Councillor Ian Poyser introduced the motion on urging the UK Government to provide additional funds and support to help Plymouth achieve its Net Zero 2030 target. This was seconded by Councillor McLay.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve put forward an amendment to change the recipient of the letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero as it was understood this would be more appropriate given the responsibilities of the role. This was seconded by Councillor Mark Coker.

For (39)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Salmon, Singh, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (1)

Councillor Nicholson.

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (10)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Evans OBE, Hulme, Lowry, Dr Mahony, Rennie, Riley, Shayer and Smith.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Stoneman and Briars-Delve, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Note:-

                      i.        Plymouth has set an ambitious but necessary target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, which is faster than the UK Government's 2050 target. This demonstrates our city's strong commitment to tackle the climate emergency and to be a leader in the transition to a low carbon economy;

                     ii.        However, achieving this target will require significant and consistent investment and support from the UK Government. One of the main obstacles is the availability of funding to insulate homes, improve heating systems, and promote sustainable transport, to name a few example;

                    iii.        The council further notes that achieving the net zero target will bring many benefits to Plymouth, including cleaner air, reduced energy bills, and job creation in the green economy;

2.    The Council therefore resolved:

                      i.        To call on the relevant Cabinet member, following the May 2023 election, to write to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, urging them to provide additional funds and support to help Plymouth reach its net zero 2030 target. The letter should note that:-

a. Plymouth's target is ambitious but achievable, if given appropriate investment and support from the UK Government;

b. One of the main obstacles to achieving this target is the availability of funding to insulate homes, improve heating systems, and promote sustainable transport, for example, and calls for the UK Government to provide additional funds and support to help address these obstacles;

c. The council also notes the importance of engaging with local communities and businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy and urges the UK Government to provide support for community-led initiatives and local businesses to help them transition to more sustainable practices.

For (47)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Lowry, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme and Riley.