Introducing Reading’s Climate Emergency Strategy (consultation)

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This presentation is for everyone but with particular references to my colleagues in the Environment Agency.

In this I introduce the partnership and the wider Reading Climate Action Network; and then talk through each of the themes in our new Reading Climate Emergency Strategy.

Wishing you all the best,

 

Chris Beales
RCCP Chair

Find out about the proposed Reading and Caversham Flood Alleviation Scheme

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The Environment Agency is hosting 7 public drop-in events from 26 February to 20 March. Come along to find out more about flood risk in Reading and Caversham, what residents can do to prepare and our updated plans for a possible flood scheme. There will also be information on how climate change may increase flood risk in the future.

Over 700 properties are at risk from a major flood in Reading and Caversham. The latest design to reduce flood risk includes a combination of flood walls and embankments, temporary flood barriers and a channel.

table of dates
Reading and Caversham FAS drop in dates Feb-Mar 2020

 

After listening to feedback from the public, we have made changes to the proposed design and have new information to share. At the drop-ins, there will be landscape plans and photos showing what the scheme could look like if it is built. There will also be photos of historical flooding and information about local flood risk and how you can sign up for warnings.

It is important to note that the project is still at an early stage, so it does not yet have the relevant permissions and may not go ahead.

photoIf you would like to find out more about the project please visit the website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/north-reading-and-lower-caversham-flood-alleviation-scheme/north-reading-and-lower-caversham-flood-alleviation-scheme

If you have any questions please speak to a project member At the drop ins or email the team at readingandcavershamscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk

 

 

Consultation on extending controls on single use plastic bags

This proposes to extend the single use carrier bag charge in England to all retailers, and also proposes to increase the minimum charge to 10p.

DEFRA wants to know if people agree with their assessment of the costs and benefits of these proposals and how the impacts of change will be measured.

this consultation is open until 22nd February on  https://consult.defra.gov.uk/environmental-quality/extending-the-single-use-bags-charge/

Consultation on protecting trees and woodland

DEFRA proposes  four new measures designed to increase transparency and accountability in the process of felling street trees and to strengthen the Forestry Commission’s power to tackle illegal tree felling.

Two of the measures introduce new duties on local authorities: a duty to consult on the felling of street trees and a duty to report on tree felling and replanting.

A third policy suggests the production of best practice guidance to support local authorities in drawing up, consulting on and publishing a Tree and Woodland Strategy.

The fourth measure is intended to give the Forestry Commission more powers to tackle illegal tree felling and strengthen protection of wooded landscapes.  

This consultation seeks views on these measures and their implementation and is open until 28th February

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/forestry/protecting-trees-and-woodlands/

If you don’t want to read the whole document, then perhaps make representations through the woodland trust website that has a suggested set of responses to some of the issues  https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/36795/action/1?utm_campaign=2282329_B04_12624_Jan19Campaigning_190115&utm_medium=email&utm_source=woodlandtrust&dm_i=2D76,1CX21,8ZNDLA,4G981,1

Government Consultation on Household waste duty of care: updating the guidance

The Duty of Care is the requirement for the producers of waste to take adequate care about disposal, such as not choosing a cheap contractor who will dump it in the countryside, or describing the waste wrongly.

This consultation is seeking views on the updated guidance for householders and new guidance for local authorities on meeting and enforcing the duty of care for waste

Closes 28th August 2018

https://www.gov.uk/government

Government Consultation on The future for small-scale low-carbon generation

This seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities from small-scale low carbon electricity generation in contributing to government’s objectives for clean, affordable, secure and flexible power. It also seeks information on the role for government and the private sector in overcoming these challenges and realising these opportunities.

This call for evidence is aimed at individuals and groups with any interest in the small scale low carbon industry. In particular the government is seeking views from affected individuals, energy suppliers, and industry, including manufacturers suppliers and installers.

Consultation closes 30th August

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-for-small-scale-low-carbon-generation-a-call-for-evidence