South Oxfordshire report highlights district council’s work to address climate change
South Oxfordshire District Council’s work on tackling climate change has been highlighted in a new quarterly report.
The report shows the progress of the district’s Climate Action Plan, which sets out the steps it will take to become a carbon neutral council. The Plan also details how the council will support local communities to take their own climate action as well as how it will work to improve biodiversity and protect our natural world.
The first Climate Action Plan report covers April to June 2022. During this period, to help encourage low carbon travel and reduce vehicle emissions, the council supported work to install electric vehicle charging points in its larger public car parks and trialled the use of electric waste vehicles.
The council carried out a public consultation on the Joint Local Plan 2041, alongside Vale of White Horse District Council, which asked people for their views on how the plan could be used to address issues such as climate change. The two councils also agreed a Joint Design Guide, which includes guidance for anyone undertaking a development on how to ensure building is low or zero carbon.
South Oxfordshire District Council also launched a new partnership with environmental charity Thames 21 aimed at improving the water quality of the River Thames in Wallingford and took part in a ‘No Mow May’ trial to see how wildflowers would bloom if grass was left to grow on some council-owned public land.
Cllr Sue Cooper, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Nature Recovery, at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This report shows that we have made good progress towards our aim of becoming a carbon neutral council.
“Tackling the climate emergency is the biggest challenge we face and so it’s really important for local authorities to show leadership and clearly demonstrate the action they are taking and supporting others to do the same. But I must emphasise that it is up to everyone, all of us, to modify our behaviours to help in this climate emergency.”
The Quarter One report was the first to be published since the adoption of the Climate Action Plan in February as part of its commitment to openness and transparency. It was presented to the council’s Cabinet meeting on Thursday 29 September. You can read the full report on the meeting agenda page.
The council also published its quarterly Corporate Performance Report that highlights its work in achieving its corporate priorities of Protect and Restore our Natural World, Openness and accountability, Action on the climate emergency, Improved economic and community well-being, Homes and infrastructure that meet local needs and Investment that rebuilds our financial viability.
ENDS
Notes for editors
For more information about South Oxfordshire District Council’s work on tackling the climate emergency and to view the council’s Climate Action Plan, visit southoxon.gov.uk/climateaction
