Environment Committee

Environment Committee
10 Members + Mayor & Deputy ex-officio	Quorum = 4

1. Current terms of reference https://www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2020/01/10.-Terms-of-Reference-Community-Environment-V805.12.19.pdf

Purpose

The purpose of the Environment Committee is to develop strategy and make decisions that improve the quality of the local environment. It includes encouraging conservation and improvement of the built & natural environment. The committee seeks to make Congleton Town Council Carbon Neutral by 2025 and to ensure that the impact of Climate Change impact is considered in all activities and decisions. Promoting environmental awareness and good practice to deliver action on climate change and environmental responsibility throughout all our activities. To acknowledge the importance of the natural environment to health and wellbeing of all residents.

All decisions of the Committee should consider the following implications:

• Financial – will this deliver the best value for money for Congleton and its residents?
• Environmental – how will this impact carbon footprint, biodiversity, air quality or other environmental factors, and how will this be mitigated if required?
• Equality – will people with different characteristics (according to the CTC Equality & Inclusion Policy) be impacted differently, and what will be done to mitigate this if required?

Delegation of Functions of the Committee

• Committee has strategic overview of all points in sections 1-8 below, under the direction of Council.
• Chief Officer responsible for operational management, and may delegate to members of the Leadership Team.
• Any funding requirements for projects will be submitted to the Finance and Policy Committee in line with financial regulations. will this deliver the best value for money for Congleton and its residents?

Functions of Committee

1. (1.) Environment
   1. (1.1) To promote the importance of the natural environment to the future wellbeing of the Town and its residents
   2. (1.2) To encourage nature conservation and the integration of the built & natural environment.
   3. (1.3) To seek to make Congleton Town Council Carbon Neutral by 2025.
   4. (1.4) To ensure that Climate Change impact is considered in all activities and decisions.
   5. (1.5) To consider issues involving ancient monuments and areas of archaeological interest, seeking to protect and enhance them.
   6. (1.6) To promote and support sustainable floral and planting initiatives which enhance the environment.
   7. (1.7) To protect and preserve local heritage, green spaces and beauty spots.
   8. (1.8) To approve and action Environmental Audits.
   9. (1.9) To promote environmental awareness and good practices that deliver action on climate change and environmental responsibility.
   10. (1.10) To liaise with relevant authorities in cases of public health or environmental nuisance, drainage matters, pollution or animal welfare issues.
   11. (1.11) To make observations on any public health or environmental licence or registration application (other than under the Licensing Act).
   12. (1.12) To liaise with relevant authorities to ensure adequate waste disposal, recycling and sustainable waste practices are available.
   13. (1.13) To encourage activities which reduce, reuse and recycle in order to reduce waste and promote responsible waste management.
   14. (1.14) To promote Clean Air policies.
   15. (1.15) To protect natural water sources and residents’ access to them.
   16. (1.16) To provide adequate allotments and community facilities for the local growing of fruit and vegetables.
   17. (1.17) To manage and support a Biodiversity Plan which maximises opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain on sites over which the Council has influence.
   18. (1.18) To liaise with relevant community bodies to deliver projects that enhance the town’s environmental resilience and biodiversity in response to the nature and climate emergency.
   19. (1.19) To promote sustainable integrated transport.