Hounslow Tories failing to take climate change seriously

12.00.00am GMT Wed 31st Oct 2007

Supporters of original motion for a one planet borough outside Hounslow Civic Centre in June 2006

LIB DEMS PROPOSE HOUNSLOW CLIMATE CHANGE INVESTMENT FUND: Cllr Andrew Dakers last night called for much more urgency from the Tory-led administration in tackling climate change. Cllr Dakers called on the administration to establish a multi-million pound climate change investment fund and 'Energy Services Company' (ESCO) following the lead of authorities such as Woking, Camden and Richmond. He also reiterated Liberal Democrats previous demands for the appointment of an energy manager, cycling officer and sustainable food officer.

Cllr Dakers, Leader of Hounslow Liberal Democrats, said to full borough council:

"At this year's budget my group challenged the Executive to appoint a sustainable food officer, a cycling officer and an energy manager. We stand by our view that these roles could be transformative and cost neutral. But more to the point these roles are an essential part of delivering on the Community and Hounslow Plan environmental objectives and Hounslow becoming a national beacon.

"In Woking - with cross party support - the local authority established an Energy Services Company. This has made Woking a global leader in transitioning to a low carbon economy. In Richmond and Camden, under Lib Dem leadership, multi-million pound climate change investment funds have been established in the past 12 months.

"Hounslow must now gear up to do the same in the year ahead and we will bring forward proposals to achieve this in the next budget. Ours remains an open door for discussion with other groups as we develop these plans.

"The report before us is not yet ambitious enough and misses the point that if we are to become a beacon council - and make a substantial contribution to protecting our planet - it is not enough to simply to catch up with current best practice. We must demonstrate the political will and vision to go beyond."

Commenting after the meeting Cllr Dakers, added:

"Leading members of the Tory-led Executive have tonight said on the public record that they will prioritise 0% tax increases above the investment needed in low carbon technology to reduce our CO2 emissions. Cllr Reid also seemed to suggest that the Council's green electricity was simply a gesture and didn't really matter.

"This is not leadership - this is myopic and short term thinking. Hounslow Tories promise last May: 'Vote Blue, Go Green', is increasingly in doubt.

"The Liberal Democrats support the aspiration of Hounslow being a low tax borough, but this can not be at the expense of our planet."

Related Links:

Cllr Dakers maiden speech - Enabling a one planet economy in Hounslow - 27 June 2006

Original Lib Dem motion - 27 June 2006

Motion as passed by Hounslow Council - 27 June 2006

Cllr Reid - Motion Update on the motion achieving beacon status in sustainable development - Executive, January 2007

Cllr Reid Environment report - Full Council, October 2007 - part 1

Cllr Reid Environment report - Full Council, October 2007 - part 2

Cllr Dakers full speech to full borough council - 31 October 2007