Archived decisions

Contact: Caroline Bird/Christine Seaward, ext 6774

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to allocate £15,000 from the Environmental Record budget for baseline research work to be undertaken that will help to identify and set priorities for future projects within existing topics covered by the Environment Group of the County Planning Department.

2. Reason

2.1 To facilitate improved project development by establishing a firm foundation of existing data and activity. This will allow most efficient use of officer time in the development and management of a range of environmental projects.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to carry out environmental research work to enhance environmental project development and management.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Background

7.1 A range of environmental projects is being developed and managed within the Environment Group of the County Planning Department. This involves fulfilling obligations and carrying out duties held by the County Council under statute, through policy developments and by the Council undertaking its community leadership role. An important mechanism for carrying out this work is the development of partnerships and projects at a local level and following up initiatives and obligations at European, national or regional level.

7.2 To ensure the most efficient use of resources within the Environment Group, thorough background preparation needs to be done. This ensures that the work of other organisations and bodies is fully taken account of in the development of projects, thus providing a firm foundation for the County Council to help lead the way forward and to build on the work of others.

7.3 The work programme that this research supports is part of the way in which the County Council fulfils its obligations to protect the environment of the county through its powers under the Local Government Act 2000. This Act enables action to be taken to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of an area. In particular, Section 2 enables the County Council to incur expenditure on the promotion or improvement of the environmental well-being of the area. Environmental well-being includes matters relating to locality, such as the development of initiatives to protect and enhance the area.

8. Existing and Planned Work Programmes that will be Enhanced

8.1 Establishing a firm foundation of existing data and activity will enhance and expand the breadth of current projects being undertaken on climate change, renewable energy, water and air. The research will collect information on the existing environment, activities of existing partnerships and organisation within Hampshire, and on the current and future policy framework. This will give an improved understanding of obligations, opportunities and challenges which will lead to targeted programmes and projects.

7317/CB/CS