How is your council responding to the climate emergency?

Ellie Chowns MEP met with a range of councils over the summer to push for more action on the climate emergency. As 20 out of the 33 councils in the West Midlands have now declared a climate emergency, it’s time to compare council progress. Ellie’s team has developed a simplified league table based on each council’s response to the climate emergency.

Some councils have responded strongly to public pressure and Ellie is keen to celebrate the councils who are making progress and encourage those lagging behind to catch up. However this is only a snap shot of their commitments, which are largely only verbal so far. There is no room for complacency – a high score does not mean a council has nearly achieved zero carbon. We will refine this assessment every six months, keeping a close eye on how verbal commitments are translating into action.

The assessment is based on eight questions and each council has been given a score out of 11 – see the FAQ below for the methodology. The questions assess the quality of its climate emergency declaration and associated actions, plus a projection of when the council’s area could achieve zero emissions if the reductions achieved 2005-2017 continued.

Some councils are clearly leading the way, and the response of others has been words only. It’s time for us all to demand deeds not words from our councils.

Ellie Chowns MEP

Counties, Metropolitan and Unitary councils

Council	Score (out of 11)	Position
Birmingham	8	Joint 1st
Herefordshire	8	Joint 1st
Telford and Wrekin	7	Joint 3rd
Wolverhampton	7	Joint 3rd
Coventry	5	5th
Dudley	4	Joint 6th
Shropshire	4	Joint 6th
Warwickshire	3	Joint 8th
Worcestershire	3	Joint 8th
Staffordshire	2	Joint 10th
Stoke-on-Trent	2	Joint 10th
Sandwell	2	Joint 10th
Walsall	2	Joint 10th
Solihull	1	14th

District Councils

Council	Score (out of 11)	Position
Worcester	7	1st
Malvern Hills	6	2nd
Cannock Chase	5	Joint 3rd
Redditch	5	Joint 3rd
Warwick	5	Joint 3rd
Wyre Forest	5	Joint 3rd
Newcastle-under-Lyme	4	Joint 7th
Staffordshire Moorlands	4	Joint 7th
Bromsgrove	3	Joint 9th
Tamworth	3	Joint 9th
Lichfield	2	Joint 11th
Rugby	2	Joint 11th
Stafford	2	Joint 11th
Stratford-on-Avon	2	Joint 11th
South Staffordshire	2	Joint 11th
Wychavon	2	Joint 11th
East Staffordshire	1	Joint 16th
North Warwickshire	1	Joint 16th
Nuneaton and Bedworth	1	Joint 16th

FAQ

What is the methodology?

We used publicly available information from council websites to discover what actions they have taken and promised. Carbon emissions for each council area are from the BEIS website.

We used the following criteria:

1. Has the council declared a climate emergency? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
2. Has the council set a 2030 deadline for zero carbon? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
3. Is there political commitment to reduce emissions to zero? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
4. Is a carbon reduction pathway in place, with related strategies and plans? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
5. Are decarbonisation funds being raised by the council? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
6. Has the council declared additional innovative actions beyond statutory duties? (Y/N – 1 point for Y)
7. Is the council’s pension fund being divested from fossil fuels? (Y/N – 1 point for lobbying)
8. Is the area’s emissions reduction on track? (1 point for zero achieved by 2050, 2 points by 2040, 3 points by 2035, 4 points by 2030) (this year based on 2005-2017 reductions)

You can see our notes on the data we collected and our calculations in the table at the bottom of this page.

Then we gave each council a score out of 11:

1. Y/N – 1 point for Y – climate emergency declared
2. Y/N – 1 point for Y – 2030 deadline for zero carbon
3. Y/N – 1 point for Y – political commitment to reduce emissions to zero
4. Y/N – 1 point for Y – carbon reduction pathway
5. Y/N – 1 point for Y – decarbonisation funds being raised
6. Y/N – 1 point for Y – additional innovation announced or underway
7. Y/N – 1 point for Y – lobbying for divestment
8. 1 point for zero emissions achieved by 2050, 2 points by 2040, 3 points by 2035, 4 points by 2030. Based on 2005-2017 reductions, with predicted emissions using least squares linear regression.

We know that much of the carbon emissions reduction achieved so far has been from easy wins and decarbonisation of the UK’s national grid. We also know that the BEIS figures do not capture all sources of emissions such as land use change. Our future methodology will address these issues.

