Issue - items at meetings - CIVITAS Update and Work Programme Report

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached).

1.     That Cabinet notes progress to date, and approves recommendations relating to individual projects, outlined in the body of the main report.

2.     That Cabinet agrees a revised reporting process to ensure a more appropriate method of sharing information and enabling formal decision making (as set out in 3.2 and 3.3).

57.1       The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment updating Members on progress made on projects within the CIVITAS programme and requesting approval for a revised reporting process (for copy see minute book).

57.2       Councillor Mitchell noted that the programme included a number of good small scale projects, but was uncertain as to whether they would make any impact on improving air quality and transport. She queried the involvement of other European countries and the status of Valley Gardens within the programme.

57.3       Councillor Theobald confirmed that five other European cities were involved in the programme and that Valley Gardens was never intended to be part of the CIVITAS programme. He added that it was too early to begin work on the next Local Transport Plan.

57.4       The Director of Environment added that the projects were small-scale as the programme specified that they be pilot projects. In response to queries from Councillor Randall, she also confirmed that work on the implementation Electric Vehicle Charging Points had been brought forward, and that the council would be speaking with businesses about what would work best in relation to the Freight Quality Partnership.

57.5       Councillor Theobald explained that the programme was still in its early stages; the council would be at other cities to inform its own projects. The council would have to report regularly to the European Union.

57.6       RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)       That progress to date be noted, and the recommendations relating to individual projects, outlined in the body of the main report, be agreed.

(2)       That a revised reporting process be agreed to ensure a more appropriate method of sharing information and enabling formal decision making (as set out in 3.2 and 3.3).