internal validation process Briefly describe the body’s internal validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. The report was prepared by the Performance and Development Team in co-operation with relevant Council Resources. It has been reviewed by the Performance and Policy Development Manager, the Head of Enterprise and Sustainability Development and approved by the Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources. It has also been approved by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee prior to submission. Finance and Corporate Resources have previously carried out an internal audit of the climate change duties report. The audit interrogated the data compilation and evidence pack and reported that the 43
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methodologies and processes were robust and sound. The 2024-25 report has not been audited; however, the same methodologies and processes have been applied as in previous years. 6(b) Peer validation process. Briefly describe the body’s peer validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. When the internal audit was carried out, a benchmarking exercise took place comparing the level of reporting detail within the South Lanarkshire report against six other local authorities in the Local Government Benchmarking Framework ‘family group’. Overall South Lanarkshire’s report compared favourably with the other councils reviewed. 6(c) External validation process. Briefly describe the body’s external validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. No external validation carried out at this time. 6(d) No Validation process. If any information provided in the report has not been validated, identify the information in question and explain why it has not been validated. Internal validation process as outlined in 6a. 6 (e) - Declaration I confirm that the information in this report is accurate and provides a fair representation of the body’s performance in relation to climate change. Name Role in the body Date David Booth Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources 44
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunities Assessment 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on the development of a climate change risk and opportunity assessment for South Lanarkshire Council outline the strategic importance and significance of identifying organisational risk and opportunities posed by climate change outline the proposed approach to preparation of a report on the impact of climate induced severe weather as per the Climate Emergency Declaration motion of 1 October 2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the importance and significance of identifying organisational climate risks and opportunities be noted; (2) that the Council’s progress towards identifying organisational climate risks and opportunities in the form of a strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment be noted; and (3) that the proposed approach to preparation of a report on the impact of climate induced severe weather (Section 9.4 and 9.5) be approved. 3. Background 3.1. Climate change adaptation comprises all the actions and solutions that a country, a region, a city, or a community can develop and implement to build more resilient societies and economies, to respond to the impacts of climate change that are already happening or are expected. It is a series of changes in processes, practices and structures that aim to moderate the potential damages brought by climate change. The solutions for climate adaptation vary from one context to another. They can range from building flood defences or setting up early warning systems for storms, to redesigning communication systems, business operations and government policies. Adaptation differs from climate change mitigation which primarily aims to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. 3.2. With respect to climate change adaptation, Scotland operates within both UK and devolved policy frameworks, primarily shaped by the UK Climate Change Act 2008 and the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Under the UK Act, a Climate Change 5 45
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Risk Assessment (CCRA) must be undertaken every five years, serving as a foundation for adaptation planning across the UK and informing Scotland’s approach. Section 44 of Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme. In line with this, the Council is legally required to contribute to the objectives of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan and must submit annual reports to the Scottish Government detailing how its activities support these objectives, as part of the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties reporting process. 3.3. The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) was developed in September 2024 following the adoption of the third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (UKCCRA3) in January 2022. The UKCCRA3 set out 61 risks and opportunities faced by all four UK nations and SNAP3 sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029. SNAP3 is the third plan of its kind and sets out a long-term vision and defines Scotland’s priorities for action over the next five years. It also details the support to be made available for Scotland’s communities, businesses, public services and nature to adapt to the changing climate in a way that is fair and inclusive. 3.4. Over the five years, SNAP3 commits the Scottish Government and its partners, including local authorities, to delivering 23 objectives and over 200 policies and actions across five outcomes: Nature Connects; Communities; Public Services and Infrastructure; Economy, Business, and Industry; and International Action. Adaptation Scotland is the national, Scottish Government funded, programme providing advice and support to help Scotland be prepared and resilient to the effects of climate change and providing support to implement SNAP3. 3.5. In early 2025, a benchmarking exercise was undertaken by the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group and Officers’ Group using Adaptation Scotland’s Capability Framework. The Framework details specific tasks for organisations to help develop key capabilities across four progressive stages, from ‘Starting’ to ‘Mature’, and was developed to help public bodies to meet their statutory climate change duties. One of the tasks identified in enabling South Lanarkshire Council to progress action on adaptation was the development of a climate change risk and opportunity assessment. The completion of a strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment for South Lanarkshire Council would help contribute to the delivery of key SNAP3 objectives, notably:- PS1: Public body duties and capacity PS2: Service and infrastructure resilience PS4: Transport system C3: Community resilience NC3: Development planning 4. Climate Trends 4.1. The Council is committed to addressing the climate emergency and have already made good progress with respect to mitigation, reducing organisational carbon emissions by 70.65% since 2005/06, and implementing annual Sustainable Development and Climate Change Action Plans. However, the capacity to better 46
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manage climate risks and adapt to climate change is becoming essential as we face more frequent and intense weather events (Seneviratne et al., 2021). 4.2. Scotland’s climate is already changing. Over the last century temperatures have increased, sea levels have risen, and rainfall patterns have changed, with increased seasonality and more heavy downpours. Winters are becoming wetter, storms more frequent, and coastal sea levels have risen by up to 3cm per decade over the last 30 years (Climate Change Committee, 2022). 4.3. The average temperature in Scotland in the last decade (2010-2019) was 0.69°C warmer than the 1961-1990 average and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Scotland’s 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1997 (CCRA3, 2022 and Yule et al., 2023) with the highest daily temperature recorded in Scotland occurring in the Borders in 2022 with the temperature reaching 34.8°C (Met Office). Rainfall has also increased, with a growing proportion falling during heavy precipitation events (CCRA, 2022). The decade from 2010 to 2019 was 9% wetter than the 1961-1990 average, with winter rainfall up by 19% (CCRA3, 2022). 5. Projected Future Climate Trends and Impacts 5.1. The climate trends outlined in section 4 are projected to continue and intensify over the coming decades, and we can expect future changes in climate to be far greater than anything we have seen in the past. This is because many future changes are now locked in due to historical greenhouse gas emissions. Even if all emissions were stopped today, the planet would continue to warm for decades to come. However, the scale of future temperature increases and climatic changes we experience will depend on how quickly global emissions are reduced and how soon we reach net zero. Acting now can help avoid the most extreme climate outcomes. Sections 5.2 to 5.5 outline how Scotland’s climate is projected to change. 5.2. Annual temperatures in Scotland are expected to rise by approximately 1.1°C by the 2050s and between 1.1 and 2.0°C by the 2080s from a 1981-2000 baseline, based on the UKCCRA3 methodology and depending on global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between now and then. Risks associated with rising temperatures, such as more extreme heatwave events causing impacts on people’s health and wellbeing, are likely to become more prevalent as a result, with their magnitude depending on the degree of change that is experienced. 5.3. There is a difference in expected future rainfall trends in Scotland, depending on the season. In winter, rainfall is expected to increase by approximately 7% by the 2050s and by up to 13% by the 2080s from a 1981-2000 baseline, depending on global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is projected to lead to an increase in the likelihood of flooding of infrastructure, businesses and homes. Conversely, summer rainfall is expected to decrease by approximately 7% by the 2050s and by 12% to 16% by the 2080s. Analysis also shows that, despite overall summer drying with wet days projected to become less frequent, when it does rain, the rainfall will likely be from intense downpour events. Periods of water scarcity are projected to become more prevalent under these scenarios, leading to possible implications in agriculture and industry for example. 5.4. The frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events is also likely to increase in the future, with the extent of change again depending on global efforts to reduce 47
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greenhouse gas emissions. By 2100, many areas could see daily temperatures exceed 30°C more often. 5.5. The UKCCRA3 has used scenarios for Edinburgh to understand potential future sea level rise in Scotland. As such, sea level is expected to rise by between approximately 12cm and 18cm by the 2050s and by approximately 23cm to 54cm by the 2080s, compared to a 1981-2000 baseline and again depending on global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Such rises would lead to an increase in likelihood of associated risks, such as flooding of coastal communities. 5.6. The projected future climate trends and impacts noted above highlight the need for a better understanding of how these may present as risks and opportunities for the Council, enabling it to plan adaptation action appropriately. The proposed assessment which is the subject of this report is a key step in preparing South Lanarkshire for these anticipated changes. 6. Climate Change Risks and Opportunities 6.1. The observed and projected climate trends for Scotland have clear implications for the Council’s operations, assets, and communities. These climate changes can translate into a wide range of strategic, operational, and service delivery risks, including impacts on infrastructure, public health, supply chains, as well as vulnerable populations and employees. At the same time, they may also present opportunities to build resilience, improve sustainability, and enhance service design and delivery. Understanding how these trends interact with the Council’s specific functions, priorities, and vulnerabilities is essential to identifying both risks and opportunities, and to ensuring that climate adaptation is integrated into strategic planning and long-term decision-making. 6.2. The impacts of the observed changes in climate trends are already impacting South Lanarkshire. Recent years have seen a marked increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the area, with three Category 4 river flood events recorded locally in 2022 and 2024, the highest levels since monitoring began. Since 2011, South Lanarkshire has experienced 16 red weather warnings, with over half occurring in just the last four years, highlighting the increasing severity and frequency of events. 6.3. The economic cost of these events is already significant. In 2024/2025, the Council’s self-insured costs rose to £4.137 million, significantly above the five-year average of £2.882 million. This increase was largely driven by Storm Eowyn in January 2025 that resulted in a property damage claim of approximately £2.46 million, including an estimated £1 million in self-insured costs borne directly by the Council. This illustrates how a single storm can substantially impact financial resources. The Fleet Depot at Technology Avenue suffered a major disruption due to sudden heavy rainfall, resulting in a two-day closure and urgent repair works. Similarly, in early September 2025, Townhill Primary school was forced to close for two days due to localised flooding, disrupting education. Meanwhile, over £689,000 worth of arboriculture work has been logged in the wake of 12 named storms since September 2023 alone. 6.4. South Lanarkshire has seven nationally or internationally important geo-heritage sites at high or medium-high risk from climate change, the highest number of at-risk sites among Glasgow City Region authorities. River systems such as the Clyde and 48
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Duneaton Water are already seeing rising mean flow rates, which can drive erosion and damage natural ecosystems. 6.5. Looking ahead, the projected climate for the Glasgow City Region points to hotter, wetter winters, drier summers, more intense storms, and increased flood risk. These trends pose a series of strategic and operational risks to Council services and assets, from flooding of roads and buildings to service disruption, infrastructure failure, health and wellbeing impacts, and financial losses. For example, flood risk to homes, schools, and transport infrastructure is already increasing, while heat-related health impacts and climate anxiety could place additional pressure on communities and local services. 6.6. However, climate change also presents opportunities to improve resilience and deliver co-benefits. Strategic investment in adaptation measures such as flood protection, natural flood management, building retrofits, and climate resilient design can protect assets, support public health, reduce long-term costs, and stimulate green jobs. 6.7. In this context, the identification and assessment of climate risks and opportunities is essential. It enables the Council to understand where vulnerabilities lie, where action is most urgently needed, and how to embed resilience into strategic planning. 7. Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment 7.1. As outlined at section 3.2, as a public body, the Council has a statutory duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to act in the way best calculated to contribute to Scotland’s adaptation programme and to deliver climate-resilient services. 7.2. SNAP3 and the draft Statutory Guidance on Public Bodies Climate Change Duties set clear expectations that public bodies should identify climate-related risks as part of their adaptation responsibilities. 7.3. Completing a strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment aligns with this guidance by enabling the Council to identify and prioritise climate risks across its functions, support evidence-based decision making, and embed resilience within service delivery, governance, and investment planning. It represents both statutory good practice and a positive approach to managing the increasing risks posed by climate change to finances, communities, infrastructure, and service continuity. 7.4. Moreover, completing an assessment was identified as a key improvement action during the Adaptation Scotland Climate Adaptation Capability Framework benchmarking exercise undertaken earlier this year. The exercise highlighted the need for a more structured and organisation-wide understanding of climate risks to accelerate adaptation action within the organisation. In response, this action has been included in the 2025/2026 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Action Plan, with the commitment to progress work on a climate change risk assessment within the financial year. 8. Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment Process 8.1. To progress the Council’s strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment, the Adaptation Scotland guidance Connecting Climate Risk and Strategic Priorities is being adopted as the primary framework. This nationally recognised approach is designed specifically for public sector organisations and forms part of the Adaptation 49
