Issue - meetings

The Chairman welcomed Dr Tim Wood of Marksman Consulting to the meeting.

The Environment Strategy and Development Manager provided an outline of the “Green Deal” and explained the role of partners in moving the “Green Deal” forward and possibly working in partnership with Marksman Consulting.  The role of Marksman Consulting was explained. Core to the initiative, was the Government’s vision that    Local Authorities be involved in the “Green Deal” as an example of localism to empower councils to take the initiative and in order to optimise the needs of local communities and businesses.  The environmental challenges and the societal impact of fuel poverty were explained and how the “Green Deal” could contribute to economic growth. 

Dr Wood explained the financial implications of  the “Green Deal” and the benefits of the initiative as countries were under increasing governmental pressure to be carbon neutral.

In response to a query from Councillor E Buckmaster, Dr Wood confirmed that the “Green Deal” was non-profit making and clarified its role and the Council’s role in the process of furthering the initiative.  Councillor Buckmaster expressed the need to ensure safeguards were in place to prevent exploitation of vulnerable households. 

In response to a query from Councillor R Beeching regarding the initiative “making money”, Dr Wood confirmed that the initiative was about “creating value” in that energy costs and consumption costs would be reduced.  He confirmed that “Green Deal” could ”make money” from the view point that skills and innovation could be exported. 

In response to a query from Councillor D Abbott, Dr Wood confirmed that funding could be raised against any housing stock held by a council to further the initiative.  He confirmed that it would be difficult to apply the “Green Deal” to properties which were in part ownership and part tenanted.  It was noted that social landlords had expressed an interest in the “Green Deal”.

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked Dr Wood for his presentation.

RESOLVED – that the presentation be received.