Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/365

Contact: Tom Layzell, Climate Adaptation Policy and Project Lead (Tom.Layzell@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Economy and Place  (CA11).

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)             Note the recent endorsement of the Oxfordshire Climate Adaptation Route Map by the Future Oxfordshire Partnership (FOP).

b)             Approve the adoption of the Oxfordshire Climate Adaptation Route Map and OCC Delivery Plan.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report proposing a Climate Adaptation Route Map and Delivery Plan. The route map identified the key actions that needed to be taken by Oxfordshire’s stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations, presented the report. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that climate change impacts were already being felt. The Route map was based on the third Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA 3) published in 2022 and identified 82 actions that needed to be taken as a county. The Route map prioritised 15 actions that need to be started immediately in partnership with key stakeholders.

The Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Manager provided an overview of the Route map and the County Council Delivery Plan. The Route map had been developed in partnership with district councils and has been endorsed by the Future Oxford Partnership. It served as a framework strategy, directing stakeholders on where action was needed. The County Council Delivery Plan focused on addressing the strategic risk of climate impacts on vulnerable residents. An adaptation summit was scheduled for March, with almost 60 people signed up to attend. The summit would focus on capacity building, engagement, and running a risk management workshop. A countywide working group will be set up through the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership to implement the Route map.

During discussion, members expressed support for the Route map, highlighting the importance of prioritising schools for climate adaptation.  A fund was in place to help small primary schools adapt and suggested working with the 36 Multi Academy Trusts in Oxfordshire to ensure a coordinated approach.

Members also emphasised the financial requirements of the Route map and the need for assistance from central government and stakeholders.

Councillor Sudbury moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations, and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

a)    note the recent endorsement of the Oxfordshire Climate Adaptation Route Map by the Future Oxfordshire Partnership (FOP).

b)    approve the adoption of the Oxfordshire Climate Adaptation Route Map and OCC Delivery Plan.