When you’re really busy – as I know so many of us are – it can be easy to focus on your own efforts and your own team to get things done.
I’ve mentioned before the value that a ‘themes not teams’ approach can have in dealing with challenges – by that I mean drawing on the in-put of colleagues across the council who could have views, experience or a role in delivering a solution.
Yesterday’s Policy and Resources Committee in a way was a reminder that some challenges need this ‘in it together’ approach.
There were two separate reports on the committee agenda. One was about the amazing work the council did to help communities affected by the damage of last October’s severe weather. The efforts made to keep communities connected, and repair road and bridge infrastructure, were fantastic. They came at a financial cost to the council, and while we successfully secured some funding from the Scottish Government, the Committee yesterday had to decide how to fund the remaining multi-million pound pressure on the council’s budget. Its decision includes lobbying for funding to help protect the area’s lifeline routes and infrastructure against the effects of severe weather and climate change.
Another report highlighted the very welcome progress the council is making to develop climate-friendly ways of working – in 2022/23 the council lowered its carbon emissions by another 6%. The report also highlights that the council’s largest source of carbon emissions comes from transporting and processing waste to landfill.
Did you know, the council spends just under £3 million every year sending waste – stuff that we throw out – to landfill? Reducing what the council has to spend on that, and helping develop climate friendly ways of working, are challenges that will need us all to play our part in solving.
I would encourage you all to find out more about reducing, reusing and recycling and do what you personally can to make a difference.
I’ve been trying my hand at composting garden and kitchen waste. I’ve been surprised at how much pride I’ve taken in getting the mixture right. You’ve no idea how satisfying it was to stir it the other day and find that I had something that looks like compost. Now I just need to keep my plants alive!
Wishing you all a great weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
