A major step forward has been made in North Tyneside Council’s fight against climate change as ambitious plans get the green light.
Twenty years ahead of the national target date, it was agreed at Full Council last night (September 23) that the Local Authority will work towards being a carbon net zero borough by 2030.
An action plan will be published on the steps the Council will take and the national investment it will seek to help work towards the target.
The climate commitment is part of the refreshed Our North Tyneside Plan – the overarching Council Plan which has been updated to reflect the priorities of the Mayor and Cabinet over the next four years.
It features five themes aimed at creating a North Tyneside that is thriving, family-friendly, caring, secure and green and has been shaped using feedback from residents during engagement over the summer months.
North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “We are a council that listens and works better for residents and I would like to thank everyone who provided their feedback. We have taken it all on board and the plan really reflects your views.
“At the heart of our plan, is our vision to not only recover from the pandemic but build back stronger and better.
“Cabinet and I are determined that North Tyneside is a place where local businesses and high streets thrive; all areas benefit from regeneration; our children and young people continue to receive an outstanding education and families flourish; great care is offered to those who need it; and deprivation is tackled and inequalities are reduced.
“But North Tyneside will only thrive in the future if it is sustainable. A key priority for us is working together with residents and businesses, while lobbying the Government, to really work towards North Tyneside becoming carbon net zero. A lot of great work has already taken place and we look forward to building on our successes in the coming months and years.”
The Council has made significant inroads since it declared a climate emergency in 2019, which has seen an ongoing programme to replace all streetlights with LEDs; use of more electric vehicles; vast improvements to the energy efficiency of council homes and buildings; sustainable transport routes, plans and consultations for sustainable travel options; tree planting and biodiversity areas; substantial investment in leisure facilities to decarbonise heating systems and more.
Its focus on minimising the use of single-use plastics has seen water fountains installed; beach toy recycling boxes; promotion of sustainable businesses; and a 6ft sculpture of a seal created out of litter to help people visualise the impact of such litter on the environment and marine life.
Cllr Sandra Graham, cabinet member for Environment, said: “This net zero 2030 announcement, twenty years ahead of the national target, shows just how seriously we’re taking our responsibilities.
“However, we only have control over two per cent of the borough’s carbon emissions, so while we will lead by example, we absolutely need the help of residents and businesses in the area. We can all take small steps – like recycling, making one less car journey, turning heating down – to help. Together, we can make a difference if we act now.”
Through the Council Plan and its five themes, the council will build on its track record of delivery over the past eight years, with regeneration across the whole of the borough, more good quality jobs, apprenticeships and access to skills training, support for businesses and keeping libraries and leisure centres open as part of a vibrant cultural offer.
Children and young people will continue to receive high-quality education, benefit from outstanding children’s services and have the very best start in life. Great care will be offered to everyone who needs it and support provided to local community groups and the essential work they do.
The Council is also committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, investing in roads and pavements, providing 5,000 affordable homes, and tackling inequalities and food poverty.
