LG conference: fighting climate change and misogyny

Chaired by UNISON vice president Andrea Egan, the first afternoon of this year’s local government conference saw the union pass a three-part composite motion on climate change in local government, alongside one on ending misogyny. Climate change Councils are key to meeting climate change emission targets: they are directly responsible for between 2% and 5% of their local area’s emissions and play a significant role in emissions reduction due to their powers over housing, planning, transport, waste and other issues. 91% of councils have adopted at least one net-zero commitment, and 38% of single and upper tier authorities have declared intentions to decarbonise their local area by or before 2030. As one speaker said: “pledges without implementation plans are absolutely worthless.” Last year, UNISON research uncovered a budget shortfall for councils in England, Scotland and wales of £3 billion. This will jeopardise climate targets. Councils need upfront investment and additional operational budgets. UNISON members called for local councils to retrofit buildings with better insulation, invest in public transport infrastructure, and enhance waste collection and processing. Representing Cymru/Wales local government committee, Kim Russell said such measures would tackle both the cost of living crisis and climate crisis at the same time: “In one go, this will reduce the bills and reduce fuel poverty.” Speaking in support of the motion, Scottish regional delegate Ste...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News 2022 local government conference violence against women Source Type: news