Issue - meetings

To consider a bid for monies from the Green Initiatives Fund for a communications package to help deliver messages on climate change.

The Committee considered a request from the Climate Change Officer, Spelthorne Borough Council, for funding from the Green Initiatives Fund (GIF) to fund a communication package designed for local authorities to help deliver communications on climate change and inspire local residents to lead healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyles and take actions to mitigate climate change.

Two questions were received from a member of the public in connection with this agenda item:

Question 1 from Kath Sanders:

“What are the potential ongoing annual costs beyond 2022 and how will they be funded?  Can some actual targets/KPIs be added (e.g. workshops completed, no. of residents reached via different channels, measurable impact)?”

Response from the Chair:

“The cost of the package is £9995 for a year’s worth of content, however once we have the content we can continue to use and adapt this for future use. If we do want to engage again in the future with another package this could potentially be funded through the Green Initiatives Fund.

The communications team measure the levels of engagement across Spelthorne’s different channels and will be able to monitor engagement with the climate posts. No workshops or specific extra resource have been agreed upon yet with Hubbub, but once these have been KPIs can be created.”

Question 2 from Kath Sanders:

“What success has Hubbub enjoyed elsewhere and have any alternative packages been considered?”

Response from the Chair:

“Hubbub are currently working with nine local authorities including Lewisham, Ealing, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Harrow.

Ealing Council has seen a significant increase in engagement across their social media channels. They described the kit as being 'content rich, and has an editorial tone to inspire residents to take action'. Lewisham are using their kit as part of their Climate Conversations campaign (https://lewisham.gov.uk/ClimateConversation)  and Harrow are using their Climate Comms Kit to kick off their first ever climate communications campaign, which will launch later this month. 

No other alternative packages have been found after several searches.”

Concern was expressed that the Council were looking at an individual rather than a collective approach with Surrey County Council. However, it was understood that the Surrey Comms Working Group had not decided on any specific outcomes and it was considered important to engage with residents at the earliest opportunity.

Funding was requested for 2022 only and would then be reviewed as to whether continued support was required.   Members requested feedback and monitoring statistics as part of the future ‘items to note’ report packs.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To refuse the funding application.

Resolved:

To approve funding of £9,995 for 2022 to provide funding for a communications package from Hubbub. 

Reason for decision:

·         To demonstrate a commitment to tackling climate change.

·         To raise awareness of climate change issues with residents and provide tips on how they can reduce their environmental impact in everyday life.