Scarborough Lib Dems Back Measures to Combat Climate Change (Scarborough and Whitby Liberal Democrats)

Scarborough and Whitby Liberal Democrats <info@scarboroughandwhitbylibdems.org.uk>

Scarborough Lib Dems Back Measures to Combat Climate Change

October 20, 2009 8:56 AM

Liberal Democrats in Scarborough are disappointed that Conservative-run North Yorkshire County Council failed to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority's carbon emissions.

Liberal Democrats, at North Yorkshire County Hall, submitted a motion calling on the Council to sign up to the "10:10 Campaign" to reduce carbon emissions. The Conservative led council rejected the motion and were backed by both Independent and Labour councillors. Scarborough Liberal Democrats decided at a recent meeting to put the same motion forward at the next Full Council meeting in Scarborough.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The aim is to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global carbon emissions, in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December. If Local authorities all over Britain do nothing what message does this send out to those who can make a difference?

There is a need not only to reduce energy use, but to protect scarce resources and thus to reduce costs and protect resources for the future. Scarborough is facing some tough decisions on the way in which Council Tax is spent and a close look at transport costs is one way forward. North Yorkshire spends far too much on transport costs due to the size of the county and Scarborough Liberal Democrats say that this is one area where savings could be made through the use of internet technology.

Scarborough's PPC Tania Exley-Moore backed the views of NYCC Lib Dems and said ""I am very disappointed at the response by the Tory ruling group, when other councils, of all parties, right across the country, are signing up to try to achieve these reductions. If they "fully support" the campaign, why not join up".