West Country leaders agree more money to tackle climate emergency
The West of England Combined Authority is adding £10 million to its Green Recovery Fund
The West of England's political leaders have agreed to use an extra £10 million to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
During a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) today (March 17) in Filton, regional mayor Dan Norris gained support to expand its Green Recovery Fund, from a total of £50 million to £60 million.
The money will be used for various bits of work including improving an estimated 250,000 homes in the region in and around Bristol and Bath, in need of better energy efficiency.
The extra money has been signed off by the leaders of WECA's constituent councils, Bristol City, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Regional mayor Dan Norris said: "The climate emergency is the number one challenge of our time – that’s why I’ve made it a priority for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
"I am delighted we’ve agreed this £10 million expansion for the West of England Green Recovery Fund.
"It means we can get on with even more vital projects to make our homes more energy efficient, ensure West of England workers have the green skills they’ll need - both today and in 10- and 20-years’ time as well - and continuing our work to make our region the Bee and Pollinator Capital of the whole country.
"This is a good day but there is much work to be done.
"Let’s get on with it”.