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Capability Framework developed to support effective climate adaptation planning in Scotland. 8.2. The guidance sets out a clear, structured six-stage process for assessing climate risks at a strategic level. This includes stakeholder engagement; scoping and evidence gathering; identifying climate risks and opportunities; reviewing and validating findings; scoring or prioritisation; and communicating outcomes. 8.3. In applying this guidance, the strategic climate change risk assessment will be carried out in line with recognised good practice, ensuring that climate risks and opportunities are systematically identified, prioritised, and linked to actionable plans for the Council. An overview of the stages involved in the assessment process can be found at Appendix 2. 9. Progress and Next Steps 9.1. Stage 1 of the Adaptation Scotland strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment process has now been completed. During this stage, appropriate governance arrangements were established, and key stakeholders were identified to support the development and delivery of the assessment. 9.2. Actions outlined within Stage 2 of the process are being progressed in collaboration with Corporate Risk colleagues, focusing on scoping the assessment. This work will culminate in the creation of a reference document that will define the scope, purpose, and expectations of the assessment. This will provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of the assessment parameters and ensure consistency in approach. Work will then commence on carrying out the second part of Stage 2, evidence gathering. 9.3. Progress will continue to be reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee at key stages to ensure continued oversight. 9.4. The Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment process described above aligns with South Lanarkshire’s Climate Emergency Declaration motion passed by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 1 October 2025. Within this motion, there was an action to prepare a report on “the increasing impact of climate induced severe weather such as extreme heat, storms and flooding on the Council’s services and budgets, including what plans there are to mitigate these impacts and costs”. It is proposed that the completed risk and opportunity assessment will inform this report. 9.5. The Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment Process outlined at Appendix 2 notes that a key task within Stage 2 is to ‘explore the impact of recent weather events’ and a key task within Stage 6 is to ‘develop actions that reduce risks and optimise opportunities’. The outputs from these two stages will be critical in the development of the above report arising from the Climate Emergency Declaration motion. It is anticipated that this report will be presented to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee by Q4 2026/2027. 10. Employee Implications 10.1. The development and coordination of the strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment will require input from colleagues across all Council resources to provide subject area expertise and gather existing data. 50
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11. Financial Implications 11.1. There are no financial implications directly associated with this report. Work to develop a strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment will be delivered within existing budgets. Work to deliver adaptation interventions and projects will however require significant investment to meet the scale of the challenge faced in terms of adapting to the impacts of climate change. However, as outlined within the report the Council is already experiencing increased costs associated with inaction which are expected to increase as our climate continues to change. It is important also to note, as per section 5 that transitioning to net zero at scale and pace is also essential to avoid the most extreme climate warming scenarios. This requires significant investment. 12. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 12.1. Climate change adaptation is one of the three legislative duties of local authorities identified within the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Adaptation is also reported annually through the Public Sector Climate Change Duties reporting, and it forms a key part of the Council’s own Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy and annual Action Plan. Actions taken to assess and understand the risks associated with climate change forms a core component of the Public Sector Climate Change Duties annual reporting. 12.2. Scotland’s climate is already changing, and we are experiencing more extreme weather, the consequences of which are being felt across society and the environment: from damage to infrastructure, to disruption of vital services, and a shift in growing seasons. Adaptation is necessary regardless of how much carbon emissions are cut, and failure to adapt effectively will mean that the impacts of climate change will be felt more severely. 13. Other Implications 13.1. “Inability to take the necessary action due to funding constraints, to combat climate change, and work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, thereby contributing to negative and irreversible environmental, social and economic impacts on the council and its residents” and “Inability of the council to manage the impacts that increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather events such as floods, storms, cold and freezing conditions and extreme heat, water shortages and wildfires has on council services, budgets and our communities” are two of the top risks for the Council. 14. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 14.1. Consultation has been undertaken with all relevant Council Resources and Services in the progression of the Council’s strategic climate change risk and opportunity assessment work. Governance arrangements have been identified and agreed at the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Steering Group. Agreement has been made at this same level to engage with service specific stakeholders across the Council to gather and input all organisation specific data required for the assessment. A joint working approach has been agreed with Risk colleagues. 14.2. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy. As a result, no impact assessment is required. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 51
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23 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Glasgow City Region Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, Executive Committee, 21 June 2021 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Action Plan 2023/24 Q4 Progress Report, 14 August 2024 SLC Climate Change Adaptation – Progress Update, 19 March 2025 2025-2026 Action Plan for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy, 19 March 2025 Notice of Motion - South Lanarkshire's Climate Emergency Declaration, South Lanarkshire Council, 1 October 2025 List of Background Papers Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029, Scottish Government, September 2024 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, UK Government, January 2022 Connecting climate risk and strategic priorities, Adaptation Scotland, September 2024 Public Climate Adaptation Capability Framework, Adaptation Scotland, September 2024 Consultation on draft Statutory Guidance for public bodies: putting the climate change duties into practice, Scottish Government, February 2025 The challenges of implementing adaptation actions in Scotland’s public sector, Emma L Yule et al., 2023 The Challenges of implementing adaptation actions in Scotlands Public Sector.pdf Weather and Climate Extreme Events in a Changing Climate. In Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Seneviratne, S.I. et al., 2021 Is Scotland climate ready? – 2022 Report to Scottish Parliament, Climate Change Committee, 2022 Is Scotland climate ready? - 2022 Report to Scottish Parliament - Climate Change Committee Evidence for the third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA3) Summary for Scotland, UK Climate Risk and Sniffer, 2022 CCRA-Evidence-Report-Scotland- Summary-Final-1.pdf Into the Red, The Royal Scottish Geographical Society, 2025 Into the Red | The Royal Scottish Geographical Society 52
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Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Gemma Dodds, Sustainable Development Officer E-mail: gemma.dodds@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 53
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Appendix 1 Into the Red: Counting the Cost of Climate Inaction Royal Scottish Geographical Society – May 2025 Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present and growing cost to Scotland’s economy, infrastructure, health, and environment. The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Into the Red report lays bare the financial and human toll of climate inaction, urging a shift toward proactive investment in climate solutions. This article highlights key points from the report and provides some context for South Lanarkshire Council. Unchecked climate change impacts are anticipated to cost the Glasgow City Region £400m a year by 2050, but spending money now to reduce emissions and address climate impacts can save money and improve lives. The National Audit Office estimates that for every £1 spent on protecting communities from flooding, around £9 in property damages and wider impacts can be avoided. By insulating homes we can deliver the quadruple benefit of reducing climate emissions, saving the householder money, support jobs in the energy and construction sectors and making the property healthier to live in. The Rising Economic Toll Scotland is already losing billions of pounds each year due to climate-related damages. If left unchecked, these costs could soar to £6.6bn in 2050 and £14.8bn in 2100 - equivalent to 3 - 8% of the nation’s GDP. Even conservative estimates from the Scottish Government suggest an annual increase of £40 million in climate-related costs, while more aggressive projections place that figure closer to £400 million. The biggest current impacts come from business flooding, flooding of homes, storms and damage to infrastructure like roads, railways and power systems. 54
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The Stern Review, published in 2006, made a compelling case for early action verses waiting for the situation to worsen, showing that spending just 1–2% of GDP annually could prevent far greater losses in the future. Waiting to act however could mean a reduction in global GDP of 5-20% in future. For Scotland, this translates to a future reduction in GDP of £11–£45 billion if we do not act today on climate change. Flooding: A Growing Threat Flooding is one of the most immediate and visible impacts of climate change in Scotland. SEPA issued 720 flood alerts and warnings in the winter of 2023-24, a record number in the 12-year history of the Floodline service and they estimate that nearly 284,000 homes, businesses, and services are currently at risk—a number expected to rise by 40% by the 2080s. The financial burden is staggering: annual flood- related costs could climb from £200 million today to nearly £1 billion in worst-case scenarios in Scotland, representing 17% of total UK damages, a disproportionate share showing that the problem is worse in Scotland. For Scotland’s 5,000+ schools, 387 are already at risk of flooding, by the 2080s this increases by 57% to 606. Insurance is becoming increasingly unaffordable or even unavailable for those in high-risk areas. The FloodRe scheme, which currently ensures coverage for vulnerable properties, is set to end in 2039, leaving many exposed. It is also calculated that by the 2080s every person living in a flood prone area in Scotland could be exposed to an additional annual risk amounting to £450, compared to £109 for similar areas in England. Over the last five years, the self-insured cost (costs met by South Lanarkshire Council) of claims per annum has averaged £2.882m. The 2024/2025 costs were notably higher at £4.137m. This higher figure can be largely attributed to a single significant storm event (Storm Eowyn), which brought an estimated additional self-insurance cost of £1m to the Council. The total property damage claim following Storm Eowyn in January 2025 is estimated at £2.460m. South Lanarkshire is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of flooding. In 2022 and 2024 South Lanarkshire recorded three Category 4 flooding events, indicating significant river flooding. These years recorded the highest frequency of this severity of event since reporting began in 2007, highlighting worsening flood events in recent years. Climate change also offers the greatest threat to altering river flow rates, the annual mean flow rates on both the River Clyde and Duneaton Water increased from 1970 to 2006 by approximately 15% and 25% respectively. Changes in flow rates can increase river bank erosion rates, sediment load, and ecosystem health. 55
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Health and Wellbeing Under Pressure Climate change is also a public health crisis. Rising temperatures are expected to bring more frequent and intense heatwaves, particularly in urban areas. From virtually no heatwave days in Glasgow in recent decades, projections show up to 50 days per decade by the 2070s. The human cost is sobering. Heat-related deaths in Scotland could rise from 62 today to 840 by the 2070s, with an annual economic impact of £1.7 billion. Mental health is also suffering - 41% of young adults report that climate anxiety negatively affects their wellbeing, rising to 62% of children, and the Chief Medical Officer warns that flooding will exacerbate existing inequalities and mental health burdens. The Environment Agency has developed a methodology for putting a price on the mental health effects of flooding of people’s homes which places the mental health cost per adult at over £4,000. This includes the cost of treatment and loss of employment. Infrastructure Strained by Climate Extremes Scotland’s infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks. Network Rail reported a 124% increase in weather-related delays over the past decade and additional costs of up to £100m a year by 2050 for the UK rail network. Roads are at risk from both flooding and heat-induced damage, with the 2003 heatwave alone costing £40.6 million in additional maintenance. Scottish Water anticipates needing £2–5 billion by 2050 to maintain service levels and adapt to climate impacts. Landslides threaten 40% of Scotland’s motorways and arterial roads. In November 2021 Storm Arwen created nearly 10,000 faults across the GB electricity network, cutting off supply to more than a million customers including many in Scotland. Around 40,000 GB customers were disconnected for more than three days and 4,000 for more than a week. In 2024 alone, a year with 12 named storms, UK insurers paid out a record £585 million for weather- related damage. South Lanarkshire has been subject to 16 red weather warnings since 2011, indicating dangerous weather conditions posing a high risk to life. Of these, 56% have occurred within the last four years, highlighting the increasing severity and frequency of events. At least 1,147 people in the UK died from climate change-driven heatwaves over summer 2025; 60 were recorded in Scotland; and 24 in Glasgow. Public Health Scotland plan on publishing a set of climate impact indicators in late 2025, including heat related mortality. 56
