Reform to axe climate emergency declaration

Reform UK said it will cancel a climate emergency declaration made by Sandwell Council.

The council’s deputy leader Gary Dale will put the plans to vote as part of a motion to be heard at next Tuesday’s full council meeting.

The climate emergency was declared by the previous Labour administration in 2020 as part of a bid to become a carbon neutral council by 2030 and borough by 2041.

This included measures such as cutting emissions from its own buildings – including schools – and replacing its fleet with greener vehicles, improving recycling rates and cutting greenhouse gases in homes and businesses.

The motion, which makes no reference to climate change or net zero, said “environmental sustainability” remained important for local government but councils should focus “first and foremost on the issues that most directly affect their daily lives, future opportunities and quality of life.”

Cllr Dale said environmental sustainability would form part of council policies and decision-making but would no longer be treated as a “standalone emergency.”

He said the borough was facing “immediate and pressing challenges” and the council should focus on “delivering more homes, supporting economic growth, creating opportunities for residents, improving educational, health and skills outcomes, regenerating town centres and tackling deprivation across the borough.”

The move would scrap the climate emergency as a priority as well as rescind the climate emergency declaration.

The motion said the council would “reaffirm” its commitment to “environmental sustainability, environmental improvement, energy-efficiency and proportionate carbon reduction measures” that “delivered clear benefits and aligned with the council’s wider priorities.”

The council’s officers would also be asked to review and amend any “strategies, plans, policies and communications” linked to declaring the climate emergency in 2020.

Future decision-making would “reflect a balanced approach which gives appropriate weight to environmental considerations whilst prioritising housing, regeneration, economic growth, employment, skills and opportunities for residents.

By Christian Barnett | Local Democracy Reporting Service