Swindon Borough Council and Climate Change

The new minority Conservative administration at Swindon Borough Council is watering down the Council’s previous commitments to address climate change and progress towards net zero. We know that the Conservative Party nationally wishes to repeal the 2008 Climate Change Act and continue drilling in the North Sea. 

A cross-party consensus under the leadership of the previous Labour administration led to the development of the “Build a greener Swindon” programme. This was overseen by a Policy & Performance Committee. The new administration is getting rid of this committee.

Conservative Cllr Jake Chandler holds the portfolio for “Green Infrastructure”. He stated in an email to me: Environmental scrutiny will sit within the Communities and Place Committee, and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Depending the environmental issues, its possible for a number of other committees to be involved in scrutinising our performance as a Council.

Liberal Democrats locally are concerned that these arrangements will be weak and will result in progress on the green agenda stalling. Our local campaigning demonstrates that climate change is a real concern for people and most support a fair transition to green energy which can improve energy security and reduce prices for consumers. LibDem Cllr Martin Barrett for Wroughton & Wichelstowe said “I’m extremely concerned that the new administration will allow Climate Change to slip down the agenda. This is bad news for the health and well-being of our residents."

The next full council meeting is 6th August 7pm at the Council Offices. There is no agenda currently available. The public can attend and may ask questions.

Ex-council Leader, Labour’s Jim Robbins has started a petition for residents to sign.

In the midst of an unprecedented series of heatwaves with energy costs rising and energy security threatened by geo-political crises, LibDems are standing up for the green agenda.

Act Now!!

Sign the petition:

https://ww5.swindon.gov.uk/mod.../mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx...

Attend the Council Meeting at the Council Offices, Euclid Street on 6th August at 7pm.