Council Approves Climate Emergency Action Plan

A Climate Emergency Action Plan has been approved by Harborough District Council.

It makes six key commitments, including working with residents and businesses to support action in reducing emissions and working towards making the authority itself carbon neutral 2030.

The plan, approved at a meeting last night, was formulated after the Council declared a Climate Change Emergency two years ago.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead on climate change, said: “We are absolutely committed to making Harborough district cleaner and greener and working with residents and businesses to reduce our collective carbon emissions and the impact of climate change.

“We know there are challenges, but we are leading by example, and want to build on the huge strides we have already made by making tackling climate change an intrinsic part of our corporate vision.”

Earlier this year, the public were asked for their feedback on the action plan; with over 75% of respondents in support of the Council’s climate emergency commitments.

Dr Tim Claydon is chair of Market Harborough Climate Action Group, part of Harborough Sustainable Community,

He welcomed the approval of the plan, but wants assurances on how progress will be measured and monitored:

The Council voted narrowly to disband the Climate Emergency working party, who worked to draw up the action plan, despite calls for it to be retained.

A motion put forward by Leader of the Oppositon Phil Knowles was defeated by 15 votes to 13.

Read the Action Plan HERE