Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2019 be confirmed.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2019 be confirmed.

No declarations of interest were received.

No questions had been received.

No questions had been received.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the Council, proposed a procedural motion to suspend Council Procedure Rule 17.4 regarding the content and length of speeches, providing all members with the opportunity to speak for unlimited time.

Councillor Donald Nannestad, Deputy Leader of the Council, seconded the procedural motion.

Council RESOLVED to suspend Council Procedure Rule 17.4 regarding the content and length of speeches, providing all members with the opportunity to speak for unlimited time.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, proposed the following motion:

That Council takes note of:

(a)       Growing public awareness of climate and environmental crises and widespread concern, not least among young people anxious for their own and others’ future, and as expressed in recent school strikes.

(b)       The growing scientific evidence of the extent of the crises, indicated in:

-           the IPCC report of 2018 which indicated that the world’s leading climate scientists warned that humanity has only 12 years left in which to cap temperature rises at 1.5^oC or face a higher risk of drought, floods and heatwaves;

-           the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco Systems Services report of May 2019 cites “The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide”;

-           the Introducing the UK State of Nature Report 2016 where Sir David Attenborough writes “Our wonderful nature is in serious trouble and it needs our help as never before”.

and the Council recognises that:

(c)        Urgent action to combat the climate and emergencies is essential to protect future wellbeing of all citizens in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, nationally and internationally.

(d)       Urgent action is affordable. The expert advice to the Government’s committee on Climate Change affirms that “Macro-modelling suggests GDP costs of a net-zero target are likely to be small and could even be positive”.

(e)       The many benefits that accrue from urgent action, including: enhanced wellbeing and health; reduced air pollution; sustainable employment in “green” industries; community energy; enhanced biodiversity and an attractive city environment for residents and visitors.

(f)        Local government cannot wait for national government to provide more money and support to reduce emissions and commit to the ambition of carbon neutrality by 2030 at the latest.

(g)       The UK Parliament has already approved a motion to declare an environment and climate emergency; many other Councils in the UK have declared a ‘climate emergency;’ and all governmental (national, regional and local) have a duty to play their part in seeking to limit the negative impacts of climate breakdown.

(h)       With the support of the Council, the Lincoln Climate Commission is being set up to provide a strategic forum for championing Lincoln’s transition to a zero carbon and climate resilient future by driving positive action, developing communication strategies and creating the space for collaboration and cooperation between stakeholders, interest groups and partnerships.

(i)         The climate and environment emergencies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:

(1)       That Council approves the actual prudential indicators contained within appendices A and B of the report.

(2)       That the annual treasury management report for 2018/19 be noted.