Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Explanation of how the traffic light project management is now used in management of this action plan.
Red Project is at risk to miss a scheduled completion date, may be over budget or out of scope. Immediate management action required.
Amber One or more aspects of project viability — time, cost, scope — are at risk. However, the deviation from plan is within tolerances
assigned to the project manager. Green The project is performing to plan.
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
1,2,
6,7,
18
Continue in our
efforts to reduce
the Councils’ use
of natural
resources (e.g.
energy, fuel,
water) and
amount of waste
going to landfill
and manage
assets in a way
that fulfils our
environmental
obligations.
(Combines
1,2,6,7,8,918)
Reductions
reported
through
annual
greenhouse
gas report.
Ongoing
Suffolk Coastal's latest Annual Greenhouse Gas report showed a decrease of 8%
against the 2009/10 baseline. Our search for improved, more efficient office
accommodation progresses and this restricts what is possible in terms of improving
efficiency at Melton Hill beyond the work previously carried out to meet our Energy
Policy commitments. We do now have a contract with SCC EFMS to provide energy
to all council managed buildings, and as a result gas properties have smart meters
and electric ones are being rolled out, this enables exception reporting e.g. gas in
use when building not and helps with energy management. A summer time
completion date is now anticipated. Ufford Depot carried out extensive
refurbishment work in 2012/2013 which included improved insulation measures and
solar PV, their scope to improve more is therefore limited, although efforts continue
through their environmental management system. At Waveney the Annual
Greenhouse Gas report shows a decrease of 4% against the baseline. The Riverside
Road development progresses well with development now underway. It has been
designed in line with Policy to achieve high standards of environmental performance.
Measures to be installed include a Ground Source Heat Pump serving the 'base'
heating and hot water load with air source heat pumps serving the supplementary
heating and cooling. As the Mariner Street Offices and the Town Hall will no longer
be required for council purposes once the Riverside Road development is
operational no further works are planned. Rotterdam road Housing Maintenance
Section upgrade is planned for 2015/16. Water Lane underwent an £8 million
refurbishment completed in 2012 and Bungay Pool and Gym had PV installed in
October 2012 therefore no further works are planned at this time. Amber
9
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
3
Continue to
assess and
improve the
energy efficiency
of Waveney
District Council’s
Housing Stock
and provide
efficient, low
carbon or
renewable
generation
solutions where
feasible.
Identify
opportunities to
promote and
support low
carbon action
with Waveney
District Council’s
Housing Stock
tenants.
The number
of measures
installed and
the average
savings from
some
measures
Ongoing
In terms of our housing provision Waveney have recently undertaken upgrades to a
sheltered housing complex carrying out insulation works, lighting system and boiler
upgrades and installing thermodynamic solar panels. We continue to upgrade poorly
performing electric heating systems with Mitsubishi air source heat pumps and solar
thermal panels. Our gas boiler replacement programme continues to replace less
efficient back boiler and wall mounted boiler units with high efficiency condensing
units. 37 bungalows in Beccles now have improved levels of insulation in reaction to
complaints about high energy costs. Looking ahead to 2014-15 we have kept all our
current energy efficiency budgets in place, and have also requested additional
funding to allow over bath showers to be installed to help reduce water and energy
consumption. Amber
The number
of events run/
articles
included in
newsletters
and tenants
signed up to
low carbon
behaviours.
Ongoing
Information of relevance to tenants in relation to improvement works have been
provided to our tenants’ magazine editor with 3 out of the 4 articles being run.
Amber
4
10
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
5
Investigate the
potential for
Waveney District
Council’s Housing
Stock offered by
the new BREEAM
Domestic
Refurbishment
programme as a
means of
assessing
progress on
reducing energy,
water and waste,
being adaptable
to climate change
and providing a
healthy indoor
environment for
occupants.
Progress towards
becoming low
paper use
Councils.
Investigation
undertaken
and reported
on.
