Lib Dems call for greater powers for Wigan Council to tackle carbon emissions

The Liberal Democrats are calling for greater powers for Wigan Council to take action on carbon emissions as figures show progress to cut emissions across the UK has stalled since 2016.

In Wigan emissions have fallen from 1,367.1 to 1,282.6 - not fast enough to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

Highlighting the need for "action now, not promises", the Liberal Democrats are calling for more powers for those who are "best-placed to tackle the climate emergency in their areas": local authorities.

John Skipworth, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Wigan & Makerfield said:

"The Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the climate emergency, and that includes here in Wigan. We have a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, but - as things stand - we'll struggle to even meet the 2050 deadline.

"Local authorities are best placed to tackle the climate emergency in their area. We are calling for the Government to give local authorities more powers to take action on carbon emissions. This means powers to tackle congestion, invest in public transport, insulate our homes, and create new green jobs."

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency and Environment said:

"Unlike the Liberal Democrats, this Tory Government does not have a plan to reach net zero.

"These statistics prove - yet again - that we're not making anywhere near fast enough progress to tackle the climate emergency. We need climate action now, not promises to act tomorrow. Climate action delay is no better than climate change denial.

"The next generation are looking to us and we have a duty to act."