We will change the criteria for future assessments. We aim to conduct new assessments every six months. Who writes the methodology?

Ellie Chowns’ team of staff and volunteers put together the methodology, incorporating policy work by Friends of the Earth, who have developed 33 questions to test the strength of what your council is doing about climate change.

https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/insight/33-actions-local-authorities-can-take-climate-change Which councils are ranked?

Every local authority in the West Midlands has been ranked. District councils have been listed separately from the county, metropolitan and unitary authorities. In future assessments they may face different criteria, as their roles become more differentiated. What if I believe there are errors or missing information?

The league tables are based on publicly available data at the time the research was done; it is a snap-shot in time and scores will not be changed based on information received or published subsequently, until the research is repeated in Spring 2020. Can I see how you scored each criteria?

Jump to a council:

• TOC

Birmingham

Type of council: Metropolitan

List of Sources:

• https://theecologist.org/2019/jun/25/birmingham-declares-climate-emergency

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 11/6/2019
Notes: Cross party motion unanimously voted through. To form a task force to come up with a plan by January 2019 for Birmingham to become as close to net zero carbon by 2030. Also to hold urgent reviews of council investments, transport, housing, waste & energy.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
A taskforce will hold a series of round table and community events to establish what Route to Zero would mean for the city’s communities and businesses, what would be required of both the city and the council to achieve this ambition, identify any barriers to doing so and exploring opportunities to collaborate with others and share best practice.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Not yet. A taskforce is being set up to draw up an action plan setting out how Birmingham will tackle climate change and become carbon neutral by 2030.
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
Birmingham plans to introduce a Clean Air Zone covering all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road (but not the Middleway itself) during 2020.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Plastic free Birmingham Inquiry requires prohibition on the use of single-use plastic where events are being held on Council-owned land amongst other measures.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Birmingham has become the UK’s biggest city to pass divestment policy in 2017, following a local campaign. Working on getting WMPF divesting.
Score: 1 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2037
Score: 2 Total Score
8

Bromsgrove

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://moderngovwebpublic.bromsgrove.gov.uk/documents/s40594/1%20Motion%20-%20S%20Hughes%20climate%20change%20motion.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 24/7/2019
Notes: CE motion brought by LD councillor S Hughes
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No. Work with our partner authorities to review and update the Worcestershire County Climate Change Strategy, which is about to expire, ensuring ambitious targets for improvement.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Establish a working group to engage with the community, develop an action plan and report regularly on actions taken.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Council also voted through an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles Strategy, a five year action plan to encourage more electric vehicles. This includes applying for money to fund more electric car charging points, supporting taxi drivers in switching to electric vehicles, and support employers in using electric vehicles, and also includes options to look at investment in the low carbon economy and revenue generation from electricity grid services
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2062
Score: 0 Total Score
3

Cannock Chase

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local/hubs/wolverhampton/2019/07/20/wolverhampton-council-declares-climate-emergency/

• https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/01-agenda_council_170719.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 17/7/2019
Notes: Proposed by council leader George Adamson and seconded by Green Group leader Paul Woodhead
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes, cabinet to commit to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2030. A Climate Neutrality Task and Finish Group convened by Paul Woodhead to establish best practice.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Establish a Citizens Assembly made up of a representative range of our citizens to establish the facts and make recommendations for our council
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2044
Score: 1 Total Score
5

Coventry

Type of council: Metropolitan

List of Sources:

• https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/65/home_energy_and_warmth/177/tackling_climate_change/2

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 18/06/2019
Notes: Aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 27.5 per cent by 2020 (Coventry achieved this in 2014). Goal to beat deadline of 2050 net zero.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2050
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Council’s climate change strategy for Coventry ends in 2021. New strategy to be prepared.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
With the adoption of the new Local Plan in December 2017, a new Energy Supplementary Planning Document is being proposed which will aim to deliver homes and commercial properties that are fit for the future and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Through work including encouraging electric vehicles, cleaner buses, and major investment in Coventry Railway Station to support public transport use. Local plan – An Area Action Plan for the City Centre, A Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule; and A suite of supporting Supplementary Planning Documents.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
The Council received grant funding from the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) in 2017 for £1.2m to deliver 39 rapid chargers in the City.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Divest West Midlands campaigning for divestment of WMPF but no commitment from council.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2039
Score: 2 Total Score
5

