22nd March 2007

The main proposal before us tonight is that climate change is biggest issue facing the UK today.

We’re all aware of the challenges that we face as private individuals and public authorities.

  • I want Waltham Forest to be at the forefront of efforts to bring about change and show leadership on our efforts to support our environment.
     
  • I want our response to the growing climate change agenda to be innovative and positive.
     
  • We need to take decisions in this chamber which not only set the agenda on climate change in this borough, but also present solutions to the people of this borough.  
     
  • We need to work to make green choices the easy choices.
     
  • Our services need to be green in a way which simply makes sense to people, and where they can reject unsustainable alternatives as daft.
     
  • We need to capitalise on the enormous public will to take action against climate change by both educating and enabling our residents.
     
  • We need to harness the commitment and enthusiasm of local residents that has seen Waltham Forest’s recycling rate become one of the best in London.

But we will only have authority on this issue if we ourselves are seen to be leading the way in our practice and delivery.

On Tuesday night, Cabinet agreed a new structure and purpose for  Waltham Forest’s partnership group – the local strategic partnership. I’m delighted that as part of this new structure, Cllr Bob Belam is going to lead a climate change group which will include all of our partner organisations such as health, the police and the local business community. This group will allow us to share good practice across the borough and speak with one voice on environmental issues.

We’re also going to develop our own climate change strategy to tackle the issue head on. Let's be clear about what we’re already doing:

  • We’re working locally with the Mayor of London to improve public transport and are proud to continue to fully fund free public transport for older people in the borough
     
  • Our major sites are supplied with energy  generated in an environmentally manner, and we’re working with housing partners to build environmentally sustainable homes, such the recent schemes at Wadsworth Court and Hennessey Court
     
  • And we’re making it easier for people to make good choices

I’m proud to be the Leader of a Council which every year for the past four years has increased its investment in recycling – supporting the passionate commitment of our residents’ recycling.  

We support people’s lifestyle in lots of ways from giving a grant to new parents who choose towelling nappies to providing over 40 miles of cycle lanes throughout the borough.

But we know that this isn’t enough and we have to renew our commitment to the green agenda. We need to make sure that we’re at the forefront of the agenda. The Nottingham Declaration will help us focus on this and we must sign up to it,