THE BOROUGH council says it will continue to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030 despite changes to national policy announced last week, when the Government rolled back on some of its climate emergency commitments.
Wokingham Borough Council says it is disappointed by the changes, which it says will have a direct impact on its climate-related plans, and will make it harder to meet commitments it made when it declared a climate emergency in 2019.
It says the changes will affect transport, home heating, home energy efficiency, and behaviour.
Councillors say it will be more difficult to reduce private car mileage, and that the uptake of electric vehicles will be affected, along with active travel, and public transport plans in the borough.
More emissions and air pollution than anticipated are likely to be generated, with negative effects on the environment, health and quality of life of the community.
The council says there will be delay to the phase-out of fossil fuel boilers, and the uptake of heat pumps, and that it will be difficult to implement its retrofit targets.
Furthermore it claims the proposed measures will negatively affect the upgrade of properties to an Energy Performance Rating (EPC) grade C, and says that landlords and registered providers may decide not to retrofit properties, negatively affecting the achievement of all CEAP-related targets.
The council adds that this will affect carbon emissions, and tenants’ quality of life.
Councillors say that to deliver their Climate Emergency Action Plan, they need residents, businesses, schools and the wider community to play their part.
They say that with behaviour change key to transition to a green economy, the Government’s changes will negatively affect all behaviour change elements of the CEAP, with repercussions for the environment, economy, and quality of life of the community.
Executive member for climate emergency and resident services Cllr Sarah Kerr said: “We need people to remain hopeful and committed to the cause of carbon neutrality.
“There is hope in the resilience and determination of communities, individuals and businesses across the UK and there is hope in the action being taken.
“The Government’s announcement does not change our position.
“We united as a council to declare a climate emergency four years ago, and our commitment is just as strong now, as demonstrated by the actions we are taking in partnership with our communities.
“This is a setback for our local efforts and so we are disappointed by the decision, but remain focused on working with partners and providing leadership to achieve our climate goals.”
To see the council’s response in full, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk and search for ‘response to government’.