Dudley

Type of council: Metropolitan

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Notes: Energy Efficiency studies have also been carried out in certain Council buildings which has resulted in energy savings. The Council is also researching the use of alternative fuels and has purchased two vehicles which operate on natural gas. Through working with its many partners, the council is committed to contributing to the economic vitality of the borough through Land Use/Economic Development.
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
__
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
Dudley Council has been awarded around £2.5 million in European funding to reduce carbon emissions at council-owned homes and buildings.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Energy Efficiency studies have also been carried out in certain Council buildings which has resulted in energy savings. The Council is also researching the use of alternative fuels and has purchased two vehicles which operate on natural gas.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Dudley Council are due on 7th October 2019 to debate divestment.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2038
Score: 2 Total Score
4

East Staffordshire

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/climatechange/ClimateChangeStrategy.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No. Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan remains the most recent document since 2010. New funding is available to help install first time central heating to to eligible homes across Staffordshire. Successful applicants can have a brand new fully funded central heating system installed in their home which can save households up to £350 each year off their annual fuel bill.
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2041
Score: 1 Total Score
1

Herefordshire

Type of council: Unitary

List of Sources:

• http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/g6537/Public%20minutes%20Friday%2008-Mar-2019%2010.00%20Council.pdf?T=11

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 8/3/2019
Notes: CE motion brought jointly by IOC and Greens, unanimously supported.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes. Commit to an accelerated reduction of the Council’s carbon emissions, with the aspirations to be carbon neutral by 2030; and to change its energy supply to 100% renewable source; call upon our ‘Re-Energise’ partners to match or better the council’s commitment; to publicise their response and to lead on working with the public to promote and encourage carbon reduction in all aspects of the county’s life.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Produce a successor to the current Carbon Management Plan (2019-2023) within the early months of the new Council; Work with partners to produce an action plan, covering all relevant council strategies, and to submit this plan via Scrutiny to Cabinet by the end of 2019
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
Has obtained funds from the European Regional Development Fund for the Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings project (SEPuBu) and the Marches Renewable Energy Project (MarRE)
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Funding allocated to switch all street lighting to energy efficient LEDs. £2.1m for solar panels for Council buildings.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £191,168,673 (7.79%) Projected Indirect Investments £131,821,454.00 (5.37%) Cllr Trish Marsh, proposer of the motion, welcomed the gradual reduction in fossil fuel investments held by Worcestershire Pension Fund, which also manages the pensions of many public sector employees in Herefordshire. She called on Herefordshire Council representatives on the Worcestershire Local Government Pension Fund board to work with Worcestershire colleagues to seek alternatives to investments in fossil fuels.
Score: 1 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2044
Score: 1 Total Score
8

Lichfield

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.sustainabilitywestmidlands.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/P202-1a-Lichfield-Final-Benchmark-Report.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Old targets – Reducing CO2 emissions from buildings, vehicles, services and activities throughout the district starting with Council assets. Encouraging developers to design and build new developments to minimise carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels and take into account other aspects of changing climate such as extreme weather and flooding. Acting as a community lead to advise and support local residents, businesses and other partners in contributing to the above.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Air Quality Action Plan released in 2019.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Lichfield Christian AID Action Group have been lobbying for divestment.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2055
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Malvern Hills

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/17793635.councillors-malvern-declare-climate-emergency-district/

• https://moderngov.malvernhills.gov.uk/documents/s30112/C438%20-%20Notice%20of%20Motion.pdf?J=5

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 23/7/2019
Notes: Motion brought by Green Councillor John Raine
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
Hopefully by 2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Not yet. The panel will work as quickly as possible to develop a set of proposals that are affordable and deliverable within the fastest possible timeframe.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
The newly-established Environment Policy Panel takes lead responsibility for the preparation of a comprehensive and costed action plan in response to the climate emergency, and completing this by 31stMarch 2020 at the very latest.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund the South Worcestershire Development Plan
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon – have all approved three new supplementary planning documents (SPDs) containing guidance on renewable and low carbon energy, water management and flooding.and the contributions developers make towards local infrastructure. The three SPDs are: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy – This guidance supports renewable and low carbon energy schemes such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and other larger renewable projects such as solar farms.  Water Management and Flooding – Amongst other things this  guidance aims to reduce flood risk in south Worcestershire and to ensure that development takes place in the areas of lowest flood risk. It also seeks to promote effective water management and maintain water quality. Developer Contributions  – A revision of an earlier SPD, this document sets out how and when developers will need to make contributions towards local infrastructure in order to ensure their proposals are acceptable in planning terms, in line with SWDP policies. It has been revised to take into account new factors, such as the development of the new Worcestershire Local Transport Plan 4 and last year’s adoption of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – an important funding method for some of the SWDP infrastructure – by the three south Worcestershire councils.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2050
Score: 1 Total Score
6

