Motion launched to decarbonise homes in Wokingham borough
WOKINGHAM Liberal Democrats are calling for a strategy to help decarbonise homes in the borough.
The party wants to see Wokingham Borough Council implement a local home decarbonisation scheme (LHD).
Cllr Sarah Kerr, councillor for Evendons and vice-chair of the council’s Climate Emergency Working Group, believes a strategy is about more than tackling climate change alone.
“Insulating homes and generating renewable energy directly on homes also helps with the cost-of-living crisis, as well as tackling health inequalities”, she said.
The service would provide residents with impartial advice on options to decarbonise their homes as well as assisting with assessing value for money.
Cllr Kerr accepts investing in home improvements can be a daunting task for many homeowners but sees it as a “very important piece of the puzzle” for achieving carbon neutrality.
She said: “Investing hard earned income into home improvements can be daunting, especially when there’s a wide range of options and combinations to consider.”
In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency in the borough and has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years sooner than the government’s target of 2050.
Within the action plan to achieve carbon neutrality, the council is aiming to reduce emissions from domestic and commercial property, transport, and trying to encourage a change in behaviour to generate more renewable energy.
The Wokingham Lib Dems have submitted a council motion requesting officers prepare a business case assessing the feasibility and options for delivering the LHD scheme.
Cllr Kerr said: “If this council is serious about its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, we hope this motion will receive unanimous support.”
Cllr John Halsall, Conservative councillor and council leader, acknowledged the issue but believes budget constraints could restrict spending on schemes like this after the local elections on Thursday, May 5. He said: “This is an issue that we have looked at and will revisit. However, the current economic climate will necessitate careful examination of any discretionary expenditure after the election for whoever is in power.
“Inflation, the NHS and Adult Social Care Bill, loss of new homes bonus and the everincreasing cost of schooling are real headwinds, which we will need to address.
“The council will need a steady hand on the tiller to navigate through the turbulent waters, which we are now in.”
Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of Wokingham Labour, confirmed her party would be supporting the motion if selected in the upcoming elections.
She said: “The national Labour Party has already set out its plans to invest £60 billion over 10 years to retrofit and insulate homes, and this local scheme looks set to support the work of a future Labour government.
“Action on the climate emergency is beyond the stage of token gestures and protest votes.
“Local government needs councillors in council who will use their vote to support the right measures – and this is one of them.”