BROMSGROVE District Council has launched its action plan to reduce carbon emissions. 

The plan commits the council to become carbon neutral by 2040, significantly before the government timeline of 2050.

Cllr Michael Thompson, portfolio holder for climate change said since the council declared a climate emergency in 2019, it has ‘made significant strides to reduce its emissions’ and is well on its way to meeting its ‘carbon neutral target’.

He said: “Recent data shows already that Bromsgrove is a leader in installing electric charging points for cars.

“What has been important in developing the action plan is to ensure there is no cost passed onto the taxpayer.”

Cllr Thompson said the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) which is biofuel, will be used in the council’s fleets.

He added: “Not only does the plan commit Bromsgrove District Council to becoming neutral, it provides significant help and advice to support residents in doing likewise.

“At this time, a significant number of residents cannot afford electric cars and need their own petrol/diesel transportation to get to work and put food on the table.

“It frustrates me when pressure groups attempt to make people guilty about this.

“Change is achieved together and not by vandalising Monet paintings or sitting in the road stopping decent hard-working people going about their business and earning a living.”