Committee details

Terms of Reference (adopted by Council, 23 September 2010)

Accountability

The Climate Change Working Group principally reports to the Portfolio Holder responsible for climate change and, as required, to Cabinet or Council.

As a standing working group concerned with both project delivery and policy development, it consists of nine District Council Members, appointed on a proportional basis, supported by relevant Council officers, and by independent experts as and when required.

Scope of deliberation

·                      To champion positive and constructive actions to support the climate change agenda across the District Council’s operations, actions and broader sphere of influence.

·                      To consider how the District Council can best achieve its corporate objectives, priorities and actions so as to minimise or eliminate carbon emissions and the adverse impacts of climate change.

·                      To act as the Council’s principal point of reference, deliberation and advice for matters specifically relating to the reduction of carbon emissions and adaptation to the effects of climate change. Such matters would incorporate:

·                     the internal operations of the Council in support of the services it delivers and as an exemplar to external organisations;

·                     the services that the Council provides to the residents of South Cambridgeshire;

·                     community leadership in facilitating and enabling actions across the district: including bringing together and working with key strategic partners and expert voices (especially via formal strategic partnership arrangements)

·                     influencing and interpreting county, regional and national policy for the benefit of South Cambridgeshire.

·                      To facilitate the effective and efficient implementation of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan – its delivery, monitoring and review.

See also the following pages on the Council’s website:

Living a low-carbon lifestyle

Climate Plan