RESOLVED

That the Terms of Reference for a review of the diesel levy and emissions based charging as set out in the report be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care, Councillor Tobin Byers presented the report, thanking the Chair of the Scrutiny Panel for her presentation.  The Cabinet Member gave some background to the proposed review, which had formed part of the original decision to introduce a charge for the most polluting vehicles in the Borough with the aim of improving air quality.  Cabinet had undertaken to carry out a review after two years and obtaining the views of the Scrutiny Panel on the Terms of Reference of that review.  He outlined the proposed terms of reference of the review of the Diesel Levy, and drew the Cabinet’s attention to paragraphs 2.12 and 2.13, where it was proposed to accept the recommendation of the Scrutiny Panel and expand the scope of the review accordingly. 

The Cabinet Member advised that the review would look at both national trends in data and local data, both qualitative and quantitative data, to compare against other boroughs.  The second part of the review would look at the impact of a diesel levy on Pay and Display, and the third part would look at a broader emissions-based charging policy.  He advised the Cabinet that the review should be looked at in the wider context of the Council’s health and wellbeing agenda, encouraging more active and less sedentary lifestyles.  The review of Pay and display machines in the Borough, with a move towards cashless options would be carried out in consultation with ward members.  It was intended to bring a report back to Cabinet in the Autumn.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Transport, welcomed the work carried out by the Scrutiny Panel and highlighted the benefits of the Diesel levy in reducing the use of diesel vehicles and contributing to improving air quality.

The Cabinet Member for Community and Culture welcomed the repot and the opportunity to see what measures were being carried out in neighbouring boroughs on this issue.

The Chair echoed the comments made, highlighting the work done in the London Borough of Kingston on this issue.  He thanked all those who had contributed to the report and the discussion.

RESOLVED

That the Terms of Reference for a review of the diesel levy and emissions based charging as set out in the report be approved.