Agenda item

It was explained that following approval of the 5 Year Environment Plan in March 2019, an indicative budget of £1m (over three years) had been identified to initiate actions which, would support its delivery. 

The report provided an overview of how the indicative budget, from retained business rates, might be utilised to deliver a Mission Based Approach to achieve the challenge of carbon neutral living within the Greater Manchester (GM) economy by 2038. 

It was reported that the GMCA and Local Authorities (LAs) could not deliver the 5 Year Environmental Plan in isolation. Work was needed with partner organisations to achieve the goals of the Plan. The GMCA’s role would be a convenor and also to demonstrate leadership of the public estate. In addition to allocating funding for communications, establishing a GM Environment Fund and establishing a mechanism for the collective procurement of photovoltaic (PV)/battery technologies, the primary task would be to build capacity to accelerate actions.

The GMCA’s Assistant Director of Environment provided the Board with a presentation about delivery of the 5 Year Environmental Plan, which covered:

-        Environmental threats and challenges – opportunities for GM.

-        Early decarbonisation and increased innovation.

-        Reduction measures.

-        5 Year Environmental Plan performance.

-        Environment Team performance overview.

-        Taking action together.

-        Green City Region integrated governance.

-        Natural Capital Group Terms of Reference.

-        Indicative GMCA budget.

-        External funding.

-        Green City Region websites.

The Board discussed the report and presentation, the main points referred:

·         To provide more detail, the Board asked that there be a rolling programme of deep dives on the key themes.

·         A Member asked about buildings and reducing carbon, the GM’s Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment (formerly known as the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF)) building standards and sustainable drainage and onshore wind. It was explained that onshore wind had not been banned but there were challenges obtaining planning permission. The 5 Year Environmental Plan had accounted for buildings and reducing carbon. Should the GMSF be approved, it was envisaged there would be an uplift on building regulations. There would also be a step shift in the next couple of years towards carbon neutrality.

·         An Officer asked if funding for the development of a GM Local Energy Market (GM LEM) was from the Prospering from the Energy Revolution funding call. It was reported that funding for Phase 1 (Scoping Study) had been secured but a bid would be submitted for Phase 2 (Development of a GM LEM).  

·         The relevant sections of the GMCA website would be rebranded to the Green City Region Board.

·         The National Energy and Climate Change Plan could be delayed due to the change in Government leadership.

·         The Challenge Groups would be supported by the existing governance arrangements, which would become the Task and Finish Groups, such as the Natural Capital Group.

·         It was agreed that Professor Andy Gibson, Manchester University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor would be invited to join the Green City Region Partnership (the Partnership).

RESOLVED/-

1.      The Board supported the intention to utilise a Mission Based Approach.

2.      It was noted that the GMCA had been asked to release £1m from the retained business rates reserve (over 2019/20-2021/22) to support the implementation of the 5 Year Environment Plan and delegated individual expenditure decisions within this £1m to the GMCA Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio Leader and Lead Chief Executive for the Green City Region and included approval of any consequent grants to Districts from this money where appropriate.

3.      That Professor Andy Gibson, Manchester University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor be invited to join the Partnership.