Climate change and biodiversity issues are high on the agenda for the new administration at South Hams District Council, with a pledge of £40,000 to support the work of Sustainable South Hams and the formation of a new council advisory panel for climate matters.
The Council's Executive has agreed to give the substantial grant to Sustainable South Hams to continue their district-wide work in fighting climate change. The organisation supports grassroots climate projects across the South Hams, sharing knowledge and inspiration between its member groups.
Our new Climate Change and Biodiversity Advisory Group will use specialist and expert knowledge to support the Council and wider community's climate ambitions. Its core aim will be helping develop district-wide projects that have an influence on lowering carbon emissions.
It's a statement of intent from the new administration following May's elections, who are determined to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergency, which was first declared by the Council in 2019.
Cllr John McKay, South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: "As a Council, we're delighted to support SSH with this grant, as they will be a key organisation and contributor to the development of an integrated district-wide plan to address climate change and to protect and enhance our environment.
"SSH will bring a lot of expertise to our new advisory panel through its network of local affiliate organisations, as well the impressive organisational skill it has demonstrated over the last 12 months. All at the Council look forward to working with them."
Jane Nichols, CEO of Sustainable South Hams, said: "We're really delighted and thrilled that South Hams District Council are prioritising climate change and nature across the South Hams and look forward to collaborating with them."
Climate change and biodiversity is one of the priorities for the new administration, alongside issues such as the housing crisis. Based on its manifesto commitments, the