Tag: Net Zero

You Say You Want a Devolution

James Piers TaylorLeave a comment

This week, the Greater Essex devolution consultation opened – part of the fast-track reorganisation of local governance. The consultation concerns the proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas of Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council. An area it calls ‘Greater Essex’ but once was just called Essex. The first election for a Mayor is scheduled to take place in May 2026 – in 15 months.

The consultation does not concern the proposals for new unitary local government replacing the existing two-tier system, where services are split between a county and district council. This seems like replacing one two-tier system with another one: county & districts replaced with mayoralty & unitary authorities. Suffice it to say, they are not taking a bioregional approach.

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Park It

James Piers TaylorLeave a comment

Maldon District Council (MDC) is considering charging for the car parks in Burnham-on-Crouch. Some people are annoyed and have started a petition against charging, including friends and people I know. The Town Council has posted a notice promoting the petition on its official noticeboards and some councillors have announced their support for the petition. I take a different position.

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Off Target

James Piers TaylorLeave a comment
Empty lecturn in front of a screen reading 'Autumn Climate Summit 2024'

On the 12th of November, I attended the Essex County Council Autumn Climate Summit ‘Enabling Net Zero New Homes in Essex’. I was excited that the Summit showed a level of ambition aligned with the gravity of the national net zero task and our international commitments. (You can watch a recording of the Summit here).

I was also impressed by the statements that Essex was taking a leading role, especially with the Essex Climate Action Commission Set Targets for all new homes to be net zero by 2025 and for all new buildings to produce more energy than they use by 2030.

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