Extra £140 million funding for Surrey County Council to fight climate change under the Lib Dems

The Lib Dems have called for an ambitious package of £48 billion for local authorities to tackle the climate emergency, of which an extra £140 million would be invested directly in the local community in Surrey.

This new funding would go directly to Surrey County Council to fund green infrastructure and improve the local environment.

Under new Lib Dem plans the funding for the County Council could be used to upgrade homes in fuel poverty, improve air quality or put directly into community parks and green spaces for local residents across Surrey.

In the forthcoming elections the Surrey Lib Dems have pledged to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030, install new cycle lanes, invest in public transport, create electric vehicle charging points and ensure the Council's buildings are energy efficient and generate their own electricity where possible.

Commenting on the £48 billion local green funding, Lib Dem Leader Ed Davey said:

"Last year the Lib Dems developed a proper green economic recovery plan, calling on the Government to invest £150 billion over three years. Now we are calling for £48 billion of that money to be given to councils and communities to invest in improvements for their local environment."

"Lib Dems care about the environment because local people and communities care about their environment. One of the very few positives over the past year has been people spending more time in their local communities, finding new walks and cycle paths, and enjoying green spaces they hadn't before."

"Wildlife. Clean air. Green spaces. People know, better than ever, that a healthy local environment keeps us all healthy - physically healthy. Mentally healthy."

"Lib Dems want a fairer, greener, more caring society and part of that must mean treasuring our local environment."

Lib Dem County Councillor for Woking South, Will Forster, added:

"The Lib Dems in Surrey are fighting for a greener society. With this funding we would create much-needed cycle lanes, make people's homes energy efficient and turn Surrey County Council into a carbon neutral authority."

"The pandemic has made the value of our local community green spaces clear and we have to re-engage and care about our community environment."

"Our current Conservative Government talks the talk on a greener Britain, but time and time again has failed to walk the walk. The Lib Dems would put green investment into the heart of our communities with millions of pounds for our area."