Conservatives are leading the way on West Lindsey District Council in dveloping a Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment Strategy as part of the council's steps to achieve net-zero carbon across the district by 2050. To help shape the strategy for the district, the council is turning to local residents to take part in an online survey so that they can tell us what is important to them.

A cross-party motion was presented to the council that recognised the scale of the climate crisis. It follows a ‘life changing report’ from the   Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018. It called for ‘deep emissions reductions and rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society’. In 2019, a statutory target for net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050 was set by the UK Government.

West Lindsey District Councillors agreed to work together to produce a Sustainability, Environment & Climate Change Strategy to identify ways of achieving a net-zero carbon position by 2050 and protect the natural environment. However, before the strategy can be drawn up, the council values the views of local people and would like to hear their thoughts on the issue.

Councillor Tracey Coulson, Member Champion for Environment and Climate Change at the council is calling for people to have their say. She said:

“I would urge everyone in the district to get involved and tell us what they think about these critical issues by completing the online survey.

“We have contacted all of the Parish and Town Councils across the district to encourage them take part and to submit their thoughts as they are actively involved in shaping their communities.

“We are also particularly keen to hear the thoughts of young people across the district and have contacted schools to ask if they will encourage their pupils to participate. We would like as many young people to take part and also design and submit posters related to the topic which we will display. Our young people are our future and their ideas are really important.”

The Council is seeking feedback on the following:

• Whether the work so far focuses on the right areas.
• Does it cover everything it should?
• Are there actions that individuals, communities, the council and national government could take, or are already taking forward themselves to improve matters?

Cllr. Coulson added:

“The information gathered from all our citizens, communities, businesses and interest groups will inform how we shape our plans for reducing carbon emissions and the steps we take to ensure that West Lindsey is a great place to be where people, business and communities can thrive and reach their potential.”

The survey launched on Monday, 6th July 2020 and will close on Friday, 14th August 2020.

• The survey can be accessed www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/climatesurvey/
• In addition, a separate survey for young people to respond to is available to use and can be accessed www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/climateypsurvey/

For more information please visit: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/climate/

The council plans to hold further engagement and consultation events later in the year to provide the opportunity for interested parties to review and feedback on the draft strategy which is set to be agreed by the council in May 2021.