West Suffolk Environment and Climate Change work underway

West Suffolk Council’s Environment and Climate Change Taskforce has started work, meeting for the first time on Monday, August 12.

Taskforce chair, Robin Millar said: “I am delighted that we have made a quick and productive start – focusing on the things and activities that only West Suffolk Council can do and encouraging residents, businesses and communities to do the same themselves. Even small changes add up to make a real difference. A key driver for this initiative is the fact that change affects us all.”

West Suffolk’s Council meeting on September 19 is recommended to declare a climate emergency which the task force will help address through various proposals from practical solutions, use of investment and looking what actions the council would have to take to be net-zero carbon by 2030.The taskforce is charged with making initial evidence based recommendations to Cabinet in November in order to shape the direction of the Local Plan and Strategic Framework.

Leader, John Griffiths, announcing the Environment and Climate Change task force should be set up during his first speech of West Suffolk Council’s inaugural general meeting in May, said: “I have been very clear that this must be looked at using the latest evidence so that we can take further meaningful and achievable action that will make a real difference. To make sure we are as effective as we can be, we have to understand what will work, what is achievable, how much it will cost and how soon we can implement it. This effects everyone which is why the task force will be cross party and report to cabinet so their findings can be looked at as quickly as possible.

“West Suffolk already has a strong track record for protecting the environment and reducing our impact on climate change. It has one of the biggest council-owned solar farms and is a national leader in helping businesses reduce their impact by installing solar panels on their roofs. Up to the end of last year its Community Energy Plan (CEP) alone has invested £1.48 million into renewable energy projects across West Suffolk and generated carbon dioxide savings of around 1,000 tonnes.

Councillor Millar said: “We can build on our track record by exploring new ways of working and seeking to lead by example. We cannot under estimate the importance of acting at scale and pace – both of which are challenging. But that is right for the task we have in front of us.”