Tendring District Council (TDC) has reaffirmed its support for strong climate action and called on Essex County Council to rethink recent changes to its environmental commitments.

Councillors backed an amended motion at a meeting on Tuesday (1 September), opposing what it described as a “short-sighted” move by the county council to step away from previous climate action, greenhouse gas reduction and nature recovery commitments.

The motion said ECC’s previous policies and strategies were grounded in scientific evidence and developed through years of cross-party commitment and partnership working, including through the Essex Climate Action Commission, the Essex Climate Action Plan and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

As part of the agreed motion, TDC’s Leader Mark Stephenson will write to the Leader of Essex County Council urging ECC, in the strongest possible terms, to reconsider and reverse its decision to end its Net Zero and greenhouse gas reduction policies.

The letter will also seek an itemised account of which environmental commitments will continue, change or cease, and ask for clarity on the future status of the Essex Climate Action Plan.

The meeting heard that Tendring’s coastline, countryside, open spaces and communities are already affected by environmental pressures, from flooding and coastal management to biodiversity loss, air quality and resilience to extreme weather.

Councillors also highlighted the economic opportunities linked to the clean energy sector, including the role of Harwich Port and the wider district in supporting jobs, investment and growth as part of the country’s green energy revolution.

Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said TDC’s own net zero commitments are being backed up by practical projects, including energy efficiency improvements to the boiler system at Clacton Leisure Centre, pool covers and LED lighting, as well as solar panels at the Sunspot business centre in Jaywick Sands. The meeting heard that the schemes show how protecting the environment can also save money through reduced energy use and lower running costs.

“As a council we recognise that climate action, nature recovery and environmental protection are long-term responsibilities that go beyond any one administration,” he said.

“In Tendring, this is not just about reducing carbon emissions. It is about protecting our coastline, improving public health, supporting our economy, reducing waste and saving money for the council and taxpayers.

“The progress made across Essex has been built on evidence, partnership working and a shared understanding of the challenges we face.

“To remove or weaken those commitments without clear evidence, transparency or consultation would risk undermining that progress, which is why we believe climate action, biodiversity and nature recovery must remain clear priorities across the county.

“The question is not whether the UK can solve climate change on its own — it cannot. The question is whether we should be part of the solution. Climate change may be global, but its impacts are local.”

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