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Nature and Biodiversity at Risk Scotland’s natural environment is under siege from climate change. By the 2080s there could be a 90% increase in nationally-important nature sites at risk of flooding, and twice as much of Scotland’s best farmland could be flooding regularly. Forestry is threatened by pests and diseases such as Phytophthora ramorum and Dothistroma needle blight, while invasive non-native species already cost the economy £300 million annually. A recent study identified 30 additional species likely to become problematic within the next decade. Soil erosion, droughts, and the degradation of ecosystems are compounding the crisis. Soil erosion by water in Scotland has been estimated to already cost £31-50m a year. Droughts that once occurred every 20 years are expected to happen every three years by 2040, disrupting agriculture and increasing food insecurity. Drought creates conditions for wildfires and drought stress also makes trees more susceptible to fungal diseases. Scotland has recorded eight wildfires since 2010 which have lasted more than five days and all eight of these incidents have occurred since 2018. The total cost of wildfires is estimated at around £300m a year and this could reach £1.2bn by 2050. A Call to Action The evidence is clear: climate change is already costing Scotland billions, and South Lanarkshire millions, and the price will only rise. But there is hope. By investing now in emissions reduction and climate adaptation, we can avoid the worst impacts and build a more resilient future. This requires an “invest-to-save” approach across all sectors—from flood defences and wildfire planning to preparing the health and social care service for heatwaves. The cost of inaction is too high, and the time to act is now. In July 2025, the Fleet Depot at Technology Avenue in South Lanarkshire suffered a complete loss of power due to water ingress as a result of sudden heavy rain. This forced two full days of depot closure, equivalent to four shifts, and urgent repair costs. Over 12 named storms since September 2023 at least £689,338 worth of arboricultural work has been generated for SLC Services, based on Schedule of Rates values, highlighting the huge costs associated with these events. At least 12.2% of the Clyde Catchment have either been colonised or are at high risk of colonisation from upstream by Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed or Himalayan balsam. South Lanarkshire also has seven nationally and internationally important geoheritage sites at high or medium-high risk from climate change, the highest number of at risk sites of all City Region authorities. 57
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Appendix 2: Overview of Strategic Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment Process 58
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Carbon Management Year End Report 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: [purpose] update the Committee on the details of carbon emissions from South Lanarkshire Council’s operations in 2024/2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [recs] (1) that the Council’s operational carbon emissions for the year 2024/2025 be noted; and (2) that the approach in 2025/2026 for operational carbon emissions (Section 5.5) be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The statutory framework for climate action and reporting is outlined by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the Climate Change (Public Duties) (Scotland) Act. 3.2. Section 44 of Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act:- in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s national emissions reduction targets in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme in a way that it considers is most sustainable 3.3. To measure the Council’s success in exercising the above functions and contributing to the above national targets, the Council’s carbon footprint has been measured and reported annually since 2005/2006. 3.4. In November 2024, the Scottish Parliament passed the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2024 which modifies the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets within previous climate change legislation. The Act was introduced following advice from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that the previous 2030 interim target was unachievable. It replaces Scotland's previous system of annual and interim greenhouse gas emissions targets with a framework of five-year carbon budgets to set limits on emissions over these periods. The new carbon budget system offers a more stable and reliable method for tracking progress towards emissions 6 59
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reduction goals. These carbon budgets are given as five-year average percentage reductions from 1990 levels. 3.5. The proposed Carbon Budgets for Scotland (as recommended by the Climate Change Committee) are:- 57% lower than 1990 levels for the First Carbon Budget (2026 to 2030) 69% lower than 1990 levels for the Second Carbon Budget (2031 to 2035) 80% lower than 1990 levels for the Third Carbon Budget (2036 to 2040) 94% lower than 1990 levels for the Fourth Carbon Budget (2041 to 2045) 3.6. These proposed Carbon Budgets reference national baseline figures and should not be interpreted as direct targets for local authorities. The figures in this report relate to South Lanarkshire Council’s baseline reporting year of 2005/2006, not 1990 as applies to the national targets for Scotland above. 3.7. It was agreed at the Corporate Management Team meeting on 21 March 2024 to align the Council’s carbon management reporting with the Public Sector Climate Change Duties Compliance report, and going forward all Council carbon related reports will categorise the Council’s corporate emissions as Scope 1, 2 or 3 emissions. This is the standard for carbon reporting as per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard. Table 1 below provides an overview of the scope of the Council’s operational carbon emissions and which Scope category these align with:- Table 1: South Lanarkshire Council Scope of Organisational Emissions (* indicates additional emissions source for 2024-25 reporting) 3.8. It was also agreed at this Corporate Management Team meeting that waste and water from Council buildings and home working emissions would be added to the Council’s carbon management reporting from 2024/2025. Biomass for heating has also been added in line with best practice. This aligns to the reporting requirements of the Scottish Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting. 4. Operational Carbon Emissions 2024/2025 4.1. The Council’s carbon emissions for 2024/2025, not including the new emissions sources detailed at section 3.8, are provided in Table 2 below and show a 70.65% reduction since the baseline year 2005/2006. Compared to 2023-24, the Council’s carbon emissions reduced by 7% in 2024/2025. Scope 1 • Buildings (gas) • Buildings (oil) • Fleet (petrol and diesel) • Biomass (buildings)* Scope 2 • Buildings (electricity) • Street Lighting • Fleet (Electric Vehicles) Scope 3 • Waste (Household) • Staff Travel (own vehicles) • Waste (Council Buildings)* • Water (Council Buildings) * • Homeworking* 60
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Scope Emissions Category Baseline 2005-06 (tCO2e) Previous year (2023/24) Current year (2024/25) % change from baseline year % change from previous year 1 ICE Vehicles (SLC Fleet) 10,418 7,705 7,655.75 -26.52% -0.65% 1 Heating Oil (Buildings) 7,008 960 1,031.77 -85.27% 7.50% 1 Natural Gas (Buildings) 24,587 22,353 21,571.45 -12.26% -3.50% 2 Buildings Electricity 37,831 10,227 9,866 -73.92% -3.53% 2 Fleet (EV Vehicles) n/a 74 65.06 -12.08% 2 Street Lighting 13,005 1,681 1,738 -86.64% 3.39% 3 Employee Business Travel 1,795 278 264.17 -85.28% -4.97% 3 Waste (Household) 61,320 5,945 3,603.45 -94.12% -39.39% Total 155,964 49,223 45,794.65 -70.64% -7% Table 2: South Lanarkshire Council Operational Emissions of 2024-25 (original data set) 4.2. As mentioned in section 3.8, four new emissions sources have been added for reporting year 2024-25. The Council’s carbon emissions for 2024/2025, including the new emissions sources, are provided in Table 3. With these new categories added, carbon emissions show a 70% reduction from the baseline year of 2005/2006 and a reduction of 5% compared to the previous year. Comparing the two tables, it should be noted that even with four new emissions sources added into the Council’s corporate emissions reporting this year, total carbon emissions have been reduced. Scope Emissions Category Baseline 2005-06 (tCO2e) Previous year (2023/24) Current year (2024/25) % change from baseline year % change from previous year 1 Biomass (Buildings)* n/a 33.43 1 ICE Vehicles (SLC Fleet) 10,418 7,705 7,654.75 -26.52% -0.65% 1 Heating Oil (Buildings) 7,008 960 1,031.77 -85.28% 7.48% 1 Natural Gas (Buildings) 24,587 22,353 21,571.45 -12.26% -3.53% 2 Electricity (Buildings) 37,831 10,227 9,866 -73.92% -3.53% 2 Fleet (EV Vehicles) n/a 74 65.06 -12.08% 2 Street Lighting 13,005 1,681 1,738 -86.64% 3.39% 3 Employee Business Travel 1,795 278 264.17 -85.28% -4.97% 3 Waste (Household) 61,320 5,945 3,603.45 -94.12% -39.39% 3 Homeworking * n/a 833.46 3 Waste (Council Buildings) * n/a 22 3 Water* (Council Buildings) n/a 46.91 Total 155,964 49,223 46,730.45 -70.04% -5.06% Table 3: South Lanarkshire Council Operational Emissions of 2024-25 including new Scope categories (* indicates additional emissions source for 2024-25 reporting) 61
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4.3. The chart below shows the proportion of the Council’s 2024-25 carbon footprint, including new emissions sources, allocated to each source and scope: Figure 1: 2024-25 Operational Carbon Emissions by Source (%) 4.4. Carbon emissions are calculated using the Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors for Company Reporting1 for electricity, gas and waste. These factors are subject to change due to updated data, shifts in energy sources and advancements in methodologies. As a result, the factors can vary from year to year, which can impact the Council’s carbon emissions data. 4.5. Scope 1 Emissions 4.5.1. Table 4 below details the Scope 1 emissions for 2024/2025. Scope 1 emissions account for 65% of the Council’s operational carbons emissions. In order to meet ambitious public sector targets detailed in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan, Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Strategy, and National Transport Strategy, fossil fuel use should be phased out by 2045 at the latest: Scope Emissions Category Baseline 2005-06 (tCO2e) Previous year (2023/24) Current year (2024/25) % change from baseline year % change from previous year 1 Biomass (Buildings)* n/a 33.43 1 ICE Vehicles (SLC Fleet) 10,418 7,705 7,654.75 -26.52% -0.65% 1 The GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting are published each year by UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 62
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1 Heating Oil (Buildings) 7,008 960 1,031.77 -85.28% 7.48% 1 Natural Gas (Buildings) 24,587 22,353 21,571.45 -12.26% -3.50% Total 42,013 31,018 30,291.40 -27.90% -2.34% Table 4: South Lanarkshire Council Operational Scope 1 Emissions 2024-25 4.5.2. Gas consumption in 2024/2025 decreased by 3.6% compared with 2023-24 resulting in an emissions reduction of 3.5%. This decrease was in part due to the change of heat from gas boiler to air source heat pump at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Gas use is the largest contributor to the Council emissions accounting for 46.16% of the emissions total (see Figure 1). Gas use continues to be monitored to identify potential areas to improve efficiency and enable reductions. 4.5.3. The emissions from oil for heating increased by 7.48% in 2024/2025 compared to the previous year, however, there has been an overall decrease of 85.28% when compared to the baseline year of 2005. The heating oil figures are subject to fluctuation as the figures are based on delivery notes rather than meter readings, so a direct yearly comparison is not always reliable. 4.5.4. An emissions reduction of 0.65% was achieved from fleet vehicles in 2024/2025 compared with 2023-24. This figure relates to all the Council’s Fleet ICE vehicles (internal combustion engine vehicles powered by oil derived resources such as petrol or diesel). South Lanarkshire’s Fleet consists of 1,385 vehicles with 40 vehicle types performing a wide range of tasks including refuse collection, mechanical sweeping, and passenger transport. The small decrease is largely due to Services managing their vehicle assets in an increasingly efficient and effective manner. 4.5.5. Biomass has been added to the report for the first time. This is consistent with the reporting requirements within the Council’s Public Sector Climate Change Duties Compliance report. The carbon emissions from biomass heating council buildings totaled 33.43 tCO2e in 2024/2025. 4.6. Scope 2 Emissions: 4.6.1. The table below details the Scope 2 emissions for 2024/2025. Scope 2 emissions account for 25% of the Council’s operational emissions. This category of emissions has reduced by 77% since the baseline year 2005-06. Compared to 2023/2024, Scope 2 emissions have reduced by 2.61%. Scope Emissions Category Baseline 2005-06 (tCO2e) Previous year (2023/24) Current year (2024/25) % change from baseline year % change from previous year 2 Electricity (Buildings) 37,831 10,227 9,866 -73.92% -3.53% 2 EV Vehicles (SLC Fleet) n/a 74 65 n/a -12.08% 2 Street Lighting 13,005 1,681 1,738 -86.64% 3.39% Total 50,836 11,982 11,651 -77.05% -2.61% Table 5: South Lanarkshire Council Operational Scope 2 Emissions 2024-25 4.6.2. Electricity consumption in Council buildings decreased by 3.65%, resulting in a decrease in emissions of 3.53%. As noted in previous reports on this topic, delivery of various projects such as the installation of voltage optimisers, solar PV systems and upgrading lighting with LED’s via the Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) 63
