September 2019 Meeting
The Sustainable Scotland Network invites all local authority members to join the first meeting of the Local Authority Forum. The LA Forum aims to foster sector specific discussion, to consider the climate challenges and opportunities facing local government in Scotland, including space for valuable networking.
The first Forum will examine and define the contribution that local government can make in Scotland to climate action and mitigation. The meeting is expected to help identify the resources required to deliver – in terms of policy, legislative levers and financing. This will inform the basis of wider policy ambition and local government policy asks at the national level.
During the morning, participants will share what their individual authorities are hoping to achieve on climate action, drawing out key themes and topics. The afternoon session will consider what is required to make this happen. The day will offer a significant opportunity for all authorities to inform COSLA's approach to climate change action at the national level.
There will be opportunities to discuss the national Climate Change Conversation Consultation for public bodies as well as the future meetings of the Forum.
Materials for delegates
The following links provide context and background for our meeting and will help delegates set their local issues and challenges in the national and policy landscape.
- COSLA Paper 19-09-06 Item 05ii - Climate Change and Future Economic Policy Discussion Paper
- 12 immediate actions for Scotland’s response to the Climate Emergency from the Climate Emergency Response Group
- Protecting Scotland's Future: the Government's Programme for Scotland 2019-2020
- SSN Member Briefing: Global Climate Emergency and Scotland’s Net Zero Emissions Targets
- Scottish Government Consultation on proposals to the role of Public Sector Bodies in tackling climate change
Agenda
10:30 Registration and refreshments
11:00 Arrival & Welcome. Co-chairs: Duncan Booker, Glasgow City Council and Michael Cook, Scottish Borders Council
11.15 -12.40 Individual Local Authority overviews on current key themes (Delagates introduce and share key issues, open discussion)
12.30 – 13:00 Prioritising and grouping of themes raised (Summing up morning: led by Chairs)
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch & Networking
14:00 – 15:30 Group table discussions (What needs to happen to address themes and what is required to achieve them?)
15.30 - 15.45 Feedback, Discussion & Summary
15.45 – 16:00 Next steps for the Forum
16:00 Thank you and close
About the Forum
Forum sessions provide an open space for all LA members to share practice, learn from each other and increase personal capacity by expanding their network of other members and practitioners. The forums can also provide a space for critical discussion and shared insights on issues that are sector specific or semi confidential.
Content and themes of the forums are determined by members with support from the SSN secretariat. For example, supporting specific topic areas with experts or speakers; opportunities to try or trial specific tools or training; facilitated discussion or workshops.