Barnsley Council set to rescind 2019 climate emergency declaration

Zero40 is Barnsley Council’s environmental strategy aiming for the authority’s operations and carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2040, while Zero45 is its strategy to make the entire borough net zero by 2045, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A report from 2024 stated the council was not “on track” to reduce its carbon emissions.

Brown said the council would continue to back practical work that delivered clear benefits for residents and businesses.

This includes activity that helps households cut energy bills, improves the energy efficiency of homes and council buildings, reduces long-term running costs, supports local businesses, secures external funding for the borough or is needed to meet statutory duties.

“The war on woke is only just beginning. We have taken the first steps, but there is much more to do,” he said.

“We have stood up for our countryside, got the bins back on track and we are standing firm on our intention to withdraw the climate emergency declaration.”

An initial report will be completed by the end of September.

Earlier this year, Reform-led Wakefield Council voted to rescind its climate and biodiversity emergency declaration from May 2019.

Other Reform-led councils such as Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Sunderland Council, South Tyneside Council and Walsall Council also backed a motion to rescind the pledges.