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programme have contributed to the reduction in electricity consumption in Council buildings. 4.6.3. There was an emissions reduction of 12% from electric vehicle usage in 2024/2025. This is mainly due to a reduction in the total number of electric vehicles, from 198 in 2023/24 to 193 vehicles in the reporting period. 4.6.4. Electricity consumption from street lighting increased slightly by 3.4%, resulting in an emission increase of 3.39%. It is anticipated that emissions from this activity will rise due to an increase in the number of streetlights within newly adopted housing developments. However, as the carbon associated with the national electricity grid decreases, the Council will benefit from carbon reductions in this area. 4.6.5. Emissions from electricity are expected to continue a downward trend as the National Grid continues to use more renewable sources of electricity. Scope 2 emissions reductions will mainly come through decarbonisation of the electricity grid; however, work will continue to reduce the Council’s overall electricity consumption. 4.7. Scope 3 Emissions 4.7.1. The table below details the Scope 3 emissions for 2024/2025. Scope 3 emissions account for 10% of the Council’s operational emissions at present, however this figure is expected to rise as additional emissions categories are added, in line with forthcoming Scottish Government guidance. Scope 3 emissions have reduced by 92.44% since the baseline year 2005-06. Compared to 2023/2024, Scope 3 emissions have reduced by 23.35%. A reduction has still been achieved despite the addition of the three new emissions categories this year (waste and water from council buildings and homeworking emissions): Scope Emissions Category Baseline 2005-06 (tCO2e) Previous year (2023/24) Current year (2024/25) % change from baseline year % change from previous year 3 Waste (Household) 61,320 5,945 3,603.45 -94.12% -39.39% 3 Employee Business Travel 1,795 278 264.17 -85.28% -4.97% 3 Homeworking* n/a 833.46 3 Waste (Council Buildings) * n/a 22 3 Water (Council Buildings) * n/a 47 Total 63,115 6,223 4,770 -92.44% -23.35% Table 6: South Lanarkshire Council Operational Scope 3 Emissions 2024-25 4.7.2. The carbon emissions associated with household waste have reduced significantly by 39.39% in 2024 compared with 2023. Waste figures are reported per calendar year. An error affecting the transport emissions for the recycling and Energy from Waste (EfW) factors have been corrected by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. The transport emissions associated with these disposal approaches were reduced by 69.88% leading to the significant reduction.2 The amount of waste being processed at the EfW facility, as an alternative to landfill, continues to increase, also contributing to this reduction in emissions. Work is continuing to increase recycling facilities for households and reduce recycling contamination rates where possible. 2 2024 Government greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting: Major changes to the Conversion Factors 64
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4.7.3. There was an emissions decrease of 4.97% from staff business travel in 2024/2025, which covers staff travel in their own vehicles. This is a result of a reduction in mileage claims and staff are also encouraged to use the electric pool cars whenever possible. 4.7.4. The additional Scope 3 emissions categories of waste and water from Council buildings and homeworking are included in Table 6 above and will be monitored going forward. As noted in previous reports, carbon management reporting will continue to evolve as more data becomes available and following guidance from the Scottish Government on Scope 3 reporting requirements. 5. 2025-26 Carbon Emissions and Net Zero Route Map 5.1. The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee agreed at its meeting on 19 March 2025, to develop a net zero route map for Scope 1 emissions. The route map will be developed in cognisance with other statutory strategies and highlight the significant financial investment required to achieve net zero, detailing costs and potential sources of finance. 5.2. The 10-year Estate Strategy and Delivery Plan is currently under development with a report due to be presented to the Executive Committee in January 2026. The Estate Strategy will identify the core estate for future years and detail the priority assets for investment in decarbonisation. The results of this work will inform the development of the net zero route map for the Council’s Estate emissions. 5.3. Work has commenced on a review of the Fleet Strategy. In discussion with Services, there will be renewed focus on the vehicle replacement programme to ensure, as far as is practicable, given available proven technology, a modern and reliable fleet which continues to drive emissions down. Again, the results of this work will inform the development of the net zero route map. 5.4. At the South Lanarkshire Council Committee meeting on 1 October 2025 a Climate Emergency motion was passed reaffirming the need to set targets to contribute to national emission reduction targets. This will also inform the development of the Net Zero Route Map. 5.5. While the new Net Zero Route for Scope 1 Emissions is under development the Council will aim to reduce emissions as much as possible without a set target. The Net Zero Route Map for Scope 1 Emissions, which will include clear and transparent emissions targets for decarbonisation, will follow the publication of the Estate Strategy and the new Fleet Strategy. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. All Resources are required to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy to ensure that actions and targets, including carbon reduction action and targets, are met. The Council’s Policy and Performance Team monitor and report the Council’s progress. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. As previously reported, carbon reduction up to now has been achieved within current budgets and from ad hoc capital funds, however, further financial investment outwith the Council’s current and projected resources will be required for the Council to contribute to the challenging national net zero and zero direct carbon targets and global sustainable development goals. 7.2. The amended order for the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 introduced a Statutory Instrument highlighting the need to report how we align spending plans and 65
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use of resources to contribute to meeting our carbon emission reduction targets. This was introduced from 2020-21 onwards and is required to be included in the annual climate change report due to be submitted in November 2025. 7.3. The Climate Emergency motion passed at the South Lanarkshire Council meeting on 1 October 2025 reaffirms the need to align spend to contribute to national emission reduction targets. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. The carbon management process demonstrates the Council’s commitment to contribute to national targets and to the global sustainable development goals. 8.2. To achieve the Council’s climate change commitments significant action and investment is required to reduce operational emissions as soon as possible. More impactful measures to reduce and/or mitigate carbon emissions will need to be progressed to meet the statutory targets. 9. Other Implications 9.1. ‘Inability to take the necessary action due to funding constraints, to combat climate change, and work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, thereby contributing to negative and irreversible environmental, social and economic impacts on the council and its residents’ is one of the top risks for the Council. Without a plan in place and a financial plan to support it, then this risk will continue to be one of the Council's top risks. 10. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 10.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no integrated impact assessment is required. 10.2. Consultation has been undertaken with all relevant Council Resources in the preparation of this report. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 22 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Fair, open and sustainable We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live. Caring, connected, sustainable communities. Previous References South Lanarkshire Council Net Zero Route Map - Scope 1 Organisational Emissions, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee meeting 19 March 2025 Carbon Management Year End Report 2023/2024, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee meeting on 9 October 2024 66
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List of Background Papers Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Act 2024 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022 -2027 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Name: Kathryn McCafferty Designation: Carbon Management Officer E-mail: kathryn.mccafferty@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 67
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: South Lanarkshire Council - Climate Week 2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide Committee with an update on the work undertaken by South Lanarkshire Council in support of Scotland’s Climate Week 2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - (1) that the content of this report in respect to climate action initiatives during Scotland’s Climate Week 2025 is noted. 3. Background 3.1. Scotland is committed to becoming a net zero nation by 2045. Expert advice has been clear that 62% of changes needed to achieve net zero can only happen with societal or individual behaviour change. 3.2. Recognising that public engagement is central to tackling the impacts of climate change, the Climate Change – Net Zero Nation: Public Engagement Strategy, published in September 2021, sets out the Scottish Government’s overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in the transition to a net zero nation by 2045. The Strategic Objectives of the framework are:- Understand – Communicate Climate Change and how it relates to people’s lives. Participate – Enable Participation in shaping just, fair and inclusive policies that promote mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Act – Encourage taking climate action in households, communities and places. 3.3. Scotland’s Climate Week is an annual event that raises awareness about the global climate emergency and promotes individual and collective action. This year it took place between 29 September and 5 October 2025. The event has been running since 2016 and is supported by communities, schools, businesses, and public sector organisations. It provides an opportunity to share good practice and celebrate progress locally and across Scotland. 3.4. Climate Week 2025 coincided with several other campaigns in September, including Second-hand September, Recycle Week, Lanarkshire Climate Festival and World Car Free Day. Recognising the alignment between these initiatives and the principles of Scottish Government’s Public Engagement Strategy, the Council delivered a month- 7 69
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long programme of climate communications throughout September. This programme culminated in a celebration of local climate action during Climate Week. This paper will cover the full range of activity undertaken throughout September in the run up to, and in support of, Climate Week 2025. 4. South Lanarkshire Council Communications 2025/26 4.1. The Scottish Climate Survey found that many people in Scotland feel worried (46%), powerless (35%), or sad (26%) about climate change. Evidence from climate change communications research has shown that storytelling – especially when balanced with hope and optimism – can help address these emotional responses. 4.2. The Council’s approach to communications during September was informed by South Lanarkshire Council’s Climate Change Communication Programme 2025, which was presented to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 19 March 2025. This approach emphasised urgency while also offering hope, inspiration, and a clear sense of what actions people could take. 5. Month of Climate Campaigns 5.1. To align with Climate Week and related campaigns, the Council delivered a wide- ranging programme of activities throughout September. These included social media campaigns, community events, staff training, internal communications, and targeted engagement with specific groups. The programme aimed to engage a wide range of audiences including residents, schools, Council staff, third-sector organisations, and community groups. 5.2. This varied and extended approach allowed the Council to maximise the reach and impact of climate messaging and to create opportunities for more people to engage with climate topics of interest to them. 5.3. The initiatives are outlined in more detail below and an overview of all communication actions can be found at Appendix 1. 5.4. VIEW Articles 5.4.1. Throughout the month of September, and in particular during Climate Week, a series of articles were published in the South Lanarkshire VIEW to showcase a range of climate action projects taking place across South Lanarkshire. These articles aimed to celebrate local success stories, highlight opportunities for wider participation, and inspire further climate action by demonstrating the real and tangible progress being made across communities and in the Council. 5.4.2. During Climate Week, five articles were published, each focusing on a different initiative. These included stories on Fernbrae Allotment, Crawford and Abington Primary School’s ‘Scoot to School’ initiative, ISKON’s sustainable energy generation and social food deliveries, and St. John’s Primary, Blackwood Partnership sensory garden and living roof projects. Each article spotlighted the positive environmental impacts of these projects as well as their associated co-benefits and invited readers to consider how similar action could be taken in their own communities or organisation. 5.4.3. Climate Week also marked the launch of the second phase of the home composter pilot, building on the success of the initial rollout. The VIEW article reopening the scheme promoted this as an opportunity for residents to adopt more sustainable organic waste practices, producing a useful end product for gardens while supporting household-level climate action. 70
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5.4.4. Recycle Week took place from 22-28 September and to mark the week, the Council published articles promoting the use of the burgundy bin for food waste and on the environmental impacts of waste electrical and electronic equipment. These articles were supported by guidance on how to recycle food waste and electrical items safely and in the most environmentally responsible way. 5.4.5. Throughout September, other VIEW articles were published to support climate action. Topics included the opening of the active travel route between Coalburn and Lesmahagow, a spotlight on Local Nature Reserves, updates on projects funded by the Climate Emergency Fund Community Grants, and promotion of the BetterPoints active travel app. 5.4.6. All VIEW articles were also promoted through the Council’s social media platforms to increase visibility. 5.5. Social Media 5.5.1. The Council’s social media channels on Facebook and BlueSky were used extensively to support the month of climate campaigns. Posts were shared throughout September, beginning with the promotion of events taking place across South Lanarkshire as part of the Lanarkshire Climate Hub’s Climate Festival which ran from 8-21 September. This included a countdown to the start of the Climate Festival and frequent programme updates as well as the promotion of specific events such as free bike safety checks provided by Dr Bike at Castlebank Park in Lanark. 5.5.2. During Recycle Week, daily social media posts were published using the Zero Waste Scotland campaign theme, ‘Don’t Let It Go to Waste.’ These posts, based on toolkit materials, were designed to be engaging and informative. They celebrated the recycling efforts of South Lanarkshire residents and encouraged correct use of kerbside bins. 5.5.3. In addition, the Council actively reshared a range of relevant environmental messages from partner organisations throughout the month. These included guidance from Scottish Fire and Rescue on safe battery disposal and advice on responsible waste disposal from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency as well as promotion of the Scottish Government’s climate action matchmaking quiz. This helped to amplify trusted messages and extend the reach of the campaign to wider audiences. 5.5.4. Following the month-long climate campaign period, the Council has continued to share climate-related content, including resources and social media posts from partners such as Net Zero Scotland, NatureScot, and the Lanarkshire Climate Hub. 5.6. Events 5.6.1. Throughout September, the Council delivered a range of events that engaged different sectors of the South Lanarkshire community in meaningful discussions and actions related to climate change. One of the events was the Junior Road Safety Officer Open Day at Chatelherault Country Park, which saw around 200 pupils from 100 schools taking part. Junior Road Safety Officers were given the opportunity to engage directly with road safety and active travel partners, learning about safe and sustainable travel, air quality and reducing carbon emissions. The event successfully combined environmental education with safety awareness in an interactive format. 5.6.2. The Countryside Rangers delivered six Community Conservation Days at various Local Nature Reserves across the Local Authority and two ‘Lunchtime Heroes’ sessions at Fernbrae Meadows. These events supported the ongoing maintenance and improvement of outdoor spaces while encouraging attendees to experience the 71
