Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Green City seeking approval for the content and submission of a local plan to the Secretary of State in order to achieve compliance with the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive limits of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) within the shortest possible time.

DECISION MADE: (CAB 18/19 22166)

On consideration of the report of the Cabinet Member for Green City and having received representations from John Spottiswoode, (The Green Resistance in Southampton), Mandi Bissett, (Southampton Collective), Colin MacQueen, (Western Docks Consultative Forum), Liz Batten, (Clean Air Southampton), Catherine Barber, (Green Party), Alistair Welch (Associated British Ports), a representative of Extinguish Rebellion, Matt Lockton (University of Southampton) Lyn Brayshaw (Friends of the Earth), Lindsi Bluemel (Green Party), Nick Chaffey (Socialist Party), local resident, Councillor Galton, Councillor P Baillie (Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee) and Councillor Fitzhenry were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting. 

Cabinet also considered recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Management meeting held on 16^th January, 2019, as follows:

(i)  That Cabinet agree to model the budget proposal to increase charges for crossing the Itchen Bridge and should the modelling show that the proposal was likely to place at risk compliance with EU ambient air quality limits, the proposal would be rejected by the Executive;

Response:

There is currently no evidence supporting traffic displacement impacting air quality at key locations. However, we will consider further, following close of budget consultation and the decision will be taken as part of the Budget proposals by full Council.

(ii)  That, in the development of Council strategies and policies, an analysis was undertaken and consideration given, to the impact the policies and strategies would have on air quality in Southampton;

Response:

This will be further considered and addressed by the Green City Charter.

(iii)  That, should Government decide not to fund the air quality measures outlined in the plan, the Executive agree to resource the proposals from Council finances;

Response:

Rejected. A bid is being made to Government and to agree this at this time would undermine the outcome of that bid.

(iv)  That the Green City Charter was developed via a cross-party working group and that consideration was given to involving stakeholders in this process. 

Response:

This has always been the Executive’s intention.

Cabinet agreed the following:

(i)  To approve the Plan attached as appendices for submission to the Secretary of State by the 31^st January 2019 which proposes a package of non-charging measures that will mitigate risk of exceedance, increase the likelihood that compliance is achieved before 2020 and to promote ongoing improvements in air quality.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Service Director for Transactions & Universal Services to include port based measures, namely shore side power and the port HGV booking scheme, to the Plan subject to securing implementation and funding agreement with stakeholders.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Service Director for Transactions & Universal Services to take any action necessary to finalise the Plan, including making minor or consequential amendments following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Green City, so that all implementation, delivery and management requirements are sufficient enough to satisfy the requirements of HM Treasury Green Book methodology.

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Service Director for Transactions & Universal Services to submit a revised Plan to the Secretary of State, following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Green City, in the event that the original Plan submitted on the 31^st January 2019 is rejected. 

(v)  To approve the revision of the Clean Air Strategy for Southampton 2016-2025 to reflect the outcome of this Cabinet decision, the Plan and any other relevant progress made since the publication of the original strategy in 2016 and to delegate authority to the Service Director for Transactions & Universal Services to make any amendments to the Strategy necessary to give effect to this recommendation.