Issue - meetings

Please Note:  Councillor Mrs. J. Dyer M.B.E., as the Portfolio Holder for Planning (which includes Climate Change), will be in attendance to present this report.

As the Portfolio Holder for Planning (which included Climate Change), Councillor Mrs. Dyer presented the Cabinet’s response to the Air Quality Scrutiny Report.  It was explained that the Cabinet had considered the report at its last meeting held on 9th January 2008 where the work of the Task Group, together with the excellent quality of the final scrutiny report, had been acknowledged.

Responses to each recommendation were taken one by one and it was noted that the majority of recommendations put forward had been approved. 

With regard to the first recommendation relating to Low Emission Zones, part of the Cabinet’s response was that the impact on the surrounding road network as a result of motorists attempting to avoid the Low Emission Zones could make the situation worse.  However, the Chairman questioned how the Cabinet could come to that conclusion with no supporting evidence.  A discussion ensued.

It was confirmed that in relation to recommendation 4, Scrutiny Members were correct in stating that Worcestershire County Council (as the Highways Authority) were responsible for the particular set of traffic signals referred to in the recommendation and therefore, the County Council was the appropriate authority.

Councillor Mrs. Dyer was thanked for her attendance.

RESOLVED:

(a)    that the Cabinet be requested to reconsider its response to recommendation 1, as it appeared it had no supporting evidence; and

(b)    that the Cabinet’s response to all other recommendations contained within the Air Quality Scrutiny Report be noted.