Agenda item
Urging the UK Government to Provide Additional Funds and Support to Help Plymouth Achieve Its Net Zero 2030 Target
Minutes:
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.
Supporting documents: