Climate change impact assessment                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.

 

This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision making process and should be written in Plain English.

 

If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk 

 

 

Title of proposal

LIFE Supported Housing Service

Brief description of proposal

Procure a Supported Housing Service for people with a range of physical and mental health needs which limits their ability to secure and maintain stable accommodation

Directorate

HAS

Service area

Service Development – Supported Housing

Lead officer

Mike Rudd – Head of Supported Housing

Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment

Carol Armstrong Service Development Manager

Date impact assessment started

01/09/2025

 

 

 

 

 

Options appraisal

Were any other options considered in trying to achieve the aim of this project? If so, please give brief details and explain why alternative options were not progressed.

 

Consideration was given to decommissioning the service as it is non statutory, however the benefits accrued for people and the Council are significant and as such the decision was taken to procure an enhanced and expanded service.

 

 

What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?

 

Please explain briefly why this will be the result, detailing estimated savings or costs where this is possible.

 

The service will utilise Second Homes Council Tax funding to support the service, underpinned y HAS base budgets.

This investment will reduce use of temporary accommodation which is a significant unfunded cost for the authority.

 

 

 

 

 

How will this proposal impact on the environment?


N.B. There may be short term negative impact and longer term positive impact. Please include all potential impacts over the lifetime of a project and provide an explanation.

Positive impact

(Place a X in the box below where relevant)

No impact

(Place a X in the box below where relevant)

Negative impact

(Place a X in the box below where relevant)

Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale?

 

Where possible/relevant please include:

·      Changes over and above business as usual

·      Evidence or measurement of effect

·      Figures for CO2e

·      Links to relevant documents

Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.

 

Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible.

Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.

 

Emissions from travel

 

 

X

The service will be larger than is currently the case, meaning larger staff groups and more travel to users’ homes.

Providers will be encouraged to minimise mileage and ensure workers operate in local areas to reduce unnecessary travel.

 

Emissions from construction

 

X

 

 

 

 

Emissions from running of buildings

 

 

X

The service will be larger than is currently the case, meaning more homes will be used.

Providers will be encouraged to maximise the efficiency of the homes they use as part of the service, both to reduce tenants’ bills and minimise emissions.

 

Emissions from data storage

 

X

 

 

 

 

Other

 

X

 

 

 

 

Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic

 

X

 

 

 

 

Reduce water consumption

 

X

 

 

 

 

Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers

 

X

 

 

 

 

Enhance conservation and wildlife

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

Other (please state below)

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards.

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker.

 

 

An expanded service inherently means that more staff, mileage and buildings will be used causing an increase in activity and emissions. Commissioners will work with providers to ensure the service is run in the most environmentally and cost effective way possible. However, it should be noted that due to financial constraints and pay levels amongst staff, housing stock is likely to be cheaper and less efficient than more expensive properties would be, whilst staff are more likely to travel in older less efficient vehicles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign off section

 

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

 

Name

Mike Rudd

Job title

Head of Supported Housing

Service area

Service Development – Supported Housing

Directorate

HAS

Signature

M. Rudd

Completion date

01/09/2025

 

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature):

 

Date: A. Barron