Year three progress report
Policy and Engagement
Recognise climate change as a corporate commitment for the council
Ensure Climate Change is a key priority for the Council in the revised Corporate Plan, including measures to monitor and publish carbon data, lower carbon emissions at the Council and monitor and publish borough wide carbon emissions data.
September 2022 — Ongoing
The Council has held a consultation on its revised Corporate Plan. Measures to monitor, lower and publish progress on carbon emissions are in place.
Investigate carbon literacy training for TMBC staff and members.
March 2023 — Completed
Carbon Literacy training has taken place for two key staff and the roll-out to all staff has been investigated. Plans are in place for staff and member training during 2023-24.
Work with partners to address climate change issues
Work with KCC and attend Climate Change Network (CCN) meetings to ensure collaboration and help meet targets in the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Regular engagement with KCC Climate Change Network continues.
Continue to feed into the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy via the Climate Change Network.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Delivery and reporting against the ELES is ongoing.
Continue to work with the Tonbridge and Malling Climate Change Forum to galvanise support for climate change initiatives.
Ongoing — Ongoing
The Climate Change Forum has developed plans to promote climate and environmental action.
Monitor Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s carbon emissions
Complete the 2020/2021 carbon audit.
July–September 2022 — Completed
To be published on website by Autumn 2023.
Complete the 2021/2022 carbon audit.
July–September 2022 — Completed
To be published on website by Autumn 2023.
Produce a TMBC carbon emissions pathway report.
July–September 2022 — Ongoing
A more detailed pathway will be developed during 2023/24.
Determine hierarchy of actions based on emissions reduction impact.
July–September 2022 — Ongoing
Hierarchy of actions will be reviewed in light of progress and new data.
Review borough-wide emissions data.
July–September 2022 — Completed
Included in TMBC KPI data for ongoing monitoring.
Sustainable Development
Continue to pursue planning policies in the emerging Local Plan to deliver sustainable development.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Regulation 18 draft Plan and consultation completed; evidence commissioned.
Through planning decisions, seek sustainable development outcomes aligned with policy and national guidance.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Future Homes and Building Standards require higher energy efficiency for new homes.
Transport
Walking and cycling infrastructure
Complete preparation of the new active travel strategy.
Summer 2022 — Ongoing
Progress aligned with Local Plan timeline.
Taxi licensing and emissions
Start the taxi licensing policy renewal process.
March 2022 — Ongoing
Following committee review, policy will be consulted on for at least 6 weeks.
Provide wider information regarding taxi EV charging provision.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Awaiting further TMBC charging infrastructure.
Continue engagement with KCC regarding future taxi licensing.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Information shared with the trade as applicable.
ULEV
Progress Phase 2 programme of EV chargers in selected car parks.
March 2023 — Ongoing
Phase 1 installed 28 chargers; Phase 2 began May 2023.
Undertake a vehicle replacement schedule transitioning to ULEV.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Electric vehicle in regular use by Parking Enforcement.
Air Quality
Continue anti-idling and school area monitoring project.
March 2023 — Ongoing
Sensors installed at five schools; signage installed; engagement ongoing.
Habitats and Biodiversity
Continue monitoring existing roadside nature reserves and add new sites as appropriate.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Proceed with Reed Bed creation at Haysden Country Park.
March 2023 — Not Started / Stalled
Proceed with Holly Hill hedgerow creation.
March 2023 — Not Started / Stalled
Proceed with planting of spring and summer bulbs across the borough.
March 2023 — Not Started / Stalled
Coppicing at Taddington Valley Woodland.
Ongoing — Not Started / Stalled
Plant TMBC match-funded 1,000 trees/whips.
Oct 2022 – Mar 2023 — Completed
Continue lakeside revetment works.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Housing and Energy Conservation
Assist private sector households by supporting promotion of Solar Together.
Ongoing — Completed
840 registrations; 165 accepted proposals.
Deliver SHDF Wave 1 retrofit to Clarion homes.
March 2023 — Completed
181 homes completed.
Signpost eligible households to Sustainable Warmth scheme.
Ongoing — Completed
47 households qualified; 40 homes improved.
Provide financial assistance to vulnerable households.
Ongoing — Completed
8 households assisted.
Support feasibility studies for energy efficiency in new TA provision.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Waste Minimisation and Recycling
Continue Kent Resource Partnership re-use campaigns.
Summer 2022 — Ongoing
Roll out waste and recycling services to flats.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Food waste trial planned for late 2023.
Develop KRP website and work with WRAP/Recoup.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Community and Business Engagement
Identify external funding for future Green Business Grant rounds.
March 2023 — Completed
UKSPF secured.
Launch Local Shops and Parades Fund round.
March 2023 — Completed
Promote climate change strategy via e-bulletin.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Promote and support LCSE initiative.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Public engagement
Refresh climate change webpage.
Ongoing — Completed
Develop case studies to promote climate action.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Provide climate change progress report/news release.
March 2023 — Ongoing
TMBC Estate
Complete construction of Leybourne Lakes facility (solar panels, heat pumps).
Summer 2022 — Completed
Embark on decarbonisation of TMBC estate.
2020–2030 — Ongoing
Procure carbon descent plan for Larkfield and Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
March 2024 — Completed
Evaluate Solar PV at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
Winter 2022 — Completed
196 panels installed.
Develop digital post room.
March 2023 — Ongoing
Digitisation and efficiency
Review TMBC device policy.
May 2023 — Ongoing
Contribute to working arrangements study group.
December 2022 — Completed
Reduce number of MFDs across TMBC.
September 2022 — Ongoing
Contribute to service efficiency through digital strategy.
March 2023 — Ongoing
Develop mobile working solutions and digitise business processes.
Ongoing — Ongoing