Council rejects motion to end carbon neutral aims

The council rejected the idea they were being "constrained by unachievable targets"

A motion to change carbon reduction targets has been rejected by a council, as progress to reduce emissions continues.

On Tuesday, Wiltshire Council rejected a motion that called for the authority not to be "constrained by unachievable county-wide 2030 carbon reduction targets".

In February 2019, the council passed a motion acknowledging a climate emergency and to seek to make the county carbon neutral by 2030.

This latest decision suggests the council still has faith in its existing strategy, and remains confident that its current trajectory will meet the set climate goals.

The new motion sought to replace the 2019 vote, but it was rejected by 45 votes to 23, with 19 abstentions.

The proposal stated: "This council should not be constrained by a motion demanding unachievable county-wide 2030 carbon reduction targets as set out in the 'climate emergency motion', and so repudiates it."

Councillor Paul Sample said the decision was vital because the "climate emergency affects us all"

Paul Sample, cabinet member for environment, climate and waste, said he was "delighted" the motion had not succeeded.

"Our programme of climate action has made demonstrable financial savings since its introduction, so it is disappointing that this motion was brought forward," he said.

"We are on track to become carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030, and our 2025 Climate Delivery Plan is already delivering significant climate-related benefits, while also saving money for Wiltshire taxpayers.

"The climate emergency affects us all and that is why it is essential that we do all we can to continue to reduce carbon emissions throughout Wiltshire."

'Costly policies'

The council's existing strategies include investing in energy-efficient LED lighting for streetlights and improving energy efficiency in council buildings.

The motion was proposed by Reform UK Group leader Ed Rimmer, who - following the vote's rejection - called the council's 2030 Net Zero target "completely unachievable".

"It was adopted as part of a 'climate emergency' declaration without clear costings, feasibility analysis, or democratic accountability," he said.

"My goal was to return local focus to real priorities - like infrastructure, services, and value for money.

"I will keep pressing the administration to make decisions in Wiltshire's real interests - not to rubber-stamp costly policies under the cover of climate slogans."