Reform to axe 'climate change emergency' at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

It was first declared back in 2019



The climate change emergency declared by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is set to be axed.

Reform has unveiled its`100 day action plan' which spells out what the group plans to do after taking minority administration at the Town Hall during the local elections in May.

One part of this is to rescind the commitment made by the council back in 2019 to take action and to work towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Reform cabinet members say they want to revise the approach to climate policy, , moving away from a formal “Climate Emergency” declaration towards a more practical and outcomes-based framework

Council papers explain that since 2019, when the declaration was made, while some work has taken place, there has not been a 'comprehensive, fully costed, and deliverable programme 'agreed by members that sets out a clear pathway for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Any plan, the report adds, would bring costs and its intentions would be 'unrealistic

"The administration considers that the continuation of the formal “Climate Emergency” declaration, without a credible and funded delivery plan, risks creating an expectation that cannot realistically be fulfilled," the cabinet report states.

"Furthermore, the level of investment required to pursue carbon neutrality in its broadest sense would be considerable and would inevitably place significant pressure on the council’s financial position, potentially diverting resources away from more immediate and identifiable local priorities..

"Future environmental initiatives will be developed with regard to the council’s statutory responsibilities, available resources, and opportunities to deliver measurable local benefits such as energy efficiency and cost of living interventions."

Cabinet members are being asked to recommend to full council that that the Climate Emergency declaration be rescinded, and that 'activity is refocused on delivering tangible, local environmental outcomes that are achievable within the council’s statutory responsibilities, financial position and available resources.'

It adds that, as part of the Climate Change Act 2008 which requires the Secretary of State to ensure that the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 100 per cent lower than the 1990 baseline, indirectly the council will still play a part in achieving this goal if it remains a government priority.

Cabinet members will discuss the plan and make a decision on whether to refer it to full council during a meeting at the Town Hall on Wednesday. June 15.