Wakefield Council looks set to abandon its target to become a carbon-neutral authority by 2030 and to scale back other climate commitments, under recommendations due before cabinet on 21 July.
Change after political shift
The move comes after Reform UK won control of the authority in May, taking 58 of the 63 council seats. A report to cabinet recommends “agreeing a practical approach to end some of this council's climate-related activity” and would see the authority unpublish its existing climate action plan and remove the role of climate change elected member champion if approved.
Under the previous Labour administration the council had declared a climate emergency and pledged both to be carbon neutral as a council by 2030 and to deliver a net zero district by 2038. The report argues those targets are “unachievable” and that money should be refocused on work it says will directly benefit residents.
Where funds would be redirected
If the recommendations pass, the council would cut the climate change budget by £170,000 and alter how it spends on environmental priorities. The proposals highlight several practical areas to be prioritised:
- upgrading around 72% of the council’s ageing vehicle fleet
- improving recycling performance
- supporting residents and businesses to become more energy efficient
- maintaining more than 600 green spaces across the district
At the same time, the report recommends withdrawing support from the Wakefield Net Zero Partnership — a network that links local organisations and community groups to share sustainability practice — and stepping back from the Yorkshire and Humber Climate partnership.
“This is not about denying the science behind climate change, but focusing the work of the council on action that can be delivered and will benefit our residents.”
Staff and service implications
The report warns the changes could have workforce consequences, which may require formal trade union consultation. It also states the council will prioritise work on its property, vehicles and green spaces, rather than pursuing borough- or authority-wide net zero targets.
| Previous pledge | Proposed change |
|---|---|
| Authority carbon-neutral by 2030 | Target to be abandoned |
| District net zero by 2038 | Described as not required for “focused action” |
| Climate change budget | Reduction of £170,000 |
The proposals mark a clear shift in local policy priorities following a dramatic electoral change. Residents and organisations involved in Wakefield’s sustainability partnerships will be watching cabinet discussions on 21 July for confirmation of how the council intends to balance immediate service needs with long-term environmental commitments.
Further details are expected at the cabinet meeting, where members will formally consider the report and its recommended changes.
