Issue - meetings

Joe Battye, Director of Economy and Regeneration introduced the report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, giving an overview of current work and opportunities for accelerating low carbon growth in Derbyshire, particularly in providing support for businesses, skills and training, and the adoption and manufacture of new technologies.  A presentation provided more detail on the key work programmes currently being delivered.

The Council’s ambitions to de-carbonise the Derbyshire economy were well publicised and set out in key documents developed in partnership with Derbyshire local authorities; key business organisations and Federation of Small Business (FSB); transport providers; universities; colleges and Government departments.  A summary of the Recovery Strategy’s proposals were outlined together with key projects and programmes implemented to date. 

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration reinforced the approach of the Council and work done by officers, to date; he particularly welcomed and encouraged training in green skills.  He stated that there was a general consensus that hydrogen was the way forward for buses and this would be trialled by a county bus company sometime in the future.

Committee members also applauded the work done by officers however enquired into the use, and consideration, of other technologies such as water, agricultural waste, wind and rail; the County’s cycle plan; digital infrastructure resources and funding.  However concerns were expressed around the export of carbon from of the county.