Climate change action plans

Policy and Engagement

Recognise climate change as a corporate commitment for the Council

Review Council’s procurement strategy and develop guidance and/or tools to embed climate and environment within contracted works and services.
March 2024 — Ongoing
The Council has joined the Mid Kent Procurement Partnership that includes strategies, policies and processes for procurement to embed climate and environment in contracted works and services. The action remains ongoing while documentation and procedure are developed within the Partnership and reported to Members for approval.

Develop climate change training induction module and a course that can lead to Carbon Literacy accreditation for Members and TMBC staff. Deliver training to key staff by Jan 2024, offering the courses on an ongoing basis.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Induction and climate change strategy modules have been developed and delivered to over half of the Borough’s Councillors, including Cabinet, and to Management Team. Carbon literacy training continues to be delivered to staff several times a year.

Develop options for reducing car travel and emissions from TMBC own fleet, staff commuting and business travel.
February 2024 — Ongoing
There has been progress on developing options for reducing emissions from business and staff travel, and this work is ongoing into 2024.

Work with partners to address climate change issues, lower carbon and adapt to the effects of climate

Engage with KCC and other councils through Climate Change Network (CCN) meetings sharing case studies, best practice, and seeking areas of support and collaboration.
Ongoing — Ongoing
TMBC's Climate Change Officer participates in KCC’s Climate Change Network and relevant sub-groups to share case studies, best practice examples, and identify possible areas for collaboration.

Continue to engage with the delivery of the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy through TMBC’s actions and partnership working.
Ongoing — Ongoing
TMBC continues to engage with the delivery of the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy at local level and in partnership.

Monitor and report Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s carbon emissions

Ensure all Climate Change Action Plans, Progress Reports and Carbon Audits are easily accessible and published on the climate change webpage.
September 2023 — Completed
All climate change action plans, progress reports and carbon audits are up to date and available on the TMBC website tmbc.gov.uk/climatechange.

Produce a TMBC carbon emissions pathway report to inform policy planning for carbon neutral by 2030.
January 2024 — Completed
A carbon emissions reduction pathway to 2030 and report was discussed by the May Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee.

Sustainable Development and Transport

Sustainable Development

Continue to pursue planning policies in the Council’s emerging Local Plan that will facilitate the delivery of climate change adaptation and mitigation, design measures and sustainable development patterns, progressing to Regulation 18b and public consultation, drawing on updated evidence, including on green infrastructure and climate change.
Ongoing — Ongoing
The Planning Policy Team are currently drafting the next stage in the plan preparation – Regulation 18B Plan ready for the public consultation to begin in July 2024. A suite of climate change policies has been written which seek to adapt and mitigate against climate change including flood risk, sustainable urban drainage, circular economy, water scarcity, design, sustainable transport and low carbon and renewable energy.

Through the grant of planning permission, the Council will seek to deliver sustainable development outcomes in line with the adopted development plan, national policy and material planning considerations.
Ongoing — Ongoing
The Development Management team are continuing to determine planning applications in line with the Council’s adopted development plan and the NPPF and securing mitigation and adaption measures through planning conditions and section 106 agreements.

Transport

Complete preparation of the new active travel strategy which will include cycling and walking infrastructure recommendations.
Summer 2024 — Ongoing
This work continues to progress alongside the preparation of the Local Plan, so that opportunities can be maximised to secure funding from future site allocations. No new grant funding for active travel is currently available; this may change in the future.

ULEV

Provide electric charging points across the borough

Deliver Phase 2 provision of an additional 60 chargers in the Council’s car parks over the 2 year contract.
May 2025 — Ongoing
Grants secured and sites identified. Delivery of chargers provisionally programmed to start in summer 2024.

Decarbonise TMBC owned vehicles

Undertake a vehicle replacement schedule (transitioning to ULEV) for all parking vehicles, in line where possible with the capital renewals programme and expected lifespan.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Additional funds secured and two vehicles proposed for replacement under Capital Renewals in 2024/25.

