Leaders of the newly formed Reform council in Walsall have submitted a Notice of Motion to scrap the authority’s net-zero targets at its next public meeting on Monday, July 27. Councillor Elaine Williams, leader of the authority, and Deputy Leader Councillor Nicky Barker are behind the move, which seeks to rescind the climate emergency declaration made by the council in 2019.
Background on the Climate Emergency Declaration
Walsall Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, following the Local Government Association’s own declaration at its AGM earlier that year. The council vowed to take appropriate action in the fight against climate change. However, the new Reform leaders have described the declaration as performative and argued that it did not benefit Walsall taxpayers.
In the meeting documents, the pair stated: “This administration is committed to delivering best value for residents, ensuring that taxpayers’ money delivers direct, local benefit and good outcomes, rather than chasing arbitrary targets or virtue signalling.” They emphasized that “undeclaring a climate emergency is not a withdrawal from action on the environment” but rather a recognition that the language of ‘emergency’ does not deliver better outcomes for residents.
Details of the Motion
The Notice of Motion calls for the council to rescind its earlier climate emergency declaration, review resources to ensure investment is ‘targeted on practical interventions’, and review internal spending and policies related to the declaration. Ahead of the May elections, Reform UK vowed to end the ‘net zero madness’ at Walsall Council, claiming that over £23 million of taxpayers’ money had been spent ‘in pursuit of net zero by 2041’.
With a majority of 39 members out of 60, it is very unlikely that the Reform motion will fail. Councillor Williams and Councillor Barker argue that the council should focus on actions within its control that improve everyday life and focus limited resources where they are most needed.
Impact and Next Steps
If approved, the motion would mark a significant shift in the council’s environmental policy, moving away from the net-zero target set for 2041. The Reform leaders have stressed that the move is not a withdrawal from environmental action but a refocusing on tangible outcomes rather than ticking boxes. The meeting is scheduled for July 27, and the outcome is widely expected to favor the Reform motion given their majority.