Mar-14
BREEAM UK Domestic Refurbishment is a design standard giving a rating (pass
(30%), Good (45%), Very Good (55%) Excellent (70%)) and improvement measures
relating to health and safety, energy, water, materials, pollution, waste). The benefit
to the tenants (and householders if we took it further) if we identified and
implemented improvement areas would be reduced energy biils/increased comfort,
reduced water bills, reduced flood impact, improved health and reduced waste. If the
budget could be found we could train an internal person to use the methodology and
software tool. This will be a three day course with an exam and will cost £1250 plus
VAT. To become approved the person will have to pass this, carryout a test
assessment within 12 months and pass it. For the council to then carry out these
assessments and potentially market their services they would need to obtain a
BREAM Licence (this costs £500 a year). Note: this could be seen as an enhanced
knowledge approach to add to a green deal advice service (this would cost a further
£2345 plus VAT to train) Demand is unclear therefore market research would be
needed to determine if this would provide a viable income stream. It is also worth
noting that for our homes to reach excellent there would need to be increased
expenditure. Amber
Reduction in
paper use
across the
Councils
evidenced by
reduction in
paper
purchased.
Ongoing
There is an improvement in technology use to reduce paper us e.g. use of mobile
devices, electronic tender submission, electronic forms, no longer accepting
cheques. There is a reduction in paper purchased 200 reams /month 3 months
previously is now 100 reams /month approximately. Amber
11
11
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
12
Support and
facilitate The
Councils’ Officer
Greenest County
Steering Group
and Green Team
action to engage
staff and
encourage a shift
towards reducing
energy and water
use, home
working,
teleconferencing,
videoconferencin
g, online training,
car sharing
Amend the
Suffolk Coastal
Lift Home
Scheme as
appropriate and
to include cyclists
and adopt across
The Councils.
Evidenced by
action against
Joint
Environmenta
l Policy
Ongoing
Given changes in personnel and work loads we have identified that quarterly
meetings of two groups are no longer an efficient use of time. One group which is the
Joint Environmental Policy Steering Group is now meeting three times a year to drive
progress. To engage staff we have held a staff travel day, created pages on the
intranet and promoted environmental action via sharing news and notice boards.
Green
To increase
the numbers
of staff cycling
or car sharing
to and from
work.
Evidenced by
number of
people signed
up to scheme
and results of
annual travel
survey.
Apr-13
Complete New travel and sub policy which includes this agreed with Unions and
available on Fred http://mhsp2/C11/Policies%20Procedures%20and%20Guidan/Document%20Library/3.%20P
ay,%20Benefits%20and%20Allowances/Travel%20and%20Subsistence/Travel%20a
nd%20Subsistence% Green
13
12
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
14
Extend the
Waveney Council
Cycle to Work
scheme to cover
Suffolk Coastal
District Council.
Evidenced in
the annual
travel survey.
Apr-13
Three people have signed up to date and a further 11 have expressed an interest.
Monthly promotions have started. Green, existing action complete.
15
Develop, deliver
and raise staff
awareness of
effective
sustainable
Procurement
Strategies for The
Councils.
Including as a
minimum the
mandatory
Government's
Buying Standards
ttp://sd.defra.gov.
uk/advice/public/b
uying/.
Investigate the
potential for
bringing Suffolk
Coastal District
Council up to
Fairtrade Status
and further
Strategy
adopted.
Then
awareness
evidenced by
minutes of
meeting to
show raised.
Ongoing
The revised strategy has been out to SME's for consultation and the procurement
team are currently reviewing the standard contract terms and conditions with Legal
for both Councils. These will include appropriate clauses for sustainable
procurement and specifications using Government Buying Standards when
applicable.Sustainable/environmental procurement opportunities are considered in
contract award criteria when drafting Invitation to Tender documentation. Amber
Paper
produced
outlining
challenges
and
opportunities
End 2013
A paper has been produced and is awaiting a suitable time to take to Cabinet.
Amber
16
13
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
Evidenced by
reduction in
purchases of
new
consumables.
Ongoing
There is a reuse section within both stationary cupboards but no records are kept of
what is collected and whether it has reduced the need to buy new. It is raised at
specification stage as an issue for procurement that goes through the central
procurement. No records are kept on whether it reduces new buy or not. Amber
Audit
undertaken
and reported
on.
