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The 12,000 qualitative text comments were very wide in detail, depth and issue, many supporting, restating or further clarifying actions already set out in the strategy and action plan.
There was overall strong support for the strategy and action plan, further supporting the quantitative results.
There were a number of very similar responses suggesting a shared approach from organisations. The most common critical comments were highlighting the need for the strategy to have a stronger tone and language, be more ambitious, assertive and to have more urgency. Many seeking the Council to put in place and enforce policies to support a rapid shift to a zero carbon Dorset, such as zero carbon standards for new housing.
Particular attention was drawn to the need for the carbon neutral targets to be sooner than 2040 and 2050.
There was a trend of around 10% of respondents disagreeing with the strategy, action plan and targets from a climate change denial point of view.
What did we do with this information?
The results of the consultation were presented and discussed at the Climate and Ecological Emergency Executive Advisory Panel on 25th February 2021.
The very high level of Positive Net Agreement indicates that significant changes are not required to the strategy and action plan. However, from the analysis of the 12,000 text box responses, opportunities have been identified to further improve the strategy and action plan as a result.
Changes have since been made to incorporate some of the key issues raised, and the consultation responses will continue to shape future action.
Some responses were received separate to the consultation. These responses will be considered independently against the detail of the plan, and further work will be carried out to explore the points raised. Examples of these would be the responses by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Dorset Local Nature Partnership.
This strategy and action plan will be a living document which will evolve over time as actions progress, technology advances and government support strengthens.
View the Consultation Response Report for a full analysis of the responses to this consultation