Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations were approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision at stake is the progress towards the Council's net zero target and nature recovery ambition.
topline: The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio has decided to approve recommendations for progress towards the Council's net zero target and nature recovery ambition.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it aligns with the Climate and Nature Emergency Declaration.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council Members", "Local Residents", "Environmental Groups"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2016
Decision Maker:
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection. The report gave an update to Cabinet Members on the progress towards both the Council’s net zero target and its nature recovery ambition. The report explained that as agreed in the Climate and Nature Emergency Declaration, this is an annual report for 2025/26, and that the increase in emissions reported for 2024/25 has levelled off, although they are still awaiting final answers from the electricity supplier for issues at Allington Way. The report described how solar generation has increased and is now available to begin measuring generation from the solar panels at the Dolphin Centre, a pie chart of where the emissions are coming from show the gas accounts for almost half of the total reported emissions. It was explained that the Sustainability and Climate Change Lead Officer had been working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority to develop a Local Area Energy Plan, it is said that the plan will examine and cost the possible interventions needed to reach net zero. It was also mentioned that the Economy Portfolio Holder had been holding regular update meetings with Assistant Directors to understand the challenges facing delivery of actions in their departments. RESOLVED - It is recommended that Cabinet acknowledges the report and draft Nature Restoration Action Plan at Appendix A. REASON - The recommendations support our declaration to act on climate change and nature depletion. We run the risk of significant damage to our reputation if we do not deliver on our stated commitments to dealing with the Council’s contribution to climate change and ambition for nature recovery.
Date of Decision: July 13, 2026