Climate emergency issues discussed by councils

Town councillors in Newtown have been updated on the work being undertaken to tackle climate change in Powys and how the two councils can work together on such issues.

Newtown Town Council declared a Climate Change Emergency in May 2019. It also appointed two lead councillors for climate change work in the town.

This week Powys County Council's Climate Change Officer met with councillors to present the council's work. The county council has already declared a Climate Emergency.

Martin Kemp spoke with town councillors on Monday to highlight areas of mutual interest and potential co-operation and/or collaboration in the future and gave a presentation to the councillors including the below topics:

• The Local Climate Context: floods of Feb & August 2020
• Powys CC’s Aims: Reducing carbon emissions / net-zero by 2030
• Powys CC’s actions on climate change: LED streetlights, rainwater collection, EV
charging points, solar panels, active travel schemes, energy efficient homes and
schools
• Collaborative success: including Skillshop & Open Energy in Newtown, Just
Transition, Affordable Warmth scheme, Digital Inclusion
• Collaboration opportunities: Share Climate Change visions & actions, submit
solutions and pledge to act on “Grow In Powys”.

"After the presentation Mr Martin Kemp invited and answered questions. Within this discussion it was noted that Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Place Plan sets out future actions on the theme of Biodiversity and Climate Change," said a town council spokesperson.

"The Town Council following its declaration of Climate Emergency, is also working with Climate Action Newtown and Circular Economy Mid Wales."

Town Mayor, Cllr Richard Williams, said: "Thank you to Martin from Powys County Council for coming to talk to the Town Council about the priorities and ambitions of Powys County Council in addressing Climate Change and we look forward to working with the County Council in helping deliver a zero carbon Powys."