Have your say on borough’s climate change goals

Residents, local businesses, interest groups and organisations have an opportunity to give their views on local action plans to tackle climate change and air quality issues.

From today (Monday 5 October) to Sunday 15 November, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking people to have their say on the council’s draft plan to make Basingstoke and Deane carbon neutral by 2030.

The Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy has been produced in response to the council’s Climate Emergency Declaration and sets out how the council can lead, enable and inspire others to help achieve its targets.

The draft strategy will set the agenda for the next 10 years, with clear goals focussing on six key areas: action by all; buildings; transport; zero carbon electricity; waste and consumption; and the natural environment.

It sets out where the council can make changes, where it can help others to make changes and where it can encourage and inspire change.
Since the Climate Emergency was declared in 2019 progress has included: holding a climate emergency summit; making climate change at the heart of all decision making; carrying out work to install an EV charging hub; choosing to switch the council’s property portfolio to a renewable energy supply and supporting town and parish councils to work in their areas.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “Climate change remains a huge threat around the world and air quality issues can damage our health. This has a significant impact on everybody who lives and works in the borough.
“Therefore, we must take action now together to tackle these issues locally to create a healthier place to live and work and to help tackle social issues such as fuel poverty.
“The council has an important role to play in reducing climate emissions and enabling and inspiring people in the borough to work together to achieve the ambitious carbon goals set out a year ago. We are really keen for people to read this strategy and share their views as everyone needs to play their part and work together to achieve the borough’s carbon neutral goals.”

To read the full draft strategy and have your say visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climate-consultation
Alternatively, call 01256 844844 to request the survey in a paper version or different readable format.