The Manchester Climate Change Agency Bulletin

May 2008 - Issue 1

Welcome to the first Manchester Climate Change Agency (CCA) bulletin. This is the first of a series of four bulletins to keep colleagues and stakeholders updated on progress towards the establishment of the agency and associated climate change activity across Manchester. This first issue highlights the background to the CCA; where we are today and what is planned over the coming months.

Mike Reardon, Programme Lead (Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services, Manchester City Council)

Background

In January 2008 the AGMA Executive agreed in principle to support the establishment of a climate change agency across the city region. AGMA recognises the need for an agency within the context of emerging policy and fiscal instruments that will have a significant impact upon the sub-regional economy. The responsibility for establishing the agency will lie with the Environment Commission and its development team.

What will the Agency do?

The detail of what the agency will do is still being developed and there will be further consultation on this over the summer. However, its premise will be to develop capacity in the form of behavioural change work, including support for businesses, planning policy and procurement as well as the development of critical infrastructure including combined heat and power and renewable energy installations.

What needs to be done?

The two key areas that need to be worked on in the immediate few months are governance arrangements and work programme. An initial round of consultation in the form of face-to-face interviews together with a study visit to London has already taken place. The findings from this will be set out in a report to the AGMA Executive in June. Further work will then be undertaken to refine the governance and work programme prior to the establishment of an interim agency in the autumn. During this interim phase, a Board will be established and core personnel recruited in readiness for a launch in March 2009.

What will it cost?

Initial funding has been provided by the NWDA for a post within Manchester Enterprises to co-ordinate and lead development work on the agency as well as undertaking wider climate change related work across the city region . Full agency costs will depend on the type of governance structure and work programme that is developed. However, core funding for establishing the agency is being sought from the NWDA and Europe. In addition, a small funding sub-group comprising of key staff from Manchester Enterprises, Manchester Knowledge Capital and AGMA has been established to identify potential funding streams to support the work programme.

Other activities

There is a great deal of climate change related activity occurring across Manchester. A brief summary of these is set out below.

Mini-Stern Review

Work on the economic impacts of climate change legislation on the regional and sub-regional economy of Manchester is almost complete. It is expected that the final report will be launched at a breakfast event on July 7th.

Multi Area Agreement

Manchester will be submitting its final version of the MAA to government in early June. Climate change figures across the whole document, including proposals for the CCA, procurement and critical energy infrastructure. The MAA itself is designed to maximise economic prosperity through a series of targets and actions at the city region level.

Energy Planning

A number of initiatives are being developed to better understand energy demand, future use and supply across the sub-region. An EU programme, Partnership Energy Planning as a tool for realising European Sustainable Energy Communities (PEPESEC) is looking at specific models across Oldham and Manchester. Initial work is being developed with the Housing and Planning Commission in developing a city wide energy plan looking at the most appropriate energy mixes for securing low carbon futures across the city region.

Low Carbon Cities Programme (LCCP)

The LCCP is coming to an end of its development phase. It sets out a framework whereby core cities can share best practice and tools for developing strategic approaches to low carbon economies at the city level. A final conference took place in Birmingham on May 22nd where the city region presented its initial findings and future work. A dedicated website has been set up for the programme www.lowcarboncities.co.uk

How does this work fit with the Environment Commission?

The Environment Commission is one of seven proposed commissions to take forward governance of strategic themes on behalf of AGMA. Work on establishing the Environment Commission is being led by the Environment Commission Development Team (ECDT). One of the key priorities of the ECDT is the establishment of the CCA. Members of the ECDT are:

We would welcome contribution and support from other authorities on the work of the commission. If you are interested please contact Mike Reardon (m.reardon@manchester.gov.uk).

If you have any enquiries relating to the CAA please contact:-
Steve Turner 0161 237 4417 or email steve.turner@manchester-enterprises.co.uk