Newcastle-under-Lyme

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://moderngov.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/documents/s26384/Minutes%20of%20Previous%20Meeting.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 3/4/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes. CEM requires the establishment of an action group to work with cabinet to establish a plan to deliver a carbon neutral borough. Also requires that cabinet review progress against this plan and if necessary take action to expedite progress towards the carbon-neutral goal.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Cabinet to work with the action group to produce and publish a plan setting out how the council, through its policies, practices and actions will help to deliver a carbon-neutral borough by 2030.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2059
Score: 0 Total Score
4

North Warwickshire

Type of council: District

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Air Quallity Action Plan 2017.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2081
Score: 0 Total Score
1

Nuneaton and Bedworth

Type of council: District

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
__
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2045
Score: 1 Total Score
1

Redditch

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.redditchstandard.co.uk/news/redditch-inching-towards-declaring-a-climate-emergency-as-pressure-grows/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Notes: Redditch Climate Action Network – a very active campaign group calling for the council to take more action on climate change
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Council leader has committed to reducing carbon emissions.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Council leader has instructed officers to draw up a ‘Sustainability Action Plan’ for the borough.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2035
Score: 3 Total Score
5

Rugby

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.rugby.gov.uk/info/20025/the_council/436/becoming_carbon_neutral

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 18/07/2019
Notes: Lib / Labour motion supported by the Tories. Aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Council has set up a cross pary working group to create a plan within 6 months to achieve motion commitments
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No. Establish a cross party working group to advise on the actions and timescales required to make the Council’s activities carbon neutral by 2030. The working group will report initial findings and recommendations back to Cabinet within 6 months
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2065
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Sandwell

Type of council: Metropolitan

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
Government loans obtained to convert all street-lighting to energy efficient LEDs by 2022
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2041
Score: 1 Total Score
2

Shropshire

Type of council: Unitary

List of Sources:

• https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/politics/2019/05/16/climate-change-protest-as-shropshire-council-decides-whether-to-declare-emergency/

• https://shropshire.gov.uk/committee-services/documents/g3759/Printed%20minutes%2016th-May-2019%2010.00%20Council.pdf?T=1

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 16/5/2019
Notes: The council declared a CE but council leaders would not accept any deadlines for action.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Not yet. Commits to support efforts to reduce carbon emmissions and to review annually.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Create a Climate Action Partnership of stakeholders and the wider community, to partner with the Council to provide advice, support and encouragement to public, business and charitable organisations to adopt similar policies and practices across the county. This is to be taken and considered by the appropriate Task and Finish Group. To review its progress on addressing the climate emergency annually, with a view of setting an ambition target for Shropshire Council to be being carbon neutral.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
The European Regional Development Fund funded Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings project (SEPuBu) in conjunction with Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £90,890,649 (5.31%) Projected Indirect Investments £64,294,965.00 (3.75%)
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2044
Score: 1 Total Score
4

Solihull

Type of council: Metropolitan

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Notes: Tories blocked a debate on a climate change motion 28/02/19. FOE have recently being putting pressure on Soilhull Council to declare a CE
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Publishes an annual Green Prospectus with 6-monthly progress updates. These lack a genuine strategy or pathway to net zero.
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
We are continuing to access funding to undertake the necessary studies to ensure opportunities for low carbon energy generation are understood and where feasible, business cases developed.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2061
Score: 0 Total Score
1

South Staffordshire

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/south-staffordshire/2019/09/12/south-staffordshire-council-declares-climate-emergency/

• https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/environment/our-commitment-to-our-local-environment.cfm

