NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

24 JULY 2024

STATEMENT OF CHAIR OF THE TRANSPORT, ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT & ENTERPRISE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Since the last Full Council meeting in May, the committee recently met on Monday 8 July to receive the following reports.

Review of Motion on Water Quality for improvements in health, wildlife, biodiversity and economy

This report updated the committee on the progress made by officers following the adoption of the water quality motion at the November 2023 meeting of Full Council six months ago.

There was general satisfaction from committee members with the progress detailed in the officer report, however the composition of the North Yorkshire River Catchments Forum (NYRCF) was the focus of the subsequent discussion and debate.

In particular, the lack of elected member representation on the forum was felt to create something of a democratic deficit in the process. As such, the committee felt it appropriate to recommend that the Executive Member for Managing our Environment attend future meetings of the forum, and to provide feedback to the TEEE O&S committee as part of the ongoing review process, along with the option of any Councillor who wishes to, being allowed to observe in person, or have access to the notes/minutes of future NYRCF meetings as deemed appropriate.  

Concern was also expressed that the National Farmers Union (NFU) were not represented at the initial meeting, given the role the farming industry has to play in environmental management. Although it was not clear if this was by choice or a failure to engage, reassurances were given that they would be part of future meetings.

Members requested all points from the agreed motion be kept under check and progress reviewed again by the committee in a further six months.

It was also recommended to re-send the letter to request that the policy issues raised in the agreed Notice of Motion be included as part of the National Planning Policy Framework to the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, along with the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government following the recent General Election.

Network Strategy Update

The report updated committee members on actions outstanding from the January 2024 meeting.

There was further clarity sought on the progress of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) across the county, a specific speed limit issue with Station Parade in Harrogate and the current position of partners with regards to introducing fixed speed cameras.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the committee will take place Thursday 17 October 2024, starting at 10am. The committee will consider the results of the ongoing public consultation on ‘Let’s Talk Rubbish’, our biannual scrutiny of the Climate Change Strategy, progress with the creation of a Tree and Woodland policy for the county and to take a strategic look at the North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

COUNCILLOR DAVID STAVELEY

11 July 2024