Improve the environmental standards of licensed taxis operating in the borough

Progress with taxi licencing policy renewal process through Licensing and Appeals Committee followed by a minimum 6 weeks consultation with the trade and interested parties in Autumn 2023.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Still ongoing; the Licensing and Appeals Committee were reluctant to develop the strategy too far out when the technology is so changeable.

Provide wider information regarding taxi EV charging provision as those installations progress.
Ongoing (May/June 2024 and ongoing) — Ongoing
Following the next phase of installations, we will include information about numbers and locations of chargers across the Borough with the taxi trade in newsletters and email communications. These communications are sent out quarterly with the next due around May/June 2024.

Continue engagement with KCC through the CCN regarding future taxi licencing. Share with trade and participate in schemes as appropriate, for example ‘try before you buy’.
Ongoing — Ongoing
KCC with the EST are looking to arrange a number of events with the Let’s Go Electric Team. These events are to raise awareness with the public around the introduction and benefits of EV vehicles. There will be demonstrations from manufacturers and myth busting. Once the dates are confirmed, we will email details out to the taxi trade to promote the event and encourage them to attend.

Progress strategy for future of licenced taxi fleet through Licensing and Appeals Committee report on air quality, changes in the licenced taxi vehicle fleet, and proposals for vehicle requirements to 2030. Develop a consultation to inform strategy through Autumn / Winter 2023.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Still ongoing; the Licensing and Appeals Committee were reluctant to develop the strategy too far out when the technology is so changeable.

Air Quality

Continue the anti-idling project by expanding to other schools and areas where idling is an issue, including bus stops and taxi ranks, working to raise awareness of idling and air quality impacts. Assess air quality monitoring data and any observed behaviour changes.
March 2024 — Ongoing
Additional signage has been purchased and will be erected upon approval from KCC who own the street furniture. Engagement with schools continues ad hoc.

Habitats and Biodiversity

Strengthen local protection and enhance protection of species, habitats and ecosystems

Proceed with Reed Bed creation at Haysden Country Park.
March 2024 — Complete
Reeds were planted at Haysden Water during the spring of 2024, in partnership with Haysden Country Park Volunteers.

Proceed with Holly Hill hedgerow creation.
March 2024 — Complete
Hedgerows were planted at Holly Hill during winter of 2023.

Develop a woodland management plan for Taddington Valley in liaison with the Forestry Commission.
Autumn 2024 — Ongoing
Public consultation complete. Plan to be submitted to Forestry Commission for approval before adoption and implementation in Autumn 2024.

Continue with the lakeside revetment works in liaison with volunteers.
June 2023 — Complete
Revetment works were completed with the help of Tonbridge School students as part of their ‘Giving Day’ initiative during the summer of 2023.

Monitor trees planted to ensure establishment, and plant more trees than are removed to ensure an annual net gain overall.
Ongoing — Ongoing
1,900 mixed native species whips were donated to the Council. A large number of mature Ash trees had previously been removed following an external inspection due to advanced Ash dieback. Restocking the site with mixed native species will enhance biodiversity and resilience against future pests and diseases. Monitoring ongoing.

Housing and Energy Conservation

Reduce the carbon emissions of residential homes

Assist with removing barriers for private sector households by working with Kent County Council to target promotion of the second round of ‘Solar Together’, a collective solar group purchasing scheme.
Ongoing — Complete
The Council undertook targeted promotion for both Spring and Autumn 2023 rounds of Solar Together. In the Spring auction 130 registrants accepted their Solar Together proposal resulting in 77 PV and 4 battery storage installations. In the Autumn auction 71 registrants accepted their Solar Together proposal resulting in 46 installations to date. Installations will continue across Kent until the end of June 2024.