• https://services.sstaffs.gov.uk/CMIS/Document.ashx?czJKcaeAi5tUFL1DTL2UE4zNRBcoShgo=gpXOURc5tceuvykfDh9w4GUfdX1sI09cLiA1CH2CtuCg5leMeWkkXA%3d%3d&rUzwRPf%2bZ3zd4E7Ikn8Lyw%3d%3d=pwRE6AGJFLDNlh225F5QMaQWCtPHwdhUfCZ%2fLUQzgA2uL5jNRG4jdQ%3d%3d&mCTIbCubSFfXsDGW9IXnlg%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&kCx1AnS9%2fpWZQ40DXFvdEw%3d%3d=hFflUdN3100%3d&uJovDxwdjMPoYv%2bAJvYtyA%3d%3d=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&FgPlIEJYlotS%2bYGoBi5olA%3d%3d=NHdURQburHA%3d&d9Qjj0ag1Pd993jsyOJqFvmyB7X0CSQK=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNR9xqBux0r1Q8Za60lavYmz=ctNJFf55vVA%3d&WGewmoAfeNQ16B2MHuCpMRKZMwaG1PaO=ctNJFf55vVA%3d

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: –
Notes: Green Party member Ian Sadler’s climate emergency motion, which included a call to “commit to the vision of carbon neutrality by 2030 at the latest”, was amended to remove the date.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
The Council supports the L.G.A. motion on Climate Change and that the Council declares a climate emergency and that: 1. the Council seeks to explore how it can secure net zero carbon from its activities. 2. the Council seeks to explore how it can use 100% clean energy across the Council’s functions. 3. the Council calls on Government to provide the necessary powers and resources to support implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. 4. the Council continues to consider the effects on climate change of decisions to be made by the Council. 5. the Council continues to work with other partners to achieve these goals. 6. the Council tasks the Overview and Scrutiny Committee through a Challenge Panel to further look into how the above aspects and anything else this Council can do to reduce the effects of Climate Change and to advise on the costs of doing so
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2074
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Stafford

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cme/DocMan1/Committee%20Minutes%2019-20/Council/MCouncil%20-%2023%20July%202019.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 23/7/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2040
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No. Report progress to scrutiny at the appropriate time to include a report within 12 months as to the actions the Council has taken and proposes to take
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Explore through the Local Plan process, the expansion of community energy with a view to keeping the benefits of our local energy generation in our local economy. We will research into the possibility of conducting ‘adaptation audits’ in vulnerable homes, shelters and businesses, perhaps in conjunction with an energy audit.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No. We will liaise with the council finance team and external funding officers to ensure that, where possible, all services can budget for the management of the impacts of climate change.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2052
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Staffordshire

Type of council: County

List of Sources:

• https://www.climateemergency.uk/blog/staffordshire/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 25/7/2018
Notes: Council’s climate change strategy ‘Green Shoots’ last updated in 2013
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
__
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Staffordshire County Council has adopted a target to generate 15% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 and now have renewable energy installations on county owned buildings including schools, offices and libraries.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £277,869,600 (7.43%) Projected Indirect Investments £277,869,600.00 (7.43%) Petitions for signatures.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2053
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Staffordshire Moorlands

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.climateemergency.uk/blog/staffordshire-moorlands/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 10/7/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes, have appointed a Cabinet member for Climate Change. Review progress made on an annual basis via Scrutiny and Full Council.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Develop a Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience Plan through a cross party working group with officer support and with a brief to draw on wider expertise to assist with investigative work, establishment of priorities, drafting of the plan and delivery.” Local plan commits to protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing the critical elements of the existing greeninfrastructure resource within the district’s towns and villages, including the historic environment. Developing and extending where necessary the existing elements of green infrastructure to create a multi-functional network that links existing and proposed green spaces.Preparing additional biodiversity opportunity maps where appropriate – to map existing biodiversity, high quality habitat, the opportunity for species to move within the landscape and to identify specific opportunities to develop biodiversity across the Plan Area, particularly in and around new developments and in line with the existing district-wide Biodiversity Opportunity map.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2064
Score: 0 Total Score
4

Stoke-on-Trent

Type of council: Unitary

List of Sources:

• https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/we-act-now-defend-planet-3056152

• http://www.moderngov.stoke.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=110&MId=8431&Ver=4

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 4/7/2019
Notes: CE declared after Labour amendments.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2050
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Not yet. Liaison Group to develop an action plan by the end of 2019.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Not yet. Climate Change Liaison Group to report by end of 2019
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No. Council calls on the Government to provide the resources and powers so that Stoke-on-Trent can make its contribution to the UK’s Carbon Reduction targets.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £277,869,600 (7.43%) Projected Indirect Investments £277,869,600.00 (7.43%) CEM called for a report into FF investments
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2044
Score: 1 Total Score
2

