South Tyneside

Council losing carbon credibility

Conservative Party leader David Cameron's recent announcement of his support for the Climate Change Bill, the target of Friends of the Earth's 'Big Ask' campaign, shows that Labour has a long way to go both nationally and locally to gain 'carbon credibility', says South Tyneside Friends of the Earth. The Climate Change Bill, which would oblige the government to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 3% each year, would form the foundation for a framework of policies to reduce greenhouse emissions. Whilst Mr Cameron and Friends of the Earth have called for the Bill's entry into the forthcoming Queen's Speech, the government has so far failed to comment on it, despite massive cross party support of 380 MPs.

Equally alarming, says South Tyneside FOE, is that the Labour cabinet of South Tyneside Council has chosen to adopt a policy which aims for a reduction in its carbon emissions of only 5% over 5 years. The target, set out in the Council's Carbon Management Strategy and Action Plan, is well below what other councils have already achieved.

Bryan Atkinson, South Tyneside FOE spokesperson said:

"South Tyneside Council could lose any carbon credibility it has by adopting the truly pathetic goal of only 5% over 5 years. A cynic might suggest that such a lacklustre target is intentionally low to make it easier to achieve. However, other councils across the country are leading the way in carbon reduction.

"Since 1991, Woking borough council in Surrey has managed to reduce its emissions by a massive 77% and Newcastle City Council has ambitions to be fully carbon neutral by 2025. In comparison, South Tyneside Council's target is woefully low. What kind of example does the Council want to set for householders?

"Whilst South Tyneside Council has pioneered with initiatives like the wind turbine at Middlefields, it should rewrite the Action Plan with a challenging goal of at least the recommended 3% a year over the next five years, with a framework of supporting policies.

"Urgent and meaningful action is required now - climate change doesn't wait for political short changing. The Council has an obligation to ensure that it becomes truly sustainable for all of our sakes, which can only be achieved by aiming for truly ambitious targets."

Notes

1. South Tyneside Council Carbon Management Strategy and Action Plan 
2. Woking Council's 77% win
3. carbon neutral newcastle
4. MPs signed up to the Bill
5. David Cameron's Queen's Speech call for the Climate Change Bill
6. The Big Ask
7. South Tyneside FOE online

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