A recent check of the net zero record of UK councils shows that South Cambs District Council (SCDC) isn’t performing well.

Independent Climate Emergency UK scored the actions councils are taking across seven different areas.

Elizabeth McWilliams, local Labour democracy spokesperson says:

 “I congratulate Labour-run Cambridge City Council who are ranked joint 3rd out of all district councils. This is important because local councils influence up to 30% of the UK’s transition to zero carbon.

 “SCDC says it’s ‘green to the core’ yet the Lib Dem council ranks a poor, joint, 49th. I’m so disappointed in them.

“When the last set of scorecards were released in 2021, SCDC also did badly. Some senior Lib Dem councillors dismissed that survey as being based on plans not actions.

“It’s said that ‘Proper planning prevents poor performance’. The Lib Dem councillors may have good intentions but without a strong strategy and targets, then they won’t deliver.

“The Conservative Government has scrapped most of its net zero policies. Now, it’s more important than ever that local councils step up. SCDC must do more to to cut climate destroying carbon in our area.”

Stuart Newbold, local Labour environment spokesperson adds:

“The assessments are clear on what councils are doing well and how they can improve. I urge SCDC to study the results for ways to improve the environment for all in South Cambs. Some examples are

“Trees are nature’s super heroes providing wildlife habitat and removing CO2 from the atmosphere. SCDC needs a project to increase the tree canopy. One that has a clear plan of action.

“Well insulated homes means less energy to heat them. This cuts emissions and saves on bills. SCDC must actively enforce energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector.

“Labour’s manifesto for SCDC has pledges on these topics as part of our wider vision for a council acting on climate and biodiversity. We’d be happy to share our plans with SCDC.

“Of course, nature doesn’t know about council boundaries but anything we can do locally helps improve the overall picture.”