Stratford-on-Avon

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• http://www.stratford-herald.com/101053-stratford-town-council-declares-climate-emergency.html

• https://www.stratford-tc.gov.uk/events/town-council-meetings/town-council-meeting-30-7-19

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 30/7/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No. Ask the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to convene a task and finish working group to consult with and invite input from representatives of local environmental groups, residents and businesses, and report back to The Cabinet and Council by January 2020
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No. Working group to report by January how all council policy proposals could best consider the impacts of climate change and the mitigation and adaptation measures required.
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2068
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Tamworth

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6264232/climate-emergency-declaration-a-bit-of-a-farce-mayor/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Notes: But Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray said he doesn’t care for “motherhood-statements” and what really mattered were the actions taken.
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Has not updated anything recently.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Namoi Catchment Action Plan, the Namoi Catchment Sustainability Plan and an active water education program.” Instinctively Green were appointed by Tamworth Borough Council through a competitive tender to work with the local strategic partnership (LSP) to produce and deliver a bespoke climate change strategy for the town of Tamworth in 2011.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2038
Score: 2 Total Score
3

Telford and Wrekin

Type of council: Unitary

List of Sources:

• https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/politics/2019/07/26/telford-wrekin-council-declares-climate-emergency/

• https://democracy.telford.gov.uk/documents/g1170/Public%20reports%20pack%20Thursday%2025-Jul-2019%2018.00%20Full%20Council.pdf?T=10

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 25/7/2019
Notes: Motion brought by Labour Councillor Carolyn Healy. Liberal Democrat councillor Thomas Janke proposed an amendment, which was defeated, that would have moved the zero-carbon deadline five years forward.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Not yet. To set up a partnership to develop an action plan.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
One of the first LA to install a commercial solar farm which is generating 4MW of clean electricity sufficient to power more than 800 homes pa; Affording protection to significant areas of greenspace and forestry and continuing to invest in additional Green Guarantee Sites – which provide ‘green lungs’ across the borough. Close to completing the conversion of 20,000 traditional street lights to LED – reducing the quantity of CO2 being emitted by 1,887 tonnes pa alongside significant financial savings being reinvested into frontline services; Fitting low carbon technologies in 27 public buildings across the Borough; Achieving a recycling target for household waste of in excess of 54% with residual waste diverted from landfill as a renewable energy source; Providing grant funding via Business Energy Efficiency Programme to support businesses increase their energy efficiency – with as an example – just one Telford based manufacturer having saved over 41 tonnes of carbon pa.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
The European Regional Development Fund funded Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings project (SEPuBu) in conjunction with Herefordshire and Shropshire Councils.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Banning the use of balloons at Council-run events; Stopping the use of single use plastic cups and water bottles at Council meetings; Removing plastic-free stirrers and straws and using fully compostable cups at the café in the Council’s main building.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £90,890,649 (5.31%) Projected Indirect Investments £64,294,965.00 (3.75%)
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2039
Score: 2 Total Score
7

Walsall

Type of council: Metropolitan

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
No
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Motion for the WMPF to divest was defeated 15/07/19. Walsall Council does not currently invest in any in fossil fuel companies, with instead the majority of the council’s investments being in the form of cash deposits with financial institutions. They have ruled out investing into fossil fuels in the future.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2040
Score: 2 Total Score
2

Warwick

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/news/article/297/warwick_district_council_declares_a_climate_emergency

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 26/6/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes. Led by the portfolio holder for Environment & Business, Councillor Alan Rhead who will form a group with shadow portfolio holders for this purpose.
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Ensuring that tackling the Climate Emergency is central to the strategic business plan – both in terms of adaptation and mitigation. Producing within six months an action plan to implement this.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Building to Passivhaus standards and following the UK Green Building Council framework for net zero carbon buildings by 2025, so that all new Warwick District Council buildings and Council housing will be net zero carbon thereafter. Retrofitting all council properties, particularly council houses, using recognised design and construction practices and performance-in-use monitoring to the Energiesprong standard or equivalent by 2030. Using all planning means available to ensure that all new houses are as close to zero carbon as is feasible within the current regulations; this includes vigorous performance-in-use testing. (Requiring all District Council decisions relating to transport to facilitate a 50% reduction in vehicle emissions within the four towns in the district by reducing vehicle use and increasing use of electric vehicles. Ensuring that every policy proposal brought to Executive and/ or full Council considers the impact on climate change – both in terms of adaptation and mitigation.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2052
Score: 0 Total Score
5

