North Northants Council Scraps Net-Zero Target

North Northamptonshire Council has scrapped its target to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The Reform UK-run authority has instead decided to push it back by two decades to 2050, coinciding with the UK government’s legally binding target.

A report highlighted that, despite slight reductions being made in recent years, the authority had not yet hit its annual carbon reduction trajectory of 2,000 tonnes per year.

Cries of ‘shame on you’ could be heard from the public gallery as the decision was made at a meeting of the council’s Executive yesterday, despite strong opposition.

NNC Leader Martin Griffiths said: “We could work towards the target set of 2030, but it would put a strain on our finances which would, in turn, impact many of our services used and benefitting residents across the whole of North Northamptonshire.

“Simply, to work towards 2030 – the financial investment would need to increase significantly and does not present good value.

“Moving to a target of 2050 means we can set deliverable and realistic targets.”