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mental and physical wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. One of the Lunchtime Heroes sessions was included in the Lanarkshire Climate Festival Programme offering the opportunity to promote the benefits of local greenspaces to more residents and people working in the area. 5.6.3. The Lanarkshire Climate Hub Conference featured the Council’s Sustainable Development Advisor as a guest speaker. The session provided an overview of the Council’s climate change and sustainable development work programme and facilitated valuable knowledge exchange with representatives from other local authorities, community groups, and various Council departments. The event supported collaborative learning and strengthened regional networks. 5.6.4. The events held throughout the month of climate action not only highlighted the Council’s commitment to climate education and engagement but also showcased a broad range of opportunities for the public to participate in and contribute to sustainability across South Lanarkshire. 5.7. Training 5.7.1. September’s climate campaigns presented an opportunity to enhance organisational carbon literacy by encouraging participation in relevant learning opportunities. As such, the Council’s three-part climate emergency online training modules were promoted to staff through an intranet post at the beginning of the month and then again at the start of Climate Week in an all-Council email. These modules are designed to deepen understanding of climate issues across the organisation and support staff in embedding climate considerations into everyday decision-making and service delivery. In addition to the climate emergency training, the Oracle Fusion ‘Your Biodiversity Duty’ training course was also promoted during the campaign period. This training supports greater understanding of the Council’s statutory obligations in relation to biodiversity. 5.7.2. An in-person training workshop for elected members was also delivered during the month. The session covered an introduction to climate change, the Council’s legislative duties, the concept of Just Transition and the many co-benefits of climate action as well as insight into key climate change consequences. The session was designed to be interactive, allowing elected members to consolidate their learning and discuss the local implications of climate change and co-benefits of climate action for the South Lanarkshire communities that they serve. 5.7.3. This focus on training was important to embed climate awareness across all levels of the organisation, equipping staff and elected members alike to contribute meaningfully to the priorities set out in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027. 5.8. Intranet Posts 5.8.1. Internal communications were used to inform and inspire Council employees. A launch intranet article at the start of September introduced the month of climate action and encouraged staff to learn about climate change and take positive climate action during the month. This was followed by an email issued at the beginning of Climate Week, to all staff and Elected Members. This email encouraged individuals to share the actions they had taken throughout the month with the Sustainability Team, with colleagues, or via social media, in order to showcase the wider co-benefits of climate action and inspire further participation. 72
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5.8.2. Additional intranet articles published throughout the month were designed to provide examples and inspiration for action. A Project Henry feature during Recycle Week highlighted how officers are putting circular economy principles into practice, with their work upcycling Henry vacuum cleaners into planters being showcased at national events as an exemplar. 5.8.3. These communications were designed to demonstrate real, relatable actions being taken by colleagues and to reinforce that climate action is both achievable and relevant across all areas of the Council’s work. 6. Next steps 6.1. The month-long campaign provided an extended opportunity to engage key audiences with climate issues. The Sustainability Team will incorporate lessons learned into the Sustainability Communications Plan for 2026/27. Shared staff climate action stories will contribute to internal best practice examples and inform positive news content to inspire action within the organisation. Wider community engagement will continue to be supported through the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub. This fosters a collaborative approach to climate action and engagement throughout South Lanarkshire. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. The development and coordination of the Council’s programme of communications and activities for Climate Week and the month of September was undertaken by officers from Community and Enterprise Resources and the Communications Team. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. The communication initiatives detailed in this report were carried out within the scope of existing Resource budgets. There was no requirement for additional budget. 9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. The Council has a statutory duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to:- reduce carbon emissions from its activities and influence the reduction of carbon emissions in the wider community take action to adapt to the impacts caused by the effects of climate change – in our local communities, on our buildings, infrastructure, service delivery and the natural environment to act sustainably in everything it does as a Council 9.2. Delivery of continued climate action activities and promotion supports the Council in meeting its statutory duties. 9.3. Engaging in climate education and promotion helps the Council to meet some of the priorities outlined in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (2022-2027). These include:- Influence change through improving the understanding of Sustainable Development and the Climate Emergency across South Lanarkshire Empower communities to take climate action and be more environmentally sustainable 9.4. The planned activities outlined in this report deliver across multiple interconnected UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by driving awareness, education, and practical action that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to be active participants in sustainability and climate resilience. Notable SDGs include: 73
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SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals 10. Other Implications 10.1. ‘Failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’ is identified within the Corporate Risk Register. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy. As a result, no impact assessment is required. 11.2. In preparation for climate communications initiatives throughout the month of September, the Sustainability Team consulted with the Communications Team and many other Council services. The Team also consulted outwith the organisation, working with the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 17 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Fair, open and sustainable We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References None List of Background Papers The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Climate Change – Net Zero Nation; Public Engagement Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 Climate Change Communication Programme 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Gemma Dodds, Sustainable Development Officer E-mail: gemma.dodds@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 74
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Appendix 1: Schedule of South Lanarkshire Council’s September Climate Communications September Delivery Method Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6/7 Social Media How to safely dispose of batteries Social Media posts: National Autistic Society Into the Woods Event advertisement Call for new community members to join the Douglas Valley Advisory Group Seed Saving post Responsible waste disposal post How to save and stay warm this winter event advertisement Solar and Beyond Event advertisement 3 days to go until Lanarkshire Climate Festival VIEW Articles Project Henry Secondhand September CEF project announcement Intranet Post Introducing a month of climate action and promoting colleagues to take action Better Points App Better Points Push Notification Earn 250 points and win £25 by travelling to the Climate Hub events sustainability Better Points Push Notification Earn 250 points and win £25 by travelling to the Climate Hub events sustainability Events Conservation Days at Morgan Glen and New Roots, Neilsland and Earnock 75
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8 9 10 11 12 13/14 Social Media Advertisement of outdoor events during Climate Festival– wildlife recording and seed collecting Climate Festival programme of events Climate Festival Reminder Climate Festival programme for the following day Advertisement of evening walk event with the Countryside Rangers and Friends of Calder Free bike safety checks and adjustments by Dr Bike at Castlebank Park Climate Festival programme for the following day Climate Festival programme for the following day Take the Net Zero Scotland climate action quiz Climate Festival Programme for the following day Reminder to sign up to the priority register in case of an emergency VIEW Articles New active travel path linking Coalburn and Lesmahagow BetterPoints funding story BetterPoints Active Travel to Hub Events Event Guest Speaker at Lanarkshire Climate Hub Conference Lunchtime Heroes at Fernbrae Meadows 76
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15 16 17 18 19 20/21 Social Media Call to sign up to paperless council tax bills Climate Festival programme for the following day Climate Festival programme for the following day Beat the Street (BTS) launch Beat the Street Advertisement Advertisement of Climate Festival event at Carstairs Junction Beat the Street: Cycle a Mile for Climate Action event advertisement Climate Festival programme for the following day Litter Monitoring Survey Stats Langloch Farm at CCI Wellbeing Festival advertisement Beat the Street: Earn first 100 points Climate Festival programme update Business Gateway and KSB Networking Breakfast for Businesses advertisement VIEW Articles Local Nature Reserves and green space events Coalburn Family Fun Day Beat the Street Launched in Cambuslang and Rutherglen Royal Highland Centre Sustainable Farming Open Day Event Junior Road Safety Officer Open Day Elected Member Training Conservation Days at Bothwell LNR and Chatelherault Coalburn Family Fun Day Cycle a Mile for Climate Action event (BTS) 77
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22 Recycle Week World Car Free Day 23 24 25 26 27/28 Social Media World Car Free Day posts reshared from Net Zero Scotland and Beat the Street Cambuslang and Rutherglen Recycle Week introduction to ‘put the right stuff in the right bin’ with post on dealing with food waste Put the right stuff in the right bin - pizza boxes Put the right stuff in the right bin – glass and Pyrex Business Gateway and KSB Networking Breakfast for Businesses advertisement Put the right stuff in the right bin – food waste Beat the Street local health walk advertisement Countryside Rangers Conservation Days Advertisement Buggy Walks initiative advertisement E-waste VIEW article shared VIEW Articles Litter prevention in schools Supported accommodation development Rutherglen Recycle e-waste appropriately Intranet /Internal Email Intranet post on Project Henry Personnel Email Introducing Climate Week 78
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29 Climate Week 30 1 October 2 3 4/5 Social Media Bank Holiday Get Walking Lanarkshire ParkBathe Event advertisement Countryside Rangers Twilight Walk advertisement Beat the Street bonus advert Climate Hub Reuse Project Grant Information VIEW Article Fernbrae Allotment Launch of Composters St John’s Blackwood Partnership Group Sensory Garden and Living Roof Composter relaunch success story ISKON Upgrade to wind turbines Food Waste Recycling Crawford and Abington Primary School Scoot to School Initiative Internal Email Recycle Week internal email Events Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce KSB and Business Gateway networking breakfast - Learn practical steps to kickstart business Net Zero Action Plan Conservation Days at Milton LNR and New Roots, Neilsland and Earnock 79
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Education Resources’ Sustainability Report 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the committee on activities ongoing within Education Resources since the last report in February 2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the contents of the report relating to the range of activities across Education Resources be noted; and (2) that the continued steps for further activity be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Within Education Resources, our schools and educational establishments continue to actively promote Learning for Sustainability (LfS) through a wide range of initiatives that encourage active learning and engagement among children and young people. These efforts are supported through collaborative work with other Council services and external partners; all aimed at fostering environmentally sustainable practices and education across our communities. 3.2. In 2021, in partnership with Education Scotland, we established a fixed-term post for a Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer. This role was designed to bridge service areas within Education Resources, align sustainability priorities, and build staff capacity to integrate LfS into the school curriculum more effectively. 3.3. During 2022, selected staff members across Education Resources completed corporate-approved Climate Literacy training, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to raise awareness, and support meaningful curriculum-based projects. These initiatives aim to encourage positive behavioural change among learners, staff, and the wider school community. 3.4. The Climate Literacy-trained staff now form a dedicated Sustainability Working Group, meeting regularly to coordinate efforts and share best practices. This group works closely with the Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer, whose remit also includes strengthening the role of Learning for Sustainability within curricular planning. A key achievement of this team has been the creation and ongoing support of the Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainability, which provides a platform for young people to voice their ideas and drive change. 8 81
