Progress made on Climate Emergency Action Plan

Councillors noted several progressive measures taken to tackle climate change and their effects, at a full Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber in The Symington Building on 16 December 2019.

On 24 June 2019, the Council joined a growing number of local councils by declaring a ‘Climate Change Emergency’, renewing its Climate Action Plan and putting measures in place that will take it toward its goal of being ‘carbon neutral by 2030’.

The Council has committed to working with residents and communities to support their actions in reducing emissions and help them increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change. In 2018/19, 509 homes in the District received energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation which will save over 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 20-year period.

In addition, Collective Switching has been set up for District residents. All residents can now join the Council-led 'Switch and Save' scheme which helps local people switch to cheaper energy tariffs. Energy companies engage in a ‘reverse auction’, ensuring local people get access to some of the lowest energy prices available.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s climate change lead, said: “We believe it is incredibly important to lead by example, having already implemented a number of progressive measures including: the introduction of electrical vehicle charging points across the District in Council car parks; choosing Euro VI low-carbon dioxide vehicles in our own fleet; and delivering new Council buildings to high environmental BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard.”

Back in 2013, Harborough District Council made a commitment to acting on climate change by signing the Climate Local agreement and, in 2015, the council adopted a Climate Local Action Plan. This has contributed to a reduction in its carbon emissions by 41%.

Earlier this year, the Council also signed up to the Plastics Pledge which encourages less reliance on single-use plastic.

Cllr Bateman added: “Environmental impacts are now considered in all council business. I would urge local people to become involved, taking the opportunity to benefit from Council initiatives which are working to address both climate change issues and tackle fuel poverty, with fully-funded energy efficiency home improvements for residents in need and lower fuel bills for all across the District.”

To find out more about: the Council’s work on climate change; the Switch and Save energy bill reduction scheme; and access to fully-funded home loft and cavity wall insulation for residents in need, please visit the Council’s website https://www.harborough.gov.uk/