Priorities for the Local Government and Housing
Committee 2021.
Our suggestion for key priority areas that should be considered during the next 12 months, including the impact of Covid and recovery from the pandemic
1. Liveable cities in the face of climate change. We have also suggested this as a priority for the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee.
1.1. Cities face increasingly serious heat waves, extreme weather events and flooding. Future Wales – the National Plan 2040 recognises that green space and tree cover is of paramount importance for managing impacts, supporting health and wellbeing and community regeneration. Blog on urban trees as Infrastructure.
1.2. The importance of green space has been further highlighted during the pandemic. This has raised the question of how benefits can be secured for the future and has exposed issues of inequality of access and the challenges of maintenance.
1.3. Why is this important? The Senedd and many local authorities have declared climate emergencies. Government and local authorities have a responsibility to protect communities from the dangerous impacts of climate change. Greenspace and tree cover makes cities more liveable and there is now a need and opportunity to reverse years of disinvestment and inequality. The most important component, mature tree cover, is in decline. Withholding investment will increase risks and costs, and fail to protect community wellbeing.
1.3.1. What progress are Ministers and local authorities making to protect and develop green infrastructure as a core tool for the delivery of their wellbeing and decarbonisation plans?
1.3.2. How are Government and local government working with communities to address green space inequality and make best use of green space to mitigate the effects of severe heat waves and storms?
1.3.3. What policies, targets and investment will Government introduce to achieve these objectives?
1.3.4. What are the implications that arise for the siting and design of housing and transport developments?
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2. Future Generations Legacy. We have also suggested this as a priority for the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee.
2.1. The Senedd’s Sustainable Development duty and the Well- being of Future Generations Act provide Wales with a UK and world leading framework.
2.2. What choices and decisions will those being born this year face in 2050, and what will be their view of the decisions made by 6th Senedd and its Ministers?
2.2.1. How are Ministers using opportunities to engage young people in climate and environmental issues, raise eco-literacy and address climate change anxiety? (as highlighted by Delyth Jewell MS: BBC coverage – Climate change anxiety – young people feel hopeless).
2.2.2. What opportunities are offered by Welsh Government initiatives including Plant! and the Wales National Forest and by activities such as outdoor classrooms, community tree nurseries and tree planting?
3. Coed Cadw – the Woodland Trust: Our expertise and interest.
3.1. Coed Cadw - the Woodland Trust is the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, working for a UK rich in native woods and trees, for people and wildlife. In Wales we have 26,000 supporters, employ 24 staff and work with some 155 volunteers.
3.2. In Wales we own and manage 3,000 hectares in 121 woods including ancient woodlands, woodlands under restoration and recently planted woodlands. In managing this estate we purchase each year services to the value of more than £1 million from contractors and suppliers.
3.3. Our wider work includes engaging with the public through site-based, media and campaign activity, supporting other organisations and landowners to carry out woodland creation and restoration work, and participating in partnerships such as the Celtic Oakwoods Project.
3.4. Our suggestions on policy responses and opportunities are summarised in our 2021 Manifesto for the Welsh Parliament Elections.