Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance & Environmental Officer, which provided an update on the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The Committee noted that, although overall emissions had remained broadly the same as the last review in 2019, the grounds maintenance services was now delivered in-house meaning a greater amount of data on fleet emissions was now captured and reflected in the emissions data. The Council had doubled both its fleet and workforce during that period, resulting in more accurate data for the Council to focus on. Members asked that the infographic be shared with all Councillors to inform them of the established new baseline.

In relation to next steps for implementation of the Action Plan, Members were advised that a comparison of the Council’s building data and EPC ratings was underway. EPCs completed in December 2025 showed that Burwell Hall had improved from a Grade C to a Grade B, while the Corn Exchange had changed from a Grade B to a Grade C. It was noted that a further report would be provided on the reasons for this change at the Corn Exchange, however the primary reason identified for the change was the commencement of Café 1863 and it’s greater use as a facility. It was advised that improvements would be made within existing approved budgets.

The Committee noted that Low Carbon Hub had surveyed the Windrush Cemetery building and that a number of “quick wins” had already been identified and implemented, including the installation of timers on the electric heating system. These works were undertaken within existing maintenance budget parameters.

On the subject of benchmarking, Members were advised that the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) had enquired as to whether Witney Town Council could take a leading role, as SLCC did not currently hold benchmarking data, having not previously undertaken work in this area.

Members were informed that the implementation roadmap would be developed, with dates to be set once further detail was available, in order to provide accurate guidance to the Committee.

It was further noted that a Climate & Biodiversity Working Party would be arranged soon and that the revised Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan would be shared with all Council Officers for review and input from their respective areas of responsibility.

The Committee noted that the Action Plan included a traffic light system and a clear separation between emissions reductions attributable to the Council and those relating to the wider community, in line with the Committee’s previous request.

Members thanked the Compliance & Environmental Officer for her work and expressed their desire for the Council to continue to lead by example and to focus further on reducing emissions.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, the infographic contained within the report be shared with all Councillors.