Council to overturn previously declared Climate Change Emergency in Staffordshire
The move by the Reform led Staffordshire County Council would put an end to net zero obligations
A Climate Change Emergency declared by Staffordshire County Council in 2019 is to be overturned.
The authority says it wants to focus on the immediate future rather than pursuing unfunded targets a generation away.
Cabinet members say they want to put their time and energy in projects which make a measurable difference now, helping businesses reduce energy costs, and leaving the environment in a better place for the next generation are all priorities.
The authority is proposing that it rescinds the Climate Change Emergency agreed by the authority in July 2019 and focus on immediate actions instead that deliver value-for-money.
Andrew Mynors, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Connectivity, said:
"Aiming for uncosted, unfunded targets in 25 years’ time is imposing real burdens on the county council here and now.
"We have a responsibility to make sure our wonderful environment is protected and enhanced, and this means taking real tangible actions that make a difference immediately.
"Our focus will be on ensuring we take actions that not only support our environment but also drive value-for-money for businesses, communities and the council itself.
"I’m entirely in favour of practical energy-saving measures which reduce energy consumption and cut costs at the same time for businesses, consumers and taxpayers.
"But the language of ‘Climate Emergency and long-term targets for the authority to be ‘Net Zero’ distract the focus from the council’s core priorities on the economy, education, supporting vulnerable residents and ensuring value-for-money service delivery.”
The county council now has an additional £1m government funding allocation for the programme following the rapid uptake of energy assessments and strong demand for grant support across Staffordshire.
The Cabinet will be providing more detail on its Environmental Strategy, and action plan, later this year.
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