Agenda item

7.36pm – Councillor Andrew Brown moved, seconded by Councillor Matt Thorley, the special motion in their names:

“This council is committed to work with all residents and put them at the heart of decisions on how we will decarbonise heat and transport, and build a sustainable future for economic, social and environmental prosperity in Hammersmith and Fulham.

We stand by the principal that no one is left behind, and everyone’s choice can and will be supported, allowing all residents to contribute to the 2050 net zero target, at their pace and without unnecessary upheaval.

We acknowledge climate change and the imperative for clean air, reduced pollution and minimal waste. And we also recognise that solutions must be pragmatic, flexible and fair, so no residents – especially those most vulnerable, lose out. One size does not fit all.

This council accepts that it has made mistakes in the past, forcing well intended but ill-conceived changes to local traffic management without considering the wider implications for the local area, the increased air pollution and congestion in key parts of the Borough, and the inherent risk that brings by increasing emergency response times for critical health and emergency services.

In future, the Council commits to deliver on its pledge to “do things with residents, not to them”, and will respect the views of all communities to find a balanced and fair path to achieve its goals that is acceptable to all. The Council facilitates – but the residents choose.”

Speeches on the motion were made by Councillors Brown and Thorley (for the Opposition).

Under Standing Order 15(e)(6), Councillor Wesley Harcourt moved, seconded by Councillor Stephen Cowan, an amendment in their names:

“Delete all after “This Council…” in line 1 and replace with:

…recognises the importance of climate change and so declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 with an ambitious target of net carbon zero by 2030, far sooner than nationally set target dates. The Council further recognises the importance of the work done by the resident led Climate and Ecological Emergency Commission which reported earlier this year.

This Council notes the work already undertaken by the Climate Unit in developing a climate strategy and the continued input of residents into leading the newly established Strategic Implementation Group.

This Council also acknowledges how clean air, reduced pollution and waste contribute to a cleaner, greener future for our residents and recognises the success of Council initiatives such as retro fitting of properties on Gibbs Green, the last mile delivery service and the rapidly increasing number of electric vehicle charging points to list just a few.

This Council hopes that members, residents and businesses will take part in its series of Climate Carnival events scheduled for later this month.

This Council looks forward to continuing to work with residents to bring about the necessary changes that will achieve its ambition for net carbon zero by 2030 and a greener future for our borough.”

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Harcourt, Cassidy, Frances Umeh (her maiden speech), Caleb-Landy, and Cowan (for the Administration) and Councillors Stanton and Brown (for the Opposition).

The amendment was then put to the vote.

FOR                        UNANIMOUS

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING         0

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

Councillor Brown then made a speech winding up the debate before the amended motion was put to the vote.

FOR                        UNANIMOUS

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING         0

The amended motion was declared CARRIED.

8.26pm – RESOLVED

This Council recognises the importance of climate change and so declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 with an ambitious target of net carbon zero by 2030, far sooner than nationally set target dates. The Council further recognises the importance of the work done by the resident led Climate and Ecological Emergency Commission which reported earlier this year.

This Council notes the work already undertaken by the Climate Unit in developing a climate strategy and the continued input of residents into leading the newly established Strategic Implementation Group.

This Council also acknowledges how clean air, reduced pollution and waste contribute to a cleaner, greener future for our residents and recognises the success of Council initiatives such as retro fitting of properties on Gibbs Green, the last mile delivery service and the rapidly increasing number of electric vehicle charging points to list just a few.

This Council hopes that members, residents and businesses will take part in its series of Climate Carnival events scheduled for later this month.

This Council looks forward to continuing to work with residents to bring about the necessary changes that will achieve its ambition for net carbon zero by 2030 and a greener future for our borough.

8.27pm – Councillor Bora Kwon moved a motion under Standing Order 15(e)3 to reorder the remaining special motions in the following order: 5, 4, 2, 7, 6 and 3. Councillor Zarar Qayyum seconded the motion and it was agreed.