Town hall chiefs are urged to call a ‘climate crisis’

COUNCILLORS were due to debate two environmental motions this week - including a call to declare a ‘climate emergency’.

The first motion submitted to Wednesday evening’s Rossendale full council meeting by Labour councillor Steve Hughes, states that the impacts of climate change are ‘already having a significant effect on Rossendale’.

It calls for the council to commit to declare a ‘climate emergency’ that requires urgent action, and work towards making the authority netzero carbon by 2030 and promoting the need for businesses to reciprocate, writing to government asking them to bring forward new funding and devolved powers to help realise the target.

It calls for the creation of a new climate change member champion, and where necessary for officer reports to contain impact assessments on climate change.

Conservative councillor Margaret Pendlebury will also present a motion reflecting concerns over the amount of single- use plastic and recycling in the Valley.

Her proposals include making all council venues and events singleuse plastic free by early 2020, the introduction of food compost bins for residents across the borough by 2021 and an emphasis on improving the recycling rate across the Valley (currently 29 per cent) to 50 per cent.

It coincides with changes from Lancashire County Council to increase the amount of plastic which can be placed in blue bins from October 1.

Coun Pendlebury said: “For too long now we have accepted poor rates of recycling and failed to lead from the front in making changes to the amount of plastic we use. Over the course of this year it has become clear the impact this is having on our planet. Enough is enough. We must make the change and lead from the front on this issue. Together we can begin a movement for our borough and support everyone who lives here to leave our area in a better state than we found it.”

Phil Seddon, the council’s head of finance, said the motion gives no consideration as to the financial implications for the council.

He stated: “Subject to the approval of the motion, members should give due consideration as to the financial implications when setting the 2020/21 budget and addressing the Medium Term Financial Strategy.”