Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Compliance & Environment Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance and Environment Officer (C&EO) providing an update on the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The C&EO presented the report, advising that it was a detailed and comprehensive document covering a wide range of climate-related priorities. Members were informed that, following a period of competing operational demands, the C&EO was in a position to progress the proposals within the Action Plan. It was also noted that, as previously requested by Members, colour coding had been incorporated into the Action Plan to clearly identify priority actions requiring more immediate attention.

Members noted the findings of the energy assessments commissioned through Energy Solutions Oxfordshire for the Council’s buildings. It was reported that a recent assessment of the Windrush Cemetery Depot (undertaken in December 2025) identified a range of potential energy efficiency measures, many of which could be progressed through existing maintenance budgets, alongside further opportunities such as solar photovoltaic panels and alternative heating systems. The building was fully electric, with relatively modest annual energy costs, and therefore presents opportunities for targeted improvements to further reduce emissions.

Members further noted the assessment of the Corn Exchange, completed in April 2026, which highlighted the building as the Council’s largest energy consumer in terms of electricity, gas and water usage. The report identified a number of potential improvements; however, it also noted that further investigation would be required where limited data was available, particularly in relation to insulation and building fabric. Members acknowledged that, due to the building’s scale and usage, it offered significant potential for carbon reduction, particularly through measures such as solar panel installation and improved energy efficiency controls.

In relation to Burwell Hall, Members heard that the assessment was undertaken in 2022 and that improvements had already been made since that time, including the upgrade of the gas boiler system. The report identified additional opportunities for further savings through fabric improvements, enhanced controls, and renewable energy installations. In response to a question, it was confirmed that an updated assessment could be commissioned; however, this would incur an additional cost. Members agreed that the existing report continued to provide a sufficient evidence base for the time being and that a further assessment was not currently required.

The Committee welcomed the benchmarking information included within the report and expressed particular interest in the significant emissions reductions achieved by Corsham Town Council. Members recommended that the C&EO engage with those councils, especially Corsham, to better understand the measures implemented and associated costs, with a view to applying relevant learning to Witney’s own approach.

Members also considered the Council’s first Eco Fair held in October 2025 and agreed that a further event should be planned for autumn 2026. Discussion took place regarding the merits of holding the event on a weekday or at the weekend. It was noted that while weekday events may support attendance from partner organisations and council stakeholders, a weekend event could enable greater participation from residents, volunteers, and smaller community groups. Members agreed that further exploration of format and promotion would be beneficial to maximise engagement. In addition, it was suggested that climate- and energy-focused organisations could be invited to attend existing “Councillors at the Café” sessions to further raise awareness of the Council’s climate objectives.

In relation to funding, Members considered how the allocated £50,000 capital budget for carbon reduction projects could best be utilised, and how this may be enhanced by matched funding available through Energy Solutions Oxfordshire’s Green Fund. It was suggested that priority projects could include energy improvement works at Windrush Cemetery Depot (estimated at approximately £14,000) and the installation of solar panels at the Corn Exchange (estimated at approximately £34,000).

Members agreed that further detailed consideration of these options was required and therefore agreed that a Climate Action Working Party meeting be convened on 11 June 2026 to review the proposals in more detail. It was proposed by Cllr R Smith, seconded by Cllr J Doughty, and unanimously agreed that officers should scope the proposals further and present options to that meeting to inform recommendations on the allocation of the budget.

Recommended:

1. That the report be noted;
2. That authority be delegated to officers to scope options for the allocation of the £50,000 carbon reduction budget and report back to the Climate Action Working Party meeting scheduled for 11 June 2026;
3. That officers engage with other councils, including Corsham Town Council, to gather information on effective carbon reduction measures and the associated costs they incurred; and
4. That a further Eco Fair be considered for autumn 2026, with the Climate Action Working Party to further explore the format, including the potential for a weekend event, and improved promotion and engagement opportunities.