Mid 2013
An audit has been carried out and as a result 2 or 3 bird boxes will be erected on
various trees at Melton Hill. Bats are best not encouraged at this given the uncertain
future for the site and ramifications for the sale of the site and its development
thereafter. Green
embed it at
Waveney District
Council.
17
19
Promote the
reuse of
consumables
across the
Councils, prompt
reduce and reuse
when asked to
procure
consumables and
implement new
ways of working
which reduce
need for
procuring
consumables.
Carry out a lighttouch wildlife
audit of main
council properties
to identify
potential low-cost
improvements
with regard to
future asset
management
plans
14
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
20
Assess the
benefits and
costs associated
with pursuit of
Local Nature
Reserve Status
for appropriate
sites (for example
Bond’s Meadow).
Report
produced and
considered.
Mar-15
There is no longer any resource to take this forward. Suggest remove from action
plan. Red
21
Develop
understanding of
environmentally
sensitive leases.
To explore
ways in which
leases remain
attractive to
lessees but
meet Council
Objectives.
Mar-14
Essentially an Environmentally Sensitive/Green Lease is a lease which has
additional provisions set out within it whereby the Landlord and the Tenant undertake
specific responsibilities/obligations with regards to the sustainable operation of a
property for example, energy efficiency
measures, waste reduction/management and water efficiency. ‘Green Clauses’ can
be included which relate to all aspects of the supply, maintenance and operational
use of the building as well as social and ethical considerations. The idea being that
these clauses will overcome the current 'expenditure standoff'. Potential clauses
have been explored in depth. The considered opinion is that circumstances vary so
greatly that no single solution can be appropriate or acceptable to all parties in every
situation. Imposing rigid rules through lease clauses may lead to unfairness as well
as increased cost for landlord and tenant. There is also an enforcement issue as we
have limited capacity to follow up on whether measures have been undertaken and it
is unclear how courts would rule. Instead there will be documented
recommendations/negotiations regarding environmental measures appropriate to the
asset in question (e.g. the landlord will replace fittings to enable LEDs to be in place
if the tenant agrees to use LEDs or the Landlord will not require prior permission for
energy efficiency measure such as loft insulation or improved heating controls.).
Furthermore an environmental policy will be required from all organisations leasing
15
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
eligible assets Green, complete.
22
Carry out and
evaluate kerbside
textile recycling
trial.
The evidence
will be tonnes
of textiles
diverted from
landfill.
Commence
d July 2012
running until
July 2014
Trial is underway. All waste collection operatives have been trained to ensure
replacement bags are put on bins and stickers used to note any incorrect
placements. This is diverting some waste however further work is needed to raise
awareness of scheme. Amber
23
Explore feasibility
of kerbside glass
collection.
Explored and
reported on.
Mar-15
Underway, once decision made it will be communicated. Green
16
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
24
Produce and
maintain up to
date
management
plans for all
designated sites
& biodiversity
priority habitats.
Develop effective
management
arrangements,
involving
voluntary and
community
sectors to ensure
the most costeffective delivery
mechanisms are
in place.
Action will be
evidenced
through
delivery
against the
management
plans
Dec-14
Each site (40 in total) either has a Management Plan or Management Statement,
which are reviewed every 5 years by the Countryside Team. Each plan or statement
contains either a management prescription with an annual programme of works or
just a simple annual programme of works. From these plans and statements, both a
spring/summer and an autumn/winter programme of works is drawn up and
implemented by the SCDC Countryside Team with the help of contractors and
volunteers. This is captured in and reported on through the Communities &
Economic Services Service Plan. In the last 3 years, as part of the 'Localism'
agenda, 11 countryside sites have been transferred to local Parish councils to
manage. It is thought that local parish councils can attract resources not available to
the District Council. This is an ongoing process and 2 more sites are likely to be
transferred in 2014. The current management plan is passed to the relevant Parish
Council as part of a site transfer and an agreement is made to offer advice for a
further 3 years. Amber
17
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
25
Provide free
Energy and
Green
Procurement
Reports and
Action Plans for
200 Small &
Medium
Enterprises
(SMEs) across
the rural areas of
Waveney district
and entire Suffolk
Coastal district;
120 SMEs within
the target area to
invest in resource
efficiency
measures and
green
procurement
activities with the
support of a small
grant, and 100
SMEs to be
offered the
Suffolk Carbon
Charter.
