Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

There were none.

The Chair welcomed all to the inaugural meeting of Scrutiny Panel 4 – Emissions Strategy (Action Plan.)

Members to state any interests.

Declarations will be for the life of this Scrutiny Review.

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

Mr Graham Croucher, Saint James’ Residents’ Association, addressed the Scrutiny Panel commenting on the effect on health that poor air quality has.  He gave the Scrutiny Panel details of mortality rates and the link to air deprivation. He referred to the proposed gasification plant for the St James’ area.  Mr Croucher added that other partners also have a key role in air quality and Local Authority vehicles and taxis should be low emissions.  There should be alternatives available that take traffic off the roads.

Mr Steve Miller, Secretary, Northants Green Party, and a resident of Kingsthrope, addressed the Scrutiny Panel commenting that the Northants Green Party had measured air quality over the last six months.   He went on to refer to the Borough Council’s Low Emissions Strategy, particularly the two actions to reduce the number of pollutant vehicles on the road and for there to be “cleaner” vehicles by 2020.  Mr Miller referred to Leicester that had allocated bus lanes; Rushcliffe’s cycling policy and Mansfield’s work with the Health Authority.  This was something that should be investigated in Northampton. The Strategy does not refer to traffic reduction.

Mr Tony Clarke Northants Green Party, addressed the Scrutiny Panel commenting that 1:20 deaths in Northampton are attributed poor air quality.  This is around 300 deaths a year.  Poor air quality is an invisible killer.  Mr Clarke felt that there needed to be wider consultation on the Strategy and should include schools and businesses.  He expressed concern that the Cabinet Member had incorrectly referred to pollutant gases and the legal emissions limit.  Mr Clarke concluded his address by referring to the six published air quality management plans advising that there are more than six such plans.

The Chair thanked Mr Croucher, Mr Miller and Mr Clarke for their addresses.  He invited them to attend future meetings to provide information.

The Scrutiny Panel to scope the Review.

The Scrutiny Panel scoped its Review – Emissions Strategy (Action Plan), as attached at Appendix A.

The scope was approved and would be presented to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 November 2016 for approval.