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3.5. In response to extensive engagement and consultation with stakeholders - including input from children and young people - Education Resources embedded a fifth key priority into its 2022/23 Resource Plan: "To empower learners to shape and influence actions on climate change and sustainability." This strategic priority continues to guide our work and planning into 2025/2026 and beyond. 3.6. Since the last report to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in February 2024, we have undertaken significant activity in line with our sustainability commitments. These include the expansion of school-based eco-initiatives, increased access to professional learning on sustainability for educators and the continued development of learner-led sustainability projects. 4. Empowering young people to use their voice to influence others and shape decision-making 4.1. In 2021, the Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainability was established, with invitations extended to all 19 secondary schools, including Additional Support Needs (ASN) establishments. The forum is youth-led and chaired by young people, with ongoing support from education officers. The forum provides a dedicated platform for young people to:- discuss and share their views on climate change and sustainability issues that matter to them amplify their voices across wider community partnerships and networks over time influence council decision-making, particularly in how it meets its sustainability responsibilities promote awareness and drive positive behavioural change within their school communities around climate action and environmental responsibility This initiative continues to empower young people as active citizens and change- makers in shaping a more sustainable future. 4.2. During COP26 in Glasgow (November 2021), senior members of the Youth Forum collaborated with the University of Glasgow to establish a Climate News Hub. Based on campus, the team reported on key events and discussions through the Climate Emergency Newsroom (CEN) blog, publishing 132 articles over two weeks. These included interviews with activists, scientists, and politicians, attracting over 20,000 views. On social media, CEN tweets gained over one million views, amplifying young people’s voices globally. Their contribution was formally recognised in a motion to the Scottish Parliament. 4.3. At the same time, around ten schools participated in ‘The Moment’—an event that gave pupils the opportunity to engage directly with MSPs, raise issues important to them, and ask questions in the lead-up to COP26. Inspired by this experience, members of the Youth Forum were motivated to plan and deliver their own COP26- style event, specifically designed for primary school pupils to raise awareness and spark early engagement with climate change and sustainability. 82
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4.4. In October 2022, the Youth Forum successfully planned and delivered its own large- scale event, COS1 (Conference of Schools 1), aimed at P5–P7 pupils from primary schools across the authority. The three-day event welcomed 400 pupils from 100 schools and was widely regarded as a great success. It featured a range of guest speakers, presentations, and interactive activities centred around the theme of ‘TIERS’:- 1. Transport 2. Influencing 3. Eating 4. 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) 5. Shopping Activities included guided bike rides and the use of virtual reality headsets, offering pupils immersive and engaging ways to explore sustainability themes. They were encouraged to commit to new pledges introduced at COS1 or return to their schools to strengthen existing sustainability commitments, helping to carry the event’s impact forward into their everyday learning environments. 4.5. In November 2022, four representatives from the Youth Forum presented to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, providing an update on the forum’s activities, including the COP26 Climate Newsroom and the successful delivery of the COS1 event. 4.6. Youth Forum 2023/2024 4.6.1. During the 2023/2024 school year, the Youth Forum strengthened its commitment to climate action by increasing the frequency of its meetings and expanding its involvement and leadership across a range of sustainability initiatives. In addition to working closely with education officers, the forum has developed productive partnerships with Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and local elected members. Key activities for 2023/2024 include:- September 2023 – Some forum members took part in ‘Teach the Teacher’ training, designed to build confidence in leading climate-focused sessions with school staff. Pupils present information on climate change and open discussions about how sustainability can be better integrated into the curriculum. Two secondary schools have already taken part during in-service days, with plans to expand the initiative further October 2023 – A recycling pilot launched in Trinity High School and Larkhall Academy, in partnership with education and facilities staff. The pilot aims to reduce waste and improve recycling habits, although contamination remains a challenge, with ongoing efforts to address this October 2023 – Forum members co-led a Climate and Nature Development Session hosted by the Community Planning Partnership (CPP). They presented local and national youth perspectives on key issues including Reducing, Reusing and Recycling, Transport, Education, and social media. The session aimed to inform the CPP Board on how to embed youth voice into planning, action, and evaluation around climate and nature loss. Following this, Lanark Grammar pupils presented at a wider Council-led session with community partners November 2023 – The Chair of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee sent a video message of support to the forum, and the Depute Chair attended a meeting in person to hear directly from the young people 83
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January 2024 – The Youth Forum launched its own programme, “Save Our World”, via the JUMP app, as part of a six-month pilot in four secondary schools. The initiative encourages sustainable choices—such as choosing low-carbon meals, using active travel, recycling, and second-hand shopping—by rewarding pupils with vouchers and opportunities to make charitable donations February 2024 – Planning and delivery of the second Conference of Schools (COS2), this time focused on S1–S3 pupils from all secondary schools. Scheduled as a two-day event, COS2 will offer interactive sessions and activities aligned with the new theme:- A-RESET – Attire, 3Rs, Eating, Shopping, Energy, Transport. This evolving programme of activity highlights the Youth Forum’s growing leadership role in shaping local responses to climate change and sustainability. 4.7. Youth Forum 2024–25 4.7.1. Building on the momentum of 2023–24, the Youth Forum entered 2024/2025 with a renewed and deeper commitment to climate action and sustainability. Throughout the academic year, the forum broadened its influence, strengthened strategic partnerships, and led several high-impact initiatives across South Lanarkshire schools and communities. Key activities and achievements in 2024/2025 included:- September 2024 – Teach the Teacher training, delivered in person by SOS-UK, engaged representatives from most South Lanarkshire secondary schools. Schools were encouraged to roll out the training locally during the November 2024 in-service day, allowing pupils to lead climate-focused discussions with staff October 2024 – The Youth Forum presented their top climate priorities to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP), seeking support for three key initiatives:- 1. A Walk to School campaign 2. School uniform recycling schemes 3. Community clean-up events November 2024 – A Learning for Sustainability Conference for Teachers took place, bringing together 180 practitioners for a full-day event. The programme featured keynote speakers from the Youth Forum, workshops led by partners and young people, and a Teach the Teacher session delivered to all staff, promoting stronger links between youth voice and classroom practice March 2025 – Youth Forum members from St John Ogilvie High School and Larkhall Academy visited Whitelee Windfarm, gaining valuable, hands-on insight into renewable energy. The experience inspired further discussion around local climate solutions and directly informed the renewable energy workshop they later delivered at Conference of Schools 3 March 2025 – The third Conference of Schools (COS3) was held over three days, welcoming 300 children from 100 primary schools. Themed EARTH, the event inspired learners through interactive sessions and peer-led workshops. The leadership shown by secondary pupils made a lasting impression, clearly demonstrating the power of young people as drivers of change in climate action and sustainability April 2025 – In partnership with Trees for Cities, Youth Forum members took part in a tree planting day in Rutherglen, resulting in over 200 new trees being planted. The event highlighted the forum’s ongoing commitment to nature restoration and community engagement 84
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In 2024/2025, the Youth Forum strengthened its leadership role in climate action through new partnerships, high-impact events, and hands-on initiatives. Highlights included Teach the Teacher training, the third Conference of Schools, a teacher sustainability conference, and local climate projects like tree planting and renewable energy education. 5. Other Work within Education Resources 5.1. The success of COS1, COS2, and COS3 has had a lasting impact, with many primary schools taking pledges and activities from the events back into their own settings to support sustainability learning and action. As a result, the Conference of Schools has become an established annual event, forming a key part of South Lanarkshire’s approach to climate education and pupil engagement. Planning is already underway for COS4, which is scheduled to take place in March 2026. 5.2. A monthly Learning for Sustainability and STEM newsletter continues to play an important role in supporting staff and schools across South Lanarkshire. It serves as a central platform for:- promoting professional learning, by highlighting upcoming training and development opportunities for staff at all levels; sharing high-quality resources, many of which are free, to support classroom teaching, whole-school projects, and pupil-led sustainability initiatives; showcasing good practice, by featuring examples of successful work happening across schools and local communities—encouraging collaboration and inspiring new ideas; and building connections, by strengthening communication between schools, council officers, and external partners working in LfS and STEM. The newsletter is a key tool in ensuring consistent messaging, celebrating achievements, and supporting the continued integration of sustainability and STEM education across the curriculum. 5.3. An acknowledgement of some of the range of projects undertaken over the last year or so include:- during 2024/2025, primary schools were invited to take part in a series of four live lessons, tailored to two age groups: P2–P4 and P5–P7. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 70 classrooms joining the sessions and more than 1,600 pupils across the authority actively engaging in the learning experience. Due to their success, more live lessons will be offered again during the current academic year to continue supporting sustainability education in an interactive and accessible format Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Climate Ready Classrooms: A total of 435 young people from 16 upper primary classes took part in the Climate Ready Classrooms programme, an accredited course designed to teach pupils about climate change in an engaging and age-appropriate way. In addition, seven teachers participated in dedicated training to support the delivery of the programme within their schools Eco-Schools – Currently, 64 education establishments across South Lanarkshire are actively engaged in the Eco-Schools programme, representing 35% of schools in the authority, which is notably above the national average of 29% Keep Scotland Beautiful’s engagement:- 1. Live Lessons – 43 classes took part in the interactive live lesson series, engaging pupils in sustainability-focused learning. 85
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2. LEAF (Learning About Forests) – Four schools registered to participate in LEAF training, promoting outdoor learning and a deeper connection to nature. 3. Pocket Garden Design – One South Lanarkshire school received a national award for its creative and sustainable design. 4. Young Reporters for the Environment – South Lanarkshire pupils received multiple awards in this national competition, showcasing their skills in environmental journalism and storytelling. Early Years settings, including Funded Provider settings are carrying our sustainability projects around the sustainable goals. Support is available from two of our peripatetic teachers. The Early Years Service is also hosting a Sustainability Event to showcase some projects. Colleagues from a few external agencies are supporting this event as well as some young people who have the role of climate ambassador 5.4. In terms of opportunities to participate in projects in partnership with other colleagues:- Beat the Street – This interactive initiative continues to run in air quality management areas across South Lanarkshire, with full participation from local schools. Streets are transformed into a giant game board where pupils and families earn points for their school by walking, cycling, wheeling, or rolling instead of using the car. The project promotes active travel, raises awareness of local walking and cycling routes, and encourages more sustainable travel choices in the long term Primary School Food Waste Pilot – Approximately 60 primary schools have participated in a pilot project aimed at monitoring and reducing food waste. By tracking waste levels and encouraging better habits, the initiative supports a gradual shift toward more sustainable eating and disposal practices. However, further investigation is needed to identify effective composting solutions for smaller schools with limited food waste output 6. Continued Commitment towards Learning for Sustainability 6.1. As we move into the 2025–2026 academic year, Education Resources remains fully committed to deepening the integration of Learning for Sustainability (LfS) across all schools. Our focus is on raising awareness, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and introducing initiatives that encourage real behavioural change among learners and staff. 6.2. Schools understand and are engaging with Scotland’s refreshed Learning for Sustainability Action Plan – Target 2030: A Movement for People, Planet and Prosperity, launched in December 2023. The plan sets out five key national goals aimed at embedding sustainability across education:- 1. Every learner should have an entitlement to Learning for Sustainability. 2. In line with revised GTC Scotland Professional Standards, all educators should demonstrate LfS in their practice. 3. Every educational setting should adopt a whole-setting approach to LfS that is clear, robust, and leadership-driven. 4. School buildings, grounds, and policies should actively support LfS. 5. A coordinated national strategy should underpin and promote LfS across the education system. 86
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6.3. This renewed focus highlights Scotland’s position as a global leader in advancing whole-school and community approaches to sustainability, alongside its commitment to making Learning for Sustainability a core entitlement for every learner within the curriculum. 6.4. A key feature of the refreshed action plan is the emphasis on learner voice, choice, and action, reinforcing the connection between children’s rights and Learning for Sustainability. It aims to empower learners to make informed decisions about their world and their future. 6.5. In response, Education Resources is strengthening its support for Learning for Sustainability, with central officers not only developing materials and guidance to help schools embed sustainability across curriculum planning and delivery but also visiting schools across the authority to provide direct support in integrating LfS into practice. 6.6. Further plans for 2025/2026:- September 2025 – All Youth Forum members received Teach the Teacher training from SOS-UK, equipping them with the skills to lead sustainability- focused discussions with staff in their schools September 2025 – A Youth Forum student delivered the closing speech at the Google Digital Event, representing South Lanarkshire’s young people and sharing their vision for a more sustainable future October 2025 – Youth Forum members took part in an information session with Keep Scotland Beautiful, followed by a workshop on the Young Reporters for the Environment programme. Students were given time and support to begin creating their own short, impactful climate action videos October 2025 – Three South Lanarkshire secondary schools—St Andrew’s and St Bride’s, Holy Cross, and St John Ogilvie—will present their sustainability priorities at the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) meeting, seeking support for implementation October 2025 – Youth Forum students will deliver a training session to Early Years practitioners at their Learning for Sustainability event, helping to embed sustainability from the earliest stages of education November 2025 – Pupils from Larkhall Academy and Duncanrig Secondary School will attend a Youth Summit hosted by Trees for Cities, where they will connect with like-minded peers and participate in workshops and talks on climate and nature February 2026 – A Learning for Sustainability Showcase Event will be held, inviting practitioners from Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sectors. The event will be led primarily by children and young people, highlighting their work and achievements in climate action and sustainability March 2026 – The Conference of Schools 4 (COS4) will be organised and delivered by the Youth Forum, continuing the now-established annual tradition of pupil-led climate education and engagement 7. Employee Implications 7.1. As described in paragraph 3.2, a fixed term Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer post was created in collaboration with Education Scotland. The purpose was to straddle services within the Resource to align work on sustainability initiatives and to build capacity within the school curriculum. 7.2. The post has been instrumental in delivering on our progress to date and is scheduled to end in March 2026 when funding ceases. 87
