Civic chiefs act on climate change but should do more says Lib Dems (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Civic chiefs act on climate change but should do more says Lib Dems

8:10am Wednesday 31st March 2010 in Politics By Warwick Payne

EVERYONE in Winchester must work together to reduce its carbon footprint, senior councillors heard.

But the £20,000 put forward to tackle the problem is not enough, opposition politicians in the city argued.

The ruling Tory cabinet at Winchester City Council examined the plans at a recent meeting.

They decided to spend £20,000 on insulation, looking into combined heat and power schemes, and raising awareness of the issue.

They hope to promote the cause by working with Winchester Action on Climate Change. It was formed in 2007, just as the city was named as having Britain’s largest carbon footprint per person.

Cabinet members also heard that the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, the University of Winchester, and Hampshire Constabulary were striving to be greener too.

Yet Lib Dem opposition leader, Cllr Kelsie Learney, argued that the authority should do more, and rely less on others.

“I think we’re hiding behind our partners. We have to show a willingness and leadership that inspires, that’s what is needed, and not just ticking all the boxes.”

Council leader, Cllr George Beckett, said: “I don’t think we’re hiding behind our partners at all, but the council cannot achieve this on its own.”

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Frank Pearson, added that Winchester was a smaller council than others and that limited how much it could spend on climate change.

“With some other councils, the amount that they waste bringing forward programmes like this is more money than we have to start with,” he said.