Decision details

Purpose of report:  To obtain support from the executive for the development of an overarching low emission strategy for York.  This strategy is required to ensure a more holistic approach to tackling York’s deteriorating local air quality and reducing carbon emissions.  The report also provides an update on the successful joint bid with Leeds City Council to become ‘Regional Low Emission Champions’.'

Members are asked to: Support the development of an overarching low emission strategy for York.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the development of an overarching Low Emissions Strategy for York be supported and that the award to York and Leeds of the regional low emission championship be noted.

REASON:      To accelerate the uptake of low emission measures in the City, helping to improve local air quality, protect health and reduce damage to historic buildings, as well as allowing a more co-ordinated approach to local air quality management and carbon reduction and enabling York to become the UK’s first low emission city.

                        (ii)        That the Air Quality Steering Group be requested in future to report on their activities via the Carbon Management Board, which should be re-named and take on a broader remit.

REASON:      In order to integrate the work of these two bodies and prevent any conflict between the Council’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the apparent increase in nitrogen dioxide levels.