To consider Notices of Motion.

Motion 1 – Tree Strategy

In moving the motion Councillor Christy Bolderson made the following points:

·         The motion would assist the council in moving to net zero carbon emissions and enhance the natural environment for the benefit of local residents. It supported efforts at the council to address the climate emergency.

·         The motion called for the increase in tree coverage and improvement in arrangements for the management and protection of trees in the county.

·         Similar tree planting strategies existed in other local authority areas including Surrey, Cornwall and Bristol.

·         Trees absorbed carbon dioxide and water. Tree planting would contribute to efforts to reduce carbon and protect against flooding.

·         Trees had beneficial health and wellbeing impacts.

·         A draft strategy from 2014 existed which together with the consideration of the steering groups could form the basis of a strategy.

·         The motion was timely with an England tree strategy under consultation.  

·         Planning policies at the council needed to be strengthened to take account of the protection of trees.

The following principal points were raised during the debate:

·         The motion was supported but action was required in place of words.

·         The enthusiasm for planting trees in the motion was welcomed and the executive would work with the mover of the motion to implement the proposals.

·         The motion outlined the need for tree protection as well as tree planting which was an important complement.

·         It was important to acknowledge the wider ecological challenge; the proposals in the motion were a positive contribution but would not address the challenge alone.

·         A tree planting programme was planned for winter 2020.

·         It was important that appropriate trees were planted in the right places.

·         Council land could be used to plant trees but a consideration of the cost of maintenance was required.

Councillor Christy Bolderson, as the mover of the motion, closed the debate and explained that there was overall enthusiasm to plant and protect trees.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED: That

We call upon the executive to expedite the delivery of a detailed tree strategy for the county.  A 2014 draft document exists that might provide the basis for a new strategy which will reinforce our commitment to the environment and align with our declaration of a climate emergency.

The Government is currently consulting on an England Tree Strategy and we ask for the council to respond to this consultation.

Furthermore, in the interim and as a matter of urgency, we ask the executive to consider what can be done to protect existing trees and to take immediate action by planting, maintaining and protecting trees in order to have established growth by 2030. 

Motion 2 – Building back better; a green and fair recovery from coronavirus

In moving the motion Councillor Chowns made the following principal points:

·         The motion was intended to unite the Council around principles to help respond to the pandemic.

·         The motion acknowledged the devastating impact of coronavirus.

·         The motion also looked forward to the type of recovery that the Council sought on green and fair principles.

·         Residents had spoken positively about the community spirit that had been in evidence during the lockdown and a desire that this was sustained during the recovery.

In seconding the motion Councillor Alan Seldon explained that the recovery should be swift, economically viable and environmentally sound.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That

In light of the coronavirus crisis of recent months, we:

·         Fully recognise, and express our deep sorrow over, the devastating impact of coronavirus on local people’s lives and livelihoods;

·         Express our heartfelt thanks to all who have worked so hard to care for others and keep essential services going;

·         Reaffirm our determination to improve the lives of all Herefordshire residents, based on the three County Plan pillars of environment, community, and economy;

·         Welcome the recent commitments to the principles of ‘building back better’ and a ‘green recovery’ that have been expressed across the political spectrum, including by central government and its local representatives;

·         Ask the executive to integrate these principles into all its decisions; and to work with all parts of the community to promote a green and fair recovery;

·         Recognise the need to ensure that partnerships are strengthened across all sectors in public life in Herefordshire so that all partners are engaged in working together to achieve this common goal, because we cannot do it alone;

·         Urge central government to provide the resources needed to sustain local services and to invest in Herefordshire’s green recovery as we work together to build back better.