At the full council meeting of Bath & North east Somerset Council last night a climate change emergency was declared with cross party support.

Lib Dem Councillor Rob Appleyard has welcomed the decision by B&NES to declare a Climate Emergency. The Council pledged to take action to cut its own carbon emissions whilst also creating the conditions for others to also do so.

Councillor Appleyard, who proposed the Climate Emergency motion, commented:

“I’m delighted that B&NES Council agreed to approve the Climate Emergency declaration. This decision was taken with overwhelming cross-party support. I want to thank Councillors of all parties for supporting the motion and particularly to thank the co-sponsor, Councillor Mark Shelford, for his strong belief and recognition of the issues we face.

“The vote sets us on a clear path of carbon reduction. Not only will we set our own house in order, but we will inspire others to act and create the conditions for them to do so. Tonight’s decision gives the next Council administration a great jumping off point to make the changes that are essential.

“The Lib Dems want to see bold action on climate change. We want to see amendments to planning rules to allow residents to update their homes to cut energy consumption – saving money as well as the planet – and of course, any new homes should be as energy efficient as possible.

“We also want to see all Council decisions come with a climate impact assessment, so that this emergency is always at the front of our minds, and for the Council to be a leader in the community through education and information.”