200 Small &
Medium
Enterprises
(SMEs)
across Suffolk
Coastal and
Waveney
having
received
audits, reports
and action
plans. 120
having
received
grants and
100 having
been offered
Carbon
Charters.
2015
Feb 2014: 115 businesses have received support through the ECCE project and we
have identified potential savings of more than £700,000 and 3,190tCCO2e which
equates to more than £7,000 and 31tCO2e per business. 43 ECCE businesses have
now been awarded with the Suffolk Carbon Charter. 30 grants have been awarded
unlocking investment of £167,174.71. Amber
18
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
26
Explore options
for providing
Energy Efficiency
support to
voluntary/commu
nity/parish/village
hall management
committees.
Evidenced by
funds
explored, bids
submitted and
if successful
number of
community
buildings
audited and
measures
taken up.
Mar-13
Efforts on this continue. With an opportunity arising through the East Suffolk
Partnership. Request target date changed to End 2014 to allow for further evidence
building and funding applications. Amber
27
With the Suffolk
Sustainable
Travel Forum
endeavour to
facilitate major
investment in
public transport to
improve existing
services and
develop new
ones
Through
community
communications,
The Councils, the
East Suffolk
Partnership and
the Greenprint
Forum, promote
28
Maintain a watching brief on the work of the forum and use the council’s influence to
shape the agenda as appropriate. Amber
Ongoing
This is carried out annually. Information is shared via the Greenprint Forum mailing
list, Twitter, Facebook, Sharing News and posters and leaflets are distributed around
the main council buildings. Green
19
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
29
Specific Action
the Suffolk Green
Building network
to enable a share
of experiences
and
understanding on
resource
efficiency and
renewable
technologies.
Review and
investigate
opportunities to
link Green
Infrastructure
across the
Districts
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
A strategy for
managing it
created which
enables
provision for
multi
functional use
e.g. wildlife,
recreation,
tourism and
quality of life.
2014
Waveney is in the process of taking a comprehensive approach for the whole District
with a completion date of March 2014. This has largely been driven by the urgent
need to get an up to date assessment of Pitch and Non Pitch needs. Following
completion of this work the position in terms of linking across the Districts will again
be reviewed. Amber
20
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
30
Ensure focus of
AONB
Management
Plan 2013-18
further promotes
and delivers
landscape scale
initiatives
throughout the
AONB
Recent
progress in
delivering
these
initiatives
Mar-18
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) requires local authorities
to review management plans for AONBs every five years, and this plan contains
details of the work to be carried out during the period 2013-18 to care for the AONB.
Twenty six organisations have signed a commitment to implement the plan, and
share a common vision for the long term care of the AONB. The 2013-18
Management Plan for the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB was published at the start
of 2013. Landscape scale actions are noted as important and are captured in actions
such as: Develop a seascape character assessment of the Suffolk Coast, both from
and back to the coastline to support marine development decision-making; HLF
Touching the Tide project (finishes 2016) and Develop river corridor projects in the
AONB, engaging communities with monitoring and care for their rivers/estuaries. We
have Member representation on the partnership board. Green, complete.
31
Develop Service
Level Agreement
with Greenways
Countryside
Project to deliver
countryside
access
improvements
and community
engagement in
SLA
developed.
Mar-16
SCDC annual contribution to Greenways is £7,200.The funding partners including
SCDC are represented on the Greenways Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) and with
have two Member representatives and Richard Best participates in the active Officer
Steering Group. An action for 2014 is to develop a Service Level Plan/ or a JAC
memorandum of understanding at this time. Green
21
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
the Parishes
surrounding
Ipswich and
outside the
AONB.
