Reform council moves to scrap climate emergency declaration

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Kirklees Council's Reform administration has tabled a motion to rescind the council's climate emergency declaration. The council originally made the declaration in January 2019, backed by Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent councillors, with an implementation programme following in November that year. The stated ambition was to become net zero and climate ready by 2038, and further strategies have been implemented since in pursuit of greener and healthier outcomes.

The Reform group's motion, due to be debated at next Wednesday's Full Council meeting, proposes scrapping the declaration and making changes to the Council Plan and environmental strategies to reflect the new direction. The administration has set out alternative priorities including putting Kirklees citizens first, prioritising civic pride and fixing essential services, keeping people safe, and ensuring value for money for taxpayers.

The motion emphasises a focus on 'statutory services, affordable living, reliable infrastructure, local economic opportunity and practical environmental improvements with demonstrable benefits to residents'. The group states that clean air, effective recycling, well-maintained parks and green spaces, and protection from flood and severe weather risks remain essential local responsibilities, but within the context of these revised priorities.

How it is being reported

• Reform cabinet tables motion to scrap Kirklees' climate emergency declaration and abolish scrutiny panelThe new Reform administration wants to scrap Kirklees’ climate emergency declaration as a motion is tabled to next week’s full council meeting.Dewsbury Reporter · 16 Oct, 10:36
• Reform-run Kirklees Council moves to scrap climate emergency declarationThe group has tabled a motion to next week's Full Council meetingHuddersfield Examiner · 15 Oct, 13:25

In this story: Kirklees Council · Reform · Kirklees

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