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8. Financial Implications 8.1. The funding for the fixed term Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer post was due to end in June 2025; however funding was allocated from the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund to allow the post to continue until March 2026. 8.2. Other support comes via the giving of time from existing officers within Education Resources, other Council departments and school staff. 8.3. £20,000 was allocated from the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund to support the Youth Forum (YF) and considered initiatives. This funding has been used to support the continued improvements in recycling school uniforms across all secondary schools. 9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. It is envisaged that our continued commitment to bring about increased awareness and learning for sustainability, and a sense of enhanced collective responsibility will ultimately result in a change in behaviours to assist with the climate emergency. 10. Other Implications 10.1. There are no other risks or implications as a result of this report. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy, or recommend a change to an existing policy and therefore no impact assessment or consultation arrangements are required. Lyndsay McRoberts Executive Director (Education Resources) 23 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Education Resources Sustainability Report - Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 28 February 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- David Hinshelwood, Interim Head of Education (Support Services and School Estate) Ext: 4475 (Tel: 01698 454475) E-mail: david.hinshelwood@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 88
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 12 November 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Litter Strategy - Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on the work undertaken to date on the Litter Strategy 2022- 2027 and the associated action plan [1purpose] 2. Recommendation 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [ (1) that progress and updates on the Litter Strategy Action Plan be noted; and (2) that the pilot project updates be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The Litter Strategy covers the period 2022 – 2027 and was approved by the Climate Change and Sustainability committee on 31 August 2022. The strategy outlines a clear vision for how the Council will develop various plans and initiatives to prevent and address litter, dog fouling, and fly tipping. It builds on existing initiatives and complements national campaigns promoted by organisations like Keep Scotland Beautiful and Zero Waste Scotland. 3.2. Over the past year, there has been positive engagement with diverse community groups and individuals. Through the Community Clean Up webform, groups and residents have been supported in conducting litter picks and cleanups. Ground Services have also actively engaged with the Climate Change and Sustainability Youth Forum by attending meetings, providing information, and assisting with initiatives run in schools. This is an encouraging ongoing collaborating with Education and individual schools. 3.3. The litter bin mapping and inventory undertaken for the Litter Strategy has been invaluable for understanding the current locations and capacities of existing bin infrastructure. This has enabled informed decisions about new bin requests. The Litter Bin Map is now publicly available for residents and community members to access. The Litter Bin Replacement Programme is continuing to be rolled out, ensuring locations and capacities suit the area's needs. Going forward, litter bins with hoods are being prioritised to prevent litter escape from animals and wind. 3.4. South Lanarkshire Council have successfully obtained Chewing Gum Task Force grant funding for the last 4 years. This has allowed effective cleaning of gum staining in town centres across all localities. This year for Year 4 of the grant funding £27,058 9 89
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was received which has enabled the council to continue tackling gum issues in other communities. The National Litter and Fly Tipping Strategy 3.5. The Scottish Government published the National Litter and Fly Tipping Strategy on 28 June 2023. It outlines a refreshed approach to tackling litter and fly tipping to protect and enhance Scotland's environment, ensure safer and cleaner communities, and contribute to a thriving circular economy. 3.6. The Strategy sets out how national and local governments, businesses, third sector, communities and individuals can collaborate to support behaviour change, improve infrastructure, and strengthen enforcement. This aims to protect the environment, better value societal resources, and prevent materials escaping the economy. 4. Litter Strategy Steering Group 4.1. The purpose of the Litter Strategy Steering Group is to provide leadership, governance and oversight that will drive collaborative action across the Council to achieve the vision and objectives outlined in the Litter Strategy. 4.2. The Steering Group is made up of colleagues from Grounds Services, Waste Services, Roads and Transportation Services, Housing and Technical, Environmental Services, Education, Economic Development, Estates, Sustainable Development and PR. The meetings take place every two months and cover topics within the action plan, updates on the pilot projects and presentations on related topics. 4.3. The group has been invaluable for discussing current practices and encouraging innovative corporate collaboration across all Council resources. It has highlighted areas for future development, progressed the pilot projects, and delivered key actions within the Litter Strategy Action Plan. Litter Strategy Action Plan 4.4. The Action Plan was originally approved by the Steering Group early 2023 and covers the main themes of Education, Engagement and Enforcement with 19 actions - 6 for Education, 8 for Engagement and 5 for Enforcement. Actions are assigned to Resources to progress over the period of the strategy with a copy of the updated Litter Strategy Action Plan included in Appendix 1 with updates against each action. Actions are updated annually and additional actions added if appropriate. 4.5. Some highlights over the year so far include:- working with various resources to scope and procure solar CCTV cameras to tackle to fly tipping it's Your Place campaign branding used successfully in a number of campaigns tackling waste, litter and fly tipping identifying locations and progressing with installation of physical fly tipping preventative methods (gates, fences, boulders, bollards, natural bunds etc) fly tipping reporting process reviewed and streamlined to improve the customer experience, streamline internal processes and provide improved data for enforcement progressing two pilot initiatives focussing on Town Centres and Housing 5. Supporting data 5.1. To support delivery of the Strategy and help measure success, the Steering Group has previously set out a suite of baseline data that will be updated and monitored over the life of the strategy. This is presented in Appendix 2, with indicators listed below. 90
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Local Environmental Audit and Management System (LEAMS) Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) Procurator Fiscal (PF) Reports Fly tipping Housing (waste in the wrong place) Requests Community Groups Community Clean Up – bag uplifts Community Clean Up – support 5.2. The LEAMS data shows annual figures from 2015/2016 for South Lanarkshire Council, the national average, and Benchmarking Club 3. Until 2023/24, South Lanarkshire Council's performance has been better than both comparators and has followed a similar trend over the period. The 2023/2024 figures for South Lanarkshire and Benchmarking Club 3 unfortunately decreased, with the national average increasing and overtaking them. However, in 2024/2025 the figures for South Lanarkshire increased and the council’s performance now exceeds both the Benchmarking Club 3 and national average. 5.3. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) data shows a decline in FPNs issued in the last 6 years. Covid-19 restrictions resulted in a reduction in enforcement activity over the first part of that period. 5.4. The number of cases/reports passed to the Procurator Fiscal (PF) peaked at 21 in 2019/2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions they dropped to 1 per year but have since increased to 8 in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. In 2024/2025, 4 cases were passed over to the PF. 5.5. From 2013-2019, reported fly tipping instances were around 2,500 annually. Although high, it was believed that additional unreported cases existed. In early 2020 a new process was implemented to ensure all instances were recorded onto Confirm to track numbers and hotspot locations. 5.6. This was implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic and whilst expecting an increase in reporting due to the new process, the data suggests there may also have been an actual increase of fly tipping during this time. Since peaking in 2020 at just below 4,000, fly tipping has progressively been decreasing to around 2,800 in 2023. 2024 resulted in the first increase in four years, with 3,113 reported incidents. Increases have been seen in 3 areas in particular, Rutherglen, East Kilbride and Stonehouse, and a number of measures to tackle the increase and fly tipping in general are being developed and set out in section 8 of this report. Capturing data on this at a national level is difficult, however we do know anecdotally that other local authorities have experienced an increase in fly tipping during this time also. 5.7. The baseline dataset also includes Housing requests for abandoned waste and 'waste in the wrong place' within housing areas. This highlights the lack of personal responsibility even locally where residents live. East Kilbride West and Bothwell and Uddingston have very low numbers, however this reflects the limited housing stock in these wards. During 2024/25 there were 3,043 requests for the removal of waste, which is a 37% decrease from 2023/24. This decrease can be directly linked to Housing Services proactive approach with tenants and investigating all deposits of waste or waste in the wrong place within Housing managed locations. 5.8. The Community Clean Up webform has been an invaluable resource for both South Lanarkshire Council and local community groups. The form was launched in May 2021 91
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and saw an initial peak of 105 enquiries for support. Since then, main peaks have been around February, March and April each year when the Spring Clean takes places. The other option on the webform is to inform South Lanarkshire Council of bags for uplift which allows the Council to uplift bags promptly after a litter pick. These requests also peak during the Spring Clean period and this year there was the highest level of bags recorded in a month. March 2025 saw 808 bags of litter uplifted by community groups and volunteers and recorded through the webform. 6. Pilot initiatives 6.1. As part of the implementation of the Strategy, the Steering Group continued with the two pilot initiatives from last year. The pilots are Town Centres (Cambuslang) and Housing managed locations. These initiatives continue to require collaborative working to target areas of concern and produce positive outcomes. Town Centres – Cambuslang 6.2. The Council is working in partnership with Cambuslang Community Council to address some of the issues on the Main Street caused by commercial and household waste and bin infrastructure. The majority of the continued issues are with commercial bins and waste, which the council has limited powers to resolve. While the predominantly wide pavements mean bins do not block access, they create street clutter and are unsightly. Bins are often abandoned or not returned to more appropriate locations against buildings or barriers. The council recently declined the opportunity to introduce a commercial waste policy due to challenges in enforcing any infringements of a policy. 6.3. The Council is exploring options to replace individual household bins with communal bins or bin housing units. This would reduce the overall number of bins located on the main street. 6.4. Continued communication with Cambuslang Community Council, the local businesses and Economic Development is ongoing and aims to encourage collaborative working. Housing 6.5. Housing Services are working in partnership with Grounds Services, Environmental Services and Waste Services to address fly tipping and improper waste disposal around housing properties. 6.6. Letters are still being issued to households in problem areas, reminding them of their responsibilities, what to do with their waste and how to report occurrences. Housing, Waste Education, and Environmental Health have also been active, talking to residents and distributing leaflets. Housing's "Common Sense" Campaign highlights waste in closes, fire risks, and proper wheelie bin return after collection. 6.7. Housing Services are investigating all deposits of waste or waste in the wrong place within Housing land. Working cooperatively with other Resources is allowing the occurrences to be checked if it has been booked as a bulk uplift by the resident before proceeding with action. 6.8. Work is also focussing on a number of areas that require improvements and investment. This includes clearing and physical preventative measures to fly tipping hotspots, removing historic shrubbery that is not maintained and general improvement to areas. Waste and recycling solutions for flats or areas with inadequate accessibility have also been explored. Communal bins and custom communal bin enclosures have been piloted successfully in a number of areas and rolled out to further areas where there is a need. 92
