Reform UK-led Havering Council is rescinding the town hall's 'climate emergency' declaration in a bid to save money, marking the second major policy shift since the party took control in May.
Background of the climate emergency declaration
The previous Havering Residents Association (HRA) administration, in coalition with Labour, declared the climate emergency in March 2023. It was largely a symbolic commitment that former Labour group leader Keith Darvill said "further emphasised both the urgency and seriousness" of the council's climate policies.
However, after winning control of the East London council in May, Reform UK is now set to rescind the climate emergency and prioritise what it calls "proportionate, evidence-based, financially responsible" policies that align with residents' needs.
Second policy shake-up in months
This is the second shake-up of council policy, after the new administration announced it would no longer fly Pride flags on any council-owned buildings. The only flags permitted are the Armed Forces Flag and the national Union Flag.
The motion to ditch the climate emergency declaration will be tabled at a full council meeting later this month, the first since Reform UK won control of the town hall from the HRA.
Council's rationale for the change
The administration, which runs Havering with a 39-councillor majority, says it "recognises that environmental stewardship remains an important responsibility of local government" as regards to maintaining green spaces, keeping streets clean and managing waste.
However, it claims that declaring a climate emergency creates a policy direction that is "disproportionate, financially burdensome and insufficiently balanced" against the council's wider responsibilities. These include supporting local businesses, keeping things affordable for residents, and Havering's "overall financial resilience".
"This council should not pursue environmental or net zero-related policies in a way that places unnecessary cost, restriction, or pressure on residents, motorists, businesses, or essential council services," the motion states.
Five resolutions in the motion
The motion lays out five resolutions, beginning with rescinding the climate emergency. Council officers will be ordered to identify any strategies, plans or targets that are "directly dependent upon or materially shaped by" the declaration or any "non-statutory net-zero ambitions".
Reform UK says the town hall will then ensure that any environmental policies in the future are "considered through a balanced framework" based on value for money, statutory responsibilities, deliverability, the impact on residents, and environmental benefits.
It will only pursue "sensible and practical environmental improvements" and requests that any amendments to council policy are "brought forward through the appropriate constitutional and decision-making processes".
Thanks to Reform UK's sizable majority in the chamber, the motion is expected to pass.