32
Support Sustrans
and Cycle Suffolk
efforts to
promote cycling
through Lowestoft
Local Links and
investigate any
potential
opportunities that
arise for
extending this to
promote national
routes and
potential of
combining train
and cycle rides.
Measures
undertaken
and a 15%
reduction in
local car
traffic.
Lowestoft Local Links is a green travel project that is helping people to make more
sustainable journeys in and around the town. The project involves a package of
initiatives to improve travel choice for everyone in Lowestoft and make it easier to
walk, cycle, car share or use public transport. The new and improved facilities at
Lowestoft railway station opened Sept 2013 has helped to make travelling to and
from the station easier and there are discounted public transport vouchers available
and an Endeavour car which saves 25% for 16-19 years olds. Bike-it officers
support all Lowestoft schools providing bike games, cycle coaching and repairs.
Cycle training is on offer to businesses and community groups and a successful
cycle festival was held in 2013. There is also a good BikeAbility assessment
programme run by the Primary Schools Sports Partnership (John Hughes) and a
Bike Active project giving people with disabilities the opportunity to cycle (Lowestoft
Lions). The planned pedestrian and cycle bridge alongside Bascule Bridge is still
being developed Amber
22
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
33
Ensure delivery of
the sustainable
transport
initiatives as set
out in Suffolk’s
Local Transport
Plan 2011-2031.
Develop and
facilitate the
Greenprint Forum
as the local
Green behaviours
support network
within the
Greenest County
Communities
Network and the
Steering Group
as the Working
Group for the
East Suffolk
Partnership and
through them, the
Suffolk Climate
Ch
34
Evidence
Increasing
and on-going
community
uptake/engag
ement with
environmental
and resilience
initiatives.
Target Date
Progress
Ongoing
This is being taken forward by the County Council through their existing plan, the
District Council’s have a role to play in advocacy and lobbying and are in a position
to influence through their input into the Suffolk Growth Strategy and the development
of the delivery plan. Amber
Ongoing
10 events held for members covering local food, Fairtrade, wildlife and habitats,
waste, energy, community environmental and social action, opportunities to support
our estuaries and green buildings. Green
23
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
35
Promote and
support
community local
food initiatives
through the
Greenprint
Forum.
Increasing
and ongoing
community
uptake/engag
ement with
local food
initiatives
Ongoing
One community event supported through the Greenprint Forum at the start of the
30:30 Suffolk challenge. Emails, Twitter and Facebook posts also made to promote
this. Community Action Suffolk are currently reviewing the outcomes of the Suffolk
Coastal LSP supported Local Food Project which used locally grown food as a
catalyst to develop social and community inclusion in deprived and isolated rural
communities. Green
36
As part of the
Suffolk Climate
Change
Partnership
maximise use of
existing (e.g.
grants,
Community
Energy Saving
Program) and
future frameworks
(Green Deal,
Energy Company
Obligation) to
drive householder
take-up of
retrofitting
opportunities.
Increased
uptake of
energy and
water
efficiency
measures
Ongoing
Suffolk Climate Change Partnership has provided direct financial benefits of more
than £725k to residents, businesses and communities in Suffolk Coastal District over
the last five years and £273k in Waveney District over the last five years. In addition,
the value of domestic energy efficiency installation work carried out across Suffolk
with the Partnership’s support over the last five years totals some £26M.
The Suffolk Warmer Homes Healthy People project has supported 185 households
in Suffolk Coastal DC to date with a fully-funded independent energy survey as well
as offering practical help and advice around the installation of measures to improve
home heating, from small energy efficiency improvement jobs to emergency boiler
repairs. Referrals were also made to local installers for Carbon Emissions Reduction
Target (CERT)-funded loft and cavity-wall insulation installs (additional value of work
carried out for SCDC residents: £47,544). The project supported 170 households in
Waveney DC with a fully-funded independent energy survey as well as offering
practical help and advice around the installation of measures to improve home
heating, from small energy efficiency improvement jobs to emergency boiler repairs.