Warwickshire

Type of council: County

List of Sources:

• https://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/climate-emergency-declared-by-warwickshire-county-council-1-9011767

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 25/7/2019
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2025
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Not yet. Establishing a cross party Climate Change Task and Finish Working Group which will report back to Cabinet with an action plan in six months.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
As part of the move towards carbon neutrality, the county council will also review and update transport plans for each District and Borough Council to support them in building sustainable transport systems. WCC will implement effective energy management practices and monitor & report on energy performance to develop work programmes which maximise behavioural change, budget management and investment decisions.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No. “WCC will ensure resources are in place (financial and people) to enable on-going investment in new energy saving and low and zero carbon energy technologies to achieve effective carbon reduction. WCC will maximise efficiency of operation of existing plant and equipment and encourage resource efficient behaviour amongst staff whilst at work to avoid unnecessary expenditure on energy and carbon emissions.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £74,181,735 (3.67%) Projected Indirect Investments £54,160,624.00 (2.67%) Petition started online, 390/400 signatures.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2062
Score: 0 Total Score
3

Wolverhampton

Type of council: Metropolitan

List of Sources:

• https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2019/07/20/wolverhampton-council-declares-climate-emergency/

• https://wolverhampton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s115271/Motions%20on%20Notice%20170719.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 17/7/2019
Notes: Conservative Councillor Jane Stevenson filed an amendment to the motion, calling for clearer figures on the cost of reducing CO2 by 2028, and how the council would tackle issues such as single use plastics. As only one of two Tories who remained in the meeting, the amendment was thrown out.
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2028
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes, CEM states Council leadership teams should take responsibility for reducing, as rapidly as possible, the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities. There will be a Councillor Champion for Climate Change.
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning and regulatory decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2028
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
No.
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
CEM states ‘Report on the level of investment in the fossil fuel industry that the West Midlands pension fund has, and request a review of the investment strategy to give due consideration to climate change impacts in the investment portfolio
Score: 1 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2037
Score: 2 Total Score
7

Worcester

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• https://www.climateemergency.uk/blog/worcester/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 16/7/2019
Notes: Proposed by: Councillor Laurenson (Green)
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
2030
Score: 1 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes. Efforts to be led by the Chair of the Environment Committee rather than a cabinet member
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Not yet. Appoint a new Environmental Sustainability Officer in a timely way, create a cross-party steering group and report to Environment Committee on 28th January 2020
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund the South Worcestershire Development Plan
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – Worcester, Malvern Hills
and Wychavon – have all approved three new supplementary planning
documents (SPDs) containing guidance on renewable and low carbon
energy, water management and flooding.and the contributions developers
make towards local infrastructure. The three SPDs are: Renewable and Low
Carbon Energy – This guidance supports renewable and low carbon energy
schemes such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and other larger
renewable projects such as solar farms.  Water Management and Flooding –
Amongst other things this  guidance aims to reduce flood risk in south
Worcestershire and to ensure that development takes place in the areas
of lowest flood risk. It also seeks to promote effective water
management and maintain water quality. Developer Contributions  – A
revision of an earlier SPD, this document sets out how and when
developers will need to make contributions towards local infrastructure
in order to ensure their proposals are acceptable in planning terms, in
line with SWDP policies. It has been revised to take into account new
factors, such as the development of the new Worcestershire Local
Transport Plan 4 and last year’s adoption of a Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) – an important funding method for some of the SWDP
infrastructure – by the three south Worcestershire councils.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2037
Score: 2 Total Score
7

Worcestershire

Type of council: County

List of Sources:

• https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/regional/17647041.worcestershire-county-council-reject-climate-emergency-call/

