Tendring District Council (TDC) has set out a realistic plan to cut its carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

Councillors backed an updated Climate Change Action Plan for 2024 to 2027 at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, 26 November.

The move will align the target date for reaching net zero carbon emissions with the Government’s deadline, currently 2050, helping to make the plans achievable.

Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "As a coastal district, we understand the impacts of climate change and are committed to reducing carbon emissions – championing our environment runs through everything we do as part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan.

“Our goal is to achieve net zero by the Government's target date of 2050, as reaching this by 2030 is not financially sustainable for the council on its own.

“This realistic, cost-effective approach allows us to respond to climate change responsibly.

“The updated action plan is both practical and financially viable. Aligning our efforts with the Government's timeline enables us to benefit from forthcoming investments, policies, and regulations.

“We aim to cut the council’s carbon emissions and also take our community leadership role seriously, encouraging residents and businesses to join us in creating a greener, healthier district."

The council was told that the Government will need to regulate to meet the 2050 target, and as it does so new statutory responsibilities for the council would come with new burdens funding to deliver them.

Over time it is expected that innovations in technology will make improvements in carbon reductions better value for money, more locally available and more realistic in terms of delivery.

Since declaring a Climate Emergency in August 2019, TDC has made big strides, cutting its carbon emissions by about 20 percent compared to 2018/19.

The plan includes several key initiatives, including expanding the council’s fleet of electric vehicles, enhancing the efficiency of heating systems, planting more trees, and promoting remote working among staff.

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