Letter from Cllr David Grant, Chair of the Vale of White Horse Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, to Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council

Released on June 26, 2020 Cllr David Grant, Chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee at Vale of White Horse District Council, has written on behalf of the committee to Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council

Dear Cllr Hudspeth,

I am writing as chair of the Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC) following our recent committee meeting on 1 June 2020. At this meeting CEAC members noted that national statistics and reports have shown that the Covid-19 lockdown has had the impact of cutting transport carbon emissions across the UK.  It is the view of the CEAC that this trend should be harnessed, and subsequent opportunities to support this continued reduction should be reviewed and monitored.

All CEAC members voted in favour of showing support for providing greater space for cycling and active travel both during the Covid-19 pandemic and after, with financial support being distributed fairly across the district.  Where temporary measures are adopted, and prove to be successful, the committee would support such provisions becoming a permanent measure. To this end, the CEAC will be recommending to Cabinet on 10 July 2020 that it confirms its ongoing support for cycling and active travel and subsequently Full Council, should Cabinet be in favour.

We would also be happy to engage with and assist Oxfordshire County Council on identifying possible new cycle routes and improvements that could be implemented, from current or future funding.

Vale of White Horse District Council committed to the adoption of the following targets to address the climate emergency on 6 December 2019;

Vale of White Horse District Council to reduce its own carbon emissions by 75% by 2025 and become a carbon neutral council by 2030. In addition, Vale of White Horse District Council to reduce district-wide carbon emissions by 75% by 2030 and aspire to become a carbon neutral district by 2045.

Whilst recommending these targets, the CEAC noted that national statistics 2017 evidenced that 46 per cent of Oxfordshire’s emissions are related to transport. Due to the intersectional nature of our councils, we welcome the opportunity to work together. The CEAC recognises and welcomes Oxfordshire County Council’s similar intent to fully play a part in creating a zero carbon Oxfordshire and believe transport measures have a central role in achieving this shared ambition.  

Yours sincerely,

Cllr David Grant

Chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee