NEWS RELEASES
Council commits to act against climate change
22nd June 2007
HORSHAM District Council has become the latest local authority to show its commitment to reducing climate change by signing the Nottingham Declaration.
Over 200 local councils have now signed up to the declaration, each pledging to actively tackle climate change in their area and help the UK deliver its national climate change targets.
By taking this step Horsham District Council has agreed to develop a plan over the next two years to address the causes and impacts of climate change in the Horsham District.
The Council will be drawing together actions that it is taking internally to help to address climate change, such as reducing energy consumption in its offices and purchasing goods that use less energy.
It will also work with local businesses on the actions that they can take to reduce energy use and congestion; this will not only make a contribution to tackling climate change but help to improve the local environment and tackle fuel poverty.
Signing the declaration yesterday (21 June) the Leader of Horsham District Council, Cllr Liz Kitchen, said:
“I welcome the Council’s signing of the declaration as this gives a public commitment to the work we will undertake to reduce carbon emissions.
“The Council can’t make a difference to climate change on its own and we do need everyone in the wider community to get involved.
“This is a very important issue that affects us all.”
Cllr Robert Nye, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability at Horsham District Council, added:
“The Council has a good track record in addressing environmental issues and much of the work that we do helps to reduce carbon emissions.
“Signing the Nottingham Declaration gives a renewed impetus to tackling this important issue.
“The Council’s commitment can already be seen with its agreement to incorporate a combined heat and power plant into the new swimming pool in Billingshurst, which will help to reduce the carbon emissions from this new community development.”
Tom Crowley, Chief Executive of Horsham District Council, said:
“By signing this declaration today, I am thinking of my children and their children.
“What we do now, however small, to combat climate change will matter for future generations.”
Further information and advice about tackling climate change locally is available from Helen Peacock at Horsham District Council (tel: 01403 215513, email: helen.peacock@horsham.gov.uk)
Ends
Note to editors
Horsham District Council
Horsham District Council is committed to addressing the causes and impacts of climate change. The Council has a long track record of addressing such issues, however, signing the declaration will provide the impetus to draw together current actions on reducing the Council’s own carbon emissions as well as working with partners and the wider community to reduce carbon emissions across the Horsham District.
About the Nottingham Declaration
The Nottingham Declaration is a voluntary pledge to address the issues of climate change. It represents a high level, broad statement of commitment that any council make to its own community. The declaration was originally launched at a conference in Nottingham with 200 leaders, chief executives and senior managers of UK local government.
The declaration is designed to be signed by the Leader and Chief Executive of a council. In doing so, they are committing to ensuring that tackling climate change is a cornerstone of the Council’s strategy.
Addressing the effects of climate change can bring social, environmental and financial benefits for a local authority.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk