Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J P Curtice, B H Hopkins, N J Davies and T J Hennegan.

http://www.swansea.gov.uk/DisclosuresofInterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve, as a correct record, the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 14 January, 2015, be approved as a correct record.

Tanya Nash, Sustainable Development Team Leader and Chris Small, Sustainable Development Officer in attendance.

Tanya Nash, Sustainable Development Team Leader, assisted by Chris Small, Sustainable Development Officer provided a presentation on Solar Photovoltaics (PV).

 

Tanya Nash offered apologies on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer and ?? who were unable to attend.

 

The presentation detailed:

 

·       Swansea Community Energy and Enterprise Scheme (SCREES);

·       General PV Update;

·       Community Energy;

·       How does it work;

·       SCREES;

·       How does it work;

·       SCREES Buildings;

·       Original Scheme;

·       Removal of Government Incentives;

·       Impact on Solar Community Energy Schemes;

·       Implications for SCREES;

·       Recent Developments;

·       Next Steps; and

·       Other Solar PV.

 

Members congratulated the Officers for their efforts in relation to the work involved in setting up the Community Benefits Society in six weeks; mitigating the reductions in tariffs in relation to the Community Energy Scheme.

 

The Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services referred to the potential within the Councils’ vast housing stock.  However, there were difficulties associated with tenancy agreements and tight deadlines which had made it impossible to deliver.  As a result, it had been agreed to focus on the Glynn Vivian which was a new build lower energy. 

 

In response to a Member questions, Officers confirmed that:

 

·       Due to tight deadlines, the choice of buildings came down to the physical suitability of buildings with some not capable of taking risks (e.g. roofs not suitable);

·       Opportunities exist for PV installation in new build Council houses with retro-fitting over time;

·       Whilst initially looking at target areas, this has now been broadened to Council owned. 

·       There is an issue with Community Centres in so far as none were facing the right direction or the roofs were not large enough;

·       The first phase will concentrate on buildings that area less high risk;

·       Presentations have been made to Swansea Environment Forum.  Whilst  more promotional work is needed, caution needs to be exercised due to the uncertainty in this area.

·       Communities are cautious in the right scheme as there is a lack of trust.  The decision of Cabinet to invest was a huge benefit. 

·       In relation to the output in Wales, the figures are hit and miss, although Swansea is one of the best places to do this;

·       The concept of efficiency is a complex one is often misunderstood.  However, none is 100% efficient;

·       Whilst the original brief was to look at the areas that are disadvantaged, this does not preclude people in the Swansea West area who would want to invest;

 

The Chair urged Members to provide suggestions for sites that may be considered within their wards.

 

Councillor P M Meara suggested Sketty School as it benefitted from a large, South facing roof.

 

Members discussed the educational aspects for the next generation and the use of IPADS which detailed energy.

 

The Chair thanked the Officers for their informative presentation and expressed his appreciation for their work.

 

RESOLVED that the presentation be NOTED.

The Chair circulated a paper entitled ‘Energy and Climate Change CCS Policy Context’ which had been prepared by Tanya Nash, Sustainable Development Team Leader.

 

The document outlined Energy Policy from a UK Government; Welsh Government and City and County of Swansea viewpoint.

 

The Chair referred to the recent motion at Council, which detailed the Council’s ambition to be fossil fuel free by 2025. 

 

He referred to the threats surrounding the Tidal Bay Lagoon and the

diversion between what Central and Local Government were trying to achieve. 

 

Advantages being in Wales.  Green Growth programme if we are going to hit 2025 target, radical changes.

 

In response to questions regarding the Carbon Reduction Strategy, the Sustainable Development Team Leader confirmed that the Council were ahead of target at the moment, with the likelihood that the reduction will be met. 

 

In response to a further question regarding the Climate Local Commitment which had originated two years ago, the Sustainable Development Team Leader stated that the action plan had been re-written in order to  

meet all the objectives and the plan would therefore be redrafted in light of that review.  She stated that Swansea was the only Welsh Authority to sign up to the plan.

 

The Chair referred to the PV agenda which was big part of the commercialisation agenda.  He stated that becoming fossil free before 2025 would allow the Council to plan profits which could be invested back into local services with the opportunity for millions coming in-house. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services referred to the major piece of work which is underway looking at the energy strategy and how landfill is managed.  There are also savings to be derived from clean energy and the district heating network.  She stated that she is available if Members have any specific issues they feel should be examined.

 

The Chair thanked the Sustainable Development Team Leader for the briefing note. 

 

RESOLVED that the briefing be noted.

The Chair referred to the work plan and the two Cabinet Portfolios serviced by the Cabinet Advisory Committee. 

 

He referred to the Cabinet Advisory Committee’s role in making useful, concrete contributions to policy development.  He stated that one meeting a month would not do either Cabinet Portfolio justice and sought Member views in respect of scheduling further meetings (which could be in the form of Task and Finish Groups or Sub Committees).

 

Members’ stated that they would consider the matter and discuss the issues at a future meeting.

 

The Chair referred to the Work Plan and the items scheduled for the forthcoming meetings, specifically 10 March, 2016.  Anti Poverty?  Community Engagement next agenda item.  Agreed with WE.  Other half open to see whether housing or energy issues.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1)    An item on Community Engagement be scheduled for the meeting on10 March, 2016

2)    The Chair liaise with the Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services to identify a further topic for discussion.