Sefton Scores Just 35% on Climate Emergency UK's Environmental Scorecard

Climate Emergency UK have done a detailed examination of all Councils' efforts to address the Climate Emergency and marked them on a scorecard with marks awarded for a whole range of factors from biodiversity to home insulation, from renewable enery to waste reduction. 

Sadly all but one Merseyside Council has so far flunked the exam with only the Wirral getting above average marks and Knowsley bringing up the rear. Sefton scores only  an overall 35 % on Climate Emergency’s scorecard but as opposition leader on Sefton Cllr John Pugh says it’s a disturbingly mixed picture. 

“Sefton has always had a very strong record on home insulation and efficient heating and scores 70% for that, but it’s overall score is dragged down by some worryingly low marks in other areas. 
It was awarded only 6% for its land use and planning policies which surely must be due to its readiness to build on flood plains and accept lower environmental standards for new buildings, laying up problems for the future.

It scores only 12 % for its waste reduction, having abandonned wastefood collection and only 19% for biodiversity. The latter score is extraordinary given the richness of our shoreline but may reflect the absence of clear plans to boost the number of urban trees.”

Sefton’s highest marks -73% come for Community Engagement on climate issues.

Cllr Pugh commented . “Ultimately it’s realtime impacts that matter and though its great to have engagement and meetings, we don't want the local outcome to be simply hot air, but meaningful improvements we can measure particularly in air quality throughout the borough. 
We should match Wirral’s progress. It could be co-incidence but the fact that Wirral has until recent times not be under one party control has sharpened up the focus on climate issues. "

 

ENDS 

Full details here  
https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/