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7. Fly Tipping Reporting Process 7.1. A review of the fly tipping reporting process to consider the customer experience and internal management processes was undertaken during the year. These highlighted enquiries were being gathered in isolation and in different ways and key information on evidence, land ownership or the nature of the materials deposited was not being considered and recorded adequately. 7.2. The review introduced a streamlined process for customer enquiries which included new questions and options. This change allows the reporter to provide more valuable and usable detail about the waste and to expedite the allocation of an enquiry for either collection or investigation, bringing about a quicker resolution to the enquiry. 7.3. Enquiries where there is no evidence to support enforcement are now passed straight to Ground Services for removal. Enquiries where there is a potential for enforcement action to be taken are allocated to Environmental Services. This reduces the need for Environmental Services to investigate fly tipping incidents which were unlikely to find evidence and enable officers to focus on following up on enquiries where there is potential to identify the individual who disposed of the waste illegally. To date, Environmental Services have received around 30% less enquiries, with these now going straight to Grounds Services for removal. 7.4. Efficiencies were also investigated and implemented to remove internal email requests. This included creating new internal integrated web forms for Environmental Service to instruct Grounds Services to uplift fly tipping after they have completed their investigation. 7.5. The updated fly tipping process has also been implemented for enquiries coming through the Customer Service Centre via phone call with improvements to the IVR (Interactive Voice response) system to make sure customers are getting to the correct option for their enquiry. 7.6. The contact centre staff were given increased permissions to access the mapping layer showing council owned land. This improves the process to distinguish between public land and private land and identifies Housing managed land allowing enquiries to be passed to Housing Services directly to action. 7.7. Overall, this has been an extremely successful project, with the customer experience much improved, internal processes streamlined, fly tipping being actioned more quickly and freeing up Enforcement Officers time on work that is more likely to have a positive outcome. 8. Fly Tipping investment 8.1. In the council’s budget for 2025/2026, £0.350m was allocated to tackle fly tipping. This funding is being utilised in 3 key areas to focus on prevention and enforcement. Much of the funding, approximately £0.250m will be used to recruit 2 additional Enforcement Officers for a 2-year period. Following a recruitment exercise, 1 Enforcement Officer has been successfully recruited and commenced employment on 17 October 2025. Unfortunately, the second post was unable to be filled due to a lack of suitable appointees and was re-advertised with interviews held at end of October 2025. 8.2. A further £0.050m of the investment will be used to introduce physical preventative measures to restrict fly tipping in hotspot locations. This will include gates, fences, boulders, bollards and natural bunds depending on the location with 17 sites identified so far. 93
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8.3. The final £0.50m of the investment will be used to procure modern re-deployable solar CCTV cameras to tackle to fly tipping in a range of recurring fly tipping locations. These will be particularly important in rural areas as they do not require a separate power source which has limited enforcement options in the past. This involves working with various resources to scope, investigate and procure the cameras to work within our current software and infrastructure. It is intended that the cameras will connect to the CCTV control centre at Pollock Avenue. 9. Communications Plan 9.1. Effective communications are an important part of the Litter Strategy, to encourage public understanding and support and encourage behaviour change. Overarching and long-term branding was the key component for this campaign to encourage buy in and engagement. The ‘It's Your Place’ campaign was launched in December 2023, and the branding has been used for a number of different campaigns since. 9.2. A proactive approach to communications has been developed to ensure the council has a full calendar of regular messaging around litter and fly tipping and aligning with national campaigns were appropriate. 9.3. A successful poster and social media campaign was also developed this year to focus on frequently littered items. The items that were selected included takeaway food packaging and glass. The posters were well received in the areas where they have been installed on litter bins, and the bright coloured designs also help to highlight the bins. 10. Employee Implications 10.1. Implementing the strategy will be a key task for the Environmental Initiatives Officer. All Resources will contribute to the actions within the Strategy to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive and collaborative approach. Resource and service implications will vary based on the relevance of their activities to litter and the action plan. 10.2. Beyond implementing the Strategy, the Environmental Initiatives Officer will champion and report on broader litter, dog fouling, and fly tipping prevention issues. 11. Financial Implications 11.1. Community and Enterprise Resources was allocated £0.350m in 2025/2026 to tackle fly tipping as detailed in section 8 of this report. 12. Climate Change, sustainability, and the environmental implications 12.1. Littering and fly tipping detrimentally impact health, wellbeing, the economy, and the natural environment. Litter and waste can lead to soil, water, and air pollution. It's estimated 80% of marine litter originates on land. Ecosystem services and biodiversity are also harmed. Preventing litter and fly tipping plays a key role in sustainable development and the circular economy. The Litter Strategy will support the Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy outcomes. 12.2. Proper disposal preventing littering and fly tipping will also positively impact the Council's recycling figures. 13. Other Implications 13.1. There are no risks or other implications associated with this report. 94
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14. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 14.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy nor recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore, no impact assessment is required. 14.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the content of this report. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 23 October 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References Community and Enterprise Resources Committee report on Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) 2018 on 24 August 2017 Community and Enterprise Resources Committee report on Litter Development Policy Officer on 26 March 2018 Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 10 February 2021 Climate Change and Sustainability Committee report on Litter Strategy on 31 August 2022 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Emma Berry (Environmental Initiatives Officer) Ext: 7775 (Tel: 07385032023) E-mail: emma.berry@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 95
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Appendix 1 Litter Strategy Action Plan Litter Strategy Steering Group Action Plan PREPARED BY DATE THEME ACTION RESPONSIBILITY STATUS TIMESCALE UPDATE Education Update annual data for tracking performance against the strategy. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) In Progress Ongoing Data for 24/25 has been updated. Education Develop a series of short and long term projects for schools. Education (David Hinshelwood) Grounds Services (Emma Berry) Waste Services (Kirsty McGuire/Tom McGowan) Facilities (TBC) In Progress Ongoing Multiple Primary and Secondary schools are taking part in litter picks and community clean ups. The Youth Forum have also highlighted this as an area they want to get involved in supporting. Duncarnig Secondary School took part in a three-week litter picking campaign to tackle the litter left after lunchtime and change behaviours within the school. Other schools including St John Ogilvie, Holy Cross, Lesmahagow Grammar and Uddingston Grammar were all actively involved in initiatives encouraging a sense of environmental responsibility. Education Explore technology opportunities to map littering and review bin infrastructure. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) In Progress Ongoing Litter bin mapping - available internally for staff and available on the website for residents. This data is assisting with the Litter Bin Replacement Programme. In Progress Complete Not Started Overdue On Hold 96
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Education All resources to provide best practice opportunities and ideas from other local authorities. All Services Engagement Further engagement with key partners and community groups to encourage the creation of litter prevention action plans. All Services In Progress 2026 LPAP Template has been created, and we will be investigating the best way to engage will community groups and other key partners. Engagement Work with community groups and businesses to increase engagement, volunteer clean ups and build a proactive communications campaign. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) PR (Stephen Terry) Community Engagement (Gillian Alexander) In Progress Ongoing We continue to work with community groups, businesses and volunteers to support them with their clean ups and other initiatives. Spring Clean Scotland always has high levels of volunteers that take part, and we promote the work and outcomes. Increase engagement with Education to promote all schools undertaking clean ups, similar to Duncanrig Secondary School View article. Engagement Identify the most common types of fly tipping and create a communication campaign. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) PR (Stephen Terry) In Progress Ongoing It's Your Place campaign has been used for litter and fly tipping communications; however, we haven't put out content for specific fly tipping materials. Spring Clean Scotland and rural road clean-up is always a successful campaign. We want to target other problem areas like this that could be highlighted on a seasonal/annual campaign basis. 97
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Engagement Develop options to tackle commercial and household waste issues in town centres and high streets. Housing (Jonathan Read) Waste Services (Kirsty McGuire/Tom McGowan) Estates (Robert Harkness) Economic Development (Iain Ross/Victoria Nelson) Grounds Services (Emma Berry) In Progress Ongoing Pilot projects in Cambuslang and Rutherglen Main Street. Environmental Services have had discussions with commercial premises regarding presentation and storage of waste. Waste Education Team has been visiting households in the main streets to give advice and encourage responsible waste management. Communal bin hubs have been installed at the bottom of Rutherglen Main Street as a pilot to remove bagged collections and wheelie bins on main streets. Perpex communal recycling bins have also been installed in Cambuslang Main Street to remove wheelie bins while decreasing contamination. Ongoing work with CCTV for evidence of occurrences. Engagement Upgrade the fly tipping reporting process and streamlined route for customer enquiries. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) Environmental Services (Craig Brown) Enterprise and Sustainable Development Service (TBC) Complete 07/17/05 The fly tipping webform and customer services flow chart updated and introduced in March/April 2025 to provide improved data for enforcement and efficiency for removing. The new reporting system has also improved the allocation of enquiries relating to fly tipping. Engagement Further engagement with businesses around their responsibilities to keep the area around their premises clear of litter and to take steps to prevent future littering. Grounds Services (Emma Berry) Environmental Services (Craig Brown) Economic Development (Iain Ross/Victoria Nelson) BIDs (Victoria Nelson) In Progress Ongoing Environmental Services have continued to have discussions with commercial premises in town centres regarding presentation and storage of waste. Discussion undertaken with Hamilton BID and confirmation of their commitment to use BID communication channels to further send out the message. 98
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Enforcement Scoping a way forward for improved CCTV provisions for fly tipping, litter and environmental ASB. Environmental Services (Craig Brown) Housing (Jonathan Read) CCTV (TBC) Grounds Services (Emma Berry) In Progress Ongoing The positive working relationship with the CCTV Control Centre has continued this year to make more use of public space coverage for fly tipping, littering and environmental ASB. This relationship will strengthen as we increase the CCTV infrastructure. SLC are in the process of procuring 8 redeployable solar CCTV cameras to tackle to fly tipping in a range of locations. Environmental Services are happy to receive images and footage from other council services or the public and will investigate any incidents providing evidence of non-compliance with fly tipping legislation. Environmental Services will review the specification of surveillance equipment available in the market place and will upgrade equipment as appropriate to maximise the quality of surveillance images. Enforcement Investigate options and sources for funding streams for additional CCTV provisions. Environmental Services (Craig Brown) Housing (Jonathan Read) CCTV (TBC) Grounds Services (Emma Berry) Economic Development (Iain Ross/Victoria Nelson) In Progress Ongoing No external funding sources available for additional CCTV provisions, however within the 2025/26 budget, £350k was allocated to tackle fly tipping. £50k of this will be used to procure modern redeployable solar CCTV cameras to tackle to fly tipping in a range of locations. Enforcement Investigate recharging costs for waste in the wrong place within Housing factored properties (for tenants, private leases, and owner occupiers). Housing (Jonathan Read) Legal Service In Progress Ongoing Housing Services are continuing to investigate the ability to rechange costs for tenants and factored properties. This goes along with the investigation work the Housing Officers are currently undertaking to establish who the waste belongs to. 99
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Enforcement Develop a new proactive approach to maximise enforcement opportunities. Environmental Services (Craig Brown) In Progress Ongoing Environmental Services was allocated temporary funding to increase the resources available for waste enforcement work. Recruitment is underway and it is hoped the new officers will be in post by December 2025. The new officers will work on a shift pattern which will increase the cover available in the evening and weekends and should assist in being able to identify offenders. 100
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Appendix 2 Baseline data 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 LEAMS street cleanliness score South Lanarkshire Benchmarking club 3 National 101
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0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 YTD Number of fly tipping instances 102
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0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Number of fixed penalty notices (FPN) issued Fly tipping Littering Dog fouling 103
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0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Number of cases/reports passed on to the Procurator Fiscal (PF) Fly tipping Littering Dog Fouling 104
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0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Dumped waste and 'waste in the wrong location' - Housing requests 105
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0 20 40 60 80 100 120 May-21 Jul-21 Sep-21 Nov-21 Jan-22 Mar-22 May-22 Jul-22 Sep-22 Nov-22 Jan-23 Mar-23 May-23 Jul-23 Sep-23 Nov-23 Jan-24 Mar-24 May-24 Jul-24 Sep-24 Nov-24 Jan-25 Mar-25 May-25 Jul-25 Sep-25 Number of enquiries for Community Clean Up Support 0 200 400 600 800 1000 May-21 Jul-21 Sep-21 Nov-21 Jan-22 Mar-22 May-22 Jul-22 Sep-22 Nov-22 Jan-23 Mar-23 May-23 Jul-23 Sep-23 Nov-23 Jan-24 Mar-24 May-24 Jul-24 Sep-24 Nov-24 Jan-25 Mar-25 May-25 Jul-25 Sep-25 Number of bags for uplift from Community Clean Up web form 106