Lib Dems call for greater powers to enable Surrey and Woking Councils to takle carbon emissions

The Lib Dems are calling for greater powers for Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council to take action on carbon emissions as figures show progress to cut emissions across the UK has stalled since 2016.

In Woking emissions have fallen from 450 kilotons of carbon emissions in 2016 to 401 in 2018. Across Surrey emissions have gone down too from almost 6,500 in 2016 to just over 6,000 in 2018. However, both reductions are not fast enough to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Highlighting the need for action now, not promises, the Lib Dems are calling for more powers for those who are best-placed to tackle the climate emergency in their areas - namely local authorities like Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council.

Councillor Will Forster, Lib Dem spokesperson for Woking, said:

"The Lib Dems are fighting to tackle the climate emergency and that includes here in Woking and across Surrey. We have a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, but - as things stand - we'll struggle to even meet the 2050 deadline."

"Local authorities are best placed to tackle the climate emergency in their area. We are calling for the Government to give local authorities more powers to take action on carbon emissions. This means powers to tackle congestion, invest in public transport, insulate our homes, and create new green jobs."

Wera Hobhouse MP, Lib Dem spokesperson for the climate emergency and environment, added:

"Unlike the Lib Dems, this Conservative Government does not have a plan to reach net zero."

"These statistics prove - yet again - that we're not making anywhere near fast enough progress to tackle the climate emergency. We need climate action now, not promises to act tomorrow. Climate action delay is no better than climate change denial."

"The next generation are looking to us and we have a duty to act."