Council working in partnership to deliver the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

Work with Clarion Housing Group and Golding Homes to deliver retrofit energy efficiency measures using allocated funding from Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1 for circa 450 Clarion Housing properties across TMBC area and circa 60 Golding Homes properties in the Aylesford area.
March 2026 — Ongoing
Golding Homes have completed a Showhome. They will commence their SHDF Wave 2 retrofit programme (77 homes) in April 2024 installing air source heat pumps and new windows and doors. Homes already have fabric insulation. The programme is due to be completed in 2024/25.
Clarion Homes advise their SHDF Wave 2 retrofit programme is circa 250 TMBC homes at current estimation with works due to commence in Autumn. Preparatory works and retrofit assessments have been completed for most of the homes to be included in the programme.

Deliver retrofit energy efficiency measures through Home Upgrade Grant 2 targeting funding to circa 60 low-income households living in low efficient ‘off gas’ homes (i.e., not using gas as main heating).
March 2025 — Ongoing
The Council is delivering HUG2 through two schemes operating in its borough both of which are being delivered by E.ON. Overall, the scheme is targeted to deliver retrofit to 48 homes. The TMBC HUG scheme (targeted to all postcodes except TN10 and TN11) has received 103 enquiries of which 20 have been pre-qualified for a property assessment to identify measures. There are currently 11 live applications progressing and the first property is expected to be submitted for grant approval in May 2024. The HUG2 consortia application (comprising 47 local authorities) led by Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub (targeted to TN10 and TN11 postcodes) has received 14 enquiries, of which 7 have been pre-qualified for a property assessment to identify measures. Figures are up to 20 May 2024.

Support our residents by signposting to information on energy efficiency and renewable energy measures and funding schemes so they can make informed decisions

TMBC will continue to signpost households for advice on how to reduce energy usage in the home for example GOV.UK and Help for Households websites.
Ongoing — Complete
The Council will continue to signpost households for advice on how to reduce energy usage in the home. The energy efficiency webpage has been updated to signpost households to energy advice and information. The webpage provides details of both national and local energy efficiency and low carbon heat grants available, links to advice pages on GOV.UK, Historic England, and consumer guidance on buying green heating and insulation products.

Support any new provision of council owned temporary accommodation within the borough with feasibility studies to advise on potential for improved energy efficiency and any renewable potential.
Ongoing — Complete
There has been no provision of new local authority owned temporary accommodation this year.

Waste Minimisation and Recycling

Encourage more people to reduce their waste and make it easier for residents to recycle

Continue with Kent Resource Partnership (KRP) re-use campaigns, including promotion of food waste and garden waste collections; and ongoing promotions aimed at reducing contamination and increasing recycling performance.
March 2024 — Ongoing
The KRP has been amalgamated into the Kent Environment Strategy (KES) Group to ensure a Kent-wide Climate Action focus remains for waste and recycling improvements, resident communication and problem and idea sharing platforms for all 13 council partners and wider industry.

Progression of waste and recycling contract, including rolling out to flats and trial of food waste collections in a number of communal bin stores.
March 2024 — Ongoing
Food waste for flats trial is complete and full roll out is underway for key urban hotspots throughout 2024/2025.

Launch KRP website and working with national partners such as WRAP and Recoup (plastic specific). Continue development of KRP website.
Ongoing — Complete
The KRP site has been launched. Further information on the new amalgamated KES priorities for waste and recycling are forthcoming.

Community and Business Engagement

Support local businesses and encourage sustainable growth in the economy

Two further rounds of the Green Business Grant Scheme will make available a total of £95,000 in funding over the next two years. The current round (Round 3) launched April 2023. A further round will open in early 2024.
March 2025 — Round 3 completed
Round 3 has now completed with 7 out of the 8 projects delivering on time. Projects included PV installation, energy efficiency measures and research and development on converting classic cars to electric. Round 4 opened in January 2024 and will close on 27 March 2024. The panel will make their decisions on applications in early April 2024.

Allocation of funding and ensure project delivery for current round (Round 3) of the Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Grant Scheme. Launch of further round in early 2024.
March 2025 — Round 3 completed
Round 3 has now completed with 15 out of the 18 projects delivering on time. Round 4 closed for applications on 26 February 2024 with 20 projects recommended for approval.