Referrals were also made to local installers for Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
(CERT)-funded loft and cavity-wall insulation installs (additional value of work carried
out for WDC residents: £72k).
The Warm as Toast project offered residents free (subject to survey, access and
24
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
existing levels of insulation) loft and cavity wall insulation for any resident in Suffolk.
In Suffolk Coastal DC there were 658 calls and referrals, resulting in installations
with a value of £101k to SCDC residents. Funding was also was raised for customernominated Suffolk Coastal-based charities, schools and clubs. Installations were in
most cases fully funded by energy companies as part of their commitment to the
CERT. In WD there were 294 calls and referrals, resulting in installations with a
value of £54,260 to WDC residents. Green
37
Support a Suffolk
wide targeted
campaign of
advice and
support for
owners of
properties with
solid walls and no
mains gas supply
specifically the
To increase
uptake of
energy and
water
efficiency
measures
Ongoing
A funding bid has been submitted via the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership to
DECC - we will find out late Feb/early March if this is successful - if so this piece of
work can progress. If not it will not be able to until funds can be found to deliver it.
Amber
25
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
38
39
Specific Action
highest 20% of
wards / parishes
with proportion of
off-gas and solid
wall properties
Identify funding
options for
developing
projects which
bring empty
homes back into
use to include
more energy and
water efficiency
measures and
behavioural
change while
extending its
reach.
In partnership
with the
Environment
Agency work with
communities
(Town and Parish
Councils, and
other groups) to
assess risks and
encourage the
development of
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
Evidence
gathered and
options
appraisal
produced and
presented to
potential
funders.
Ongoing
In Waveney three units have been bought back into use to date and efforts to bring a
further 14 into use are underway. For 2014/15 and onward there is no budget
available to progress this any further. Amber
An increasing
number of
communities
prepared.
Mar-13
A website has been produced providing guidance and advice and making existing
emergency plans available to all. Resilience workshops were held with Alde and Ore
Communities supported by the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership,
Groundwork Suffolk, the Greenprint Forum and the Environment Agency. Cllr Ray
Herring is utilising his community enabling grant to support his wards produce
emergency plans. Amber
26
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
40
Specific Action
appropriate
emergency plans
(which include
extreme weather
events) to
promote
community
resilience
Under the
auspices of the
East Suffolk
Partnership and
Greenprint Forum
develop the green
web initiative to
promote
community-led
planning & local
environmental
action. Provide
links to the newlyemerging Norfolk
& Suffolk Local
Nature
Partnership
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
Mar-14
Since this action was proposed changes have been made to the Suffolk Biodiversity
Partnership who were the lead on this action and the approach has been carried on
through the Suffolk Wildlife Trusts Heritage Lottery Funded Networking Nature
Project. Funding for this is in place until March 2015. Remove from action plan as it
is now driven by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Green
27
Appendix 1: Joint Environmental Policy Action Plan Progress Report March 2014
Ref
Specific Action
Evidence
Target Date
Progress
41
Continue to
engage
volunteers in,
advise on and
support
community litter
picks and other
environmental
initiatives
To reduce the
quantity of
litter in the
countryside
and towns.
Evidenced by
spring
promotion
and number
of
organisations/
communities/
people asking
for equipment
and recorded
as
volunteering.
Ongoing
Countryside volunteers: April - Dec 333 volunteers totalling 1473 volunteer hours
with an estimated worth of £10,314 (at £7 an hour). A grant fund of £350 was
offered to SCDC Tree Wardens for Parish Tree Planting. Money from The Tree
Council (£175), matched by money from the SCDC Countryside budget made up the
fund. 3 Parishes responded and funds will be distributed in January. Between 1
February 2013 and 31 January 2014 56 groups or individuals asked SCS Ltd for
some sort of assistance be that equipment or help in removal of bags of litter
following voluntary litter picks. A letter promoting the availability of support was also
sent to all Parishes, Schools and other organisations. Recording at WDC started in
September 2013 and since then just 2 groups have requested assistance (45
people). Green
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