New council action pack to tackle climate change

Date published: 19/07/2006

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Sustainability has welcomed the Government's new Council 'Action Pack' to tackle climate change.

Speaking to Rochdale Online Wera said: "Rochdale MBC welcomes the Action Pack and have already put in place many of its recommendations to help us tackle climate change locally. We have signed up to the North West Climate Change Declaration and have our own action plan to reduce energy use in our buildings, streetlighting, and vehicles by 15% by 2010. We are also encouraging local businesses and residents to do their bit by reducing energy use and saving money in the process."

Under its commitment to tackling climate change the Government is supporting the launch of the climate change Action Pack for local authorities.

The pack will help local authorities address climate change issues in the way they run their estate and services and by acting as a community leader. The pack forms part of the Nottingham Declaration - a public commitment by local authorities to recognise the impacts of climate change and to take action against it.

The Nottingham Declaration Action Pack will be available to local authorities that have already signed as well as other authorities who are being encouraged to join the campaign.

By providing free, clear and practical tools and advice, the Action Pack will enable local authorities to assess local climate change impacts, mobilise senior management and political support, set and forecast targets for carbon reduction and implement and evaluate their plans.

Department for Communities and Local Government Minister Angela Smith said: "Local authorities have a hugely important role to play in tackling and adapting to climate change, not just in the way they run their own estates and services but as leader of their communities. The new action pack addresses all three of these areas and will enable local authorities to prioritise and take action against climate change. I hope that all authorities use this Action Pack and urge those that haven’t yet done so to sign the Nottingham Declaration."

Many local authorities are already successfully reducing their emissions or working towards that aim.
 
Nearly 50 local planning authorities now require at least 10 per cent of energy to come from on-site renewable technology in large developments. The Government is urging all local authorities to make this requirement part of their local development plan.