Promote the climate change strategy and its objectives via the council's e-bulletin, with at least 2 articles per annum.
Ongoing — Ongoing
During 2023/24 there were a number of articles covering various aspects of the Climate Change Strategy. There was one providing an overview of the strategy and action plan early in the financial year, followed by regular articles covering our commitment to carbon reduction.

Work with KCC and local business to share and signpost information, support and grants for business carbon reduction.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Regular referrals. The Green Business Grant Scheme specifically enquires as to whether applicants want to find out more about other green grants and support.

Work with partners in the community to engage the public and identify areas of collaboration for climate change action, adaptation, protection and enhancement of the environment

Build collaborative working and public engagement with the Climate Change Forum (CCF), identifying areas for joint Council and community climate and environment action.
Ongoing — Ongoing
The Climate Change Forum held two public engagement events over summer 2023 and conducted a small-scale survey of residents’ views on climate priorities for the CCF. The CCF continues to work collaboratively on new opportunities for engagement and climate action.

Support communities, voluntary groups and parishes in taking climate action

Launch Community Development Grants, part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to support organisations based in the borough and/or providing a direct service to residents in line with community priorities.
March 2024 — Complete
Round 1 completed in June 2023 supporting community groups and Parish/Town Councils with grants of up to £2,000. “Supporting environmental and carbon reduction initiatives” was one of the priority areas for funding. Grant recipients completed Round 1 projects by March 2024. Round 2 grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded in 2024–25.

Raise awareness of climate change, providing regular updates and information

To continue to provide local borough information to residents, identifying likely topics of interest.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Climate change and environmental initiatives are a strategic priority for the Communications team. Sustained campaigns on topics such as the HUG2 home insulation, food waste and green business grants have been supplemented with publicity around individual projects and achievements such as leisure centre decarbonisation and Solar Together. Information on these and other projects has been shared with residents and businesses through a variety of channels, including the TMBC website, social media, the TMBC app and news releases to the media. Internally, there has been extensive promotion to staff of carbon reduction plans, carbon literacy training and the benefits of electric vehicles.

TMBC Estate

Reduce the environmental impact of the council’s activities, increasing the sustainability of all our operations

Complete installation of LED lighting throughout Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
December 2023 — Ongoing
Tonbridge Swimming Pool installation is complete. External funding has been obtained for installing LED lighting in the pool areas at Larkfield Leisure Centre, with the Council funding the remaining installation in 2024–25.

Complete installation of rooftop solar panels at Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
December 2023 — Complete
149 solar PV panels have been installed at Tonbridge Swimming Pool, with an estimated annual generation of 65.6 MWh.

Complete assessment and design of heat pump potential at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool to implementation-ready stage.
October 2023 — Complete
The assessment and design of heat pump potential for both leisure facilities was completed on time by October 2023. The design work for Larkfield Leisure Centre will be taken forward to the installation phase in 2024–26. The assessment of a heat pump for Tonbridge Swimming Pool showed this solution was not viable. Further development of options will continue in 2024.

Assess potential for further on-site solar generation on other flat roofs at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
June 2024 — Ongoing
The Council has been successful in obtaining grant funding for the installation of additional solar PV at Larkfield Leisure Centre. The project will involve the re-felting of the roof areas first and then installation of PV, to be completed by March 2025.

Progress the digitisation of services and reduce the amount of paper both internally and being sent out to clients

New Digital Strategy 2023–2027 continues to contribute towards improving service efficiency, with emphasis on cognitive processes and automation.
April 2024 — Complete
The Council’s new Digital Strategy has been published and adopted.

Complete development TMBC device policy to increase efficiency of devices used.
June 2024 — Complete
The device policy has been used to assess and assist in the procurement of future devices to enable a rollout of more efficient devices.

Business process re-engineering, mobile solutions and digitisation to improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint continues across services.
Ongoing — Ongoing
These processes will continue across services to continually improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.