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Notes: An amended motion, put forward by cabinet member for environment Cllr Tony Miller and backed the Conservatives, removed the plea to declare a CE and pushed the carbon neutral target back to 2050.
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
2050
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
Yes, in partnership with the LEP, Worcestershire has a new Energy Strategy for the period 2019-2030
Score: 1 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
There are three key measures that are aimed to be delivered as part of the strategy – reduction in carbon emissions of 50% on 2005 levels by 2030, double the size of the low carbon sector by 2030, tripling energy production from renewable generation by 2030
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
__
Score: 0 Q7: Pension fund divestment
Total Fossil Fuel Investments £191,168,673 (7.79%) Projected Indirect Investments £131,821,454.00 (5.37%) falls under “Funds with the highest proportion of their assets in fossil fuels”. The pension funds of Worcestershire, North Yorkshire, Kingston and Lothian councils all have investments in oil and gas giant, Hess Corporation. About 44 percent of Hess’ production comes from shale gas in Ohio and North Dakota, according to the company’s website.
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2046
Score: 1 Total Score
3

Wychavon

Type of council: District

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
No
Date: –
Score: 0 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
__
Score: 0 Q5: Raise funds for action
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund the South Worcestershire Development Plan
Score: 1 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon – have all approved three new supplementary planning documents (SPDs) containing guidance on renewable and low carbon energy, water management and flooding.and the contributions developers make towards local infrastructure. The three SPDs are: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy – This guidance supports renewable and low carbon energy schemes such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and other larger renewable projects such as solar farms. Water Management and Flooding – Amongst other things this guidance aims to reduce flood risk in south Worcestershire and to ensure that development takes place in the areas of lowest flood risk. It also seeks to promote effective water management and maintain water quality. Developer Contributions – A revision of an earlier SPD, this document sets out how and when developers will need to make contributions towards local infrastructure in order to ensure their proposals are acceptable in planning terms, in line with SWDP policies. It has been revised to take into account new factors, such as the development of the new Worcestershire Local Transport Plan 4 and last year’s adoption of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – an important funding method for some of the SWDP infrastructure – by the three south Worcestershire councils.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2054
Score: 0 Total Score
2

Wyre Forest

Type of council: District

List of Sources:

• http://www.wyreforest.gov.uk/council/docs/doc54791_20190522_council_minute.pdf

Indiviual Scores

Q1: Climate Emergency declared?
Yes
Date: 22/5/2019
Notes: Motion jointly between Independent, Liberal Democrat and Green Group and amended by the Labour Group
Score: 1 Q2: Net zero target
No Target Date
Score: 0 Q3: Political commitment to reduce emissions
No
Score: 0 Q4: Carbon reduction pathway, climate compliant strategies and plans
Reduce CO2 emissions from homes by 32% from 2009 levels by 2020, in line with county and national targets. Work with the Local Enterprise Partnerships and regional bodies such as Sustainability West Midlands in developing the low carbon economy. Participate in the development and promotion of county wide low carbon schemes, ensuring that Wyre Forest businesses get their ‘fair share’ (e.g. through energy efficiency project work, supply chain and training opportunities). All new development proposals within the District must demonstrate how they reduce their impact on the environment. The design, layout, siting, orientation, construction method and materials used should seek to maximise energy conservation and efficiency. A minimum of 10% of the energy requirements of major new developments should be met on-site from low or zero-carbon energy sources. The technologies installed should be retained and maintained during the full lifetime of the building. Consideration should be given to the use of combined heat and power systems on larger sites, particularly on industrial sites or sites of new community infrastructure. Free-standing renewable energy developments will be supported, subject to them meeting the requirements of all other policies within the Local Development Framework. The implementation of the Code for Sustainable Homes will be supported in line with the national timescale. Developers will be encouraged to meet a higher code level than is mandatory where this is economically viable. Non-residential buildings will be encouraged to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’ or higher.
Score: 1 Q5: Raise funds for action
No.
Score: 0 Q6: Additional innovative actions, beyond statutory duties.
Council resolves to work in partnership with all local schools and with Worcestershire County Council to ensure that, within the life of this 4 year Council term, every child in a Wyre Forest school is able to be involved in planting a tree. Wyre Forest has been identified as an area with a very low level of provision of charging points for electric vehicles. Council therefore resolves: (1) to ensure that adequate electric vehicle charging points are provided in Council-owned public car parks (2) to encourage the owners of privately-owned car parks to do likewise.
Score: 1 Q7: Pension fund divestment
n/a
Score: 0 Q8: Predicted year to achieve zero carbon based on rate of reduction 2005-2017
(all emissions data sourced from gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2017)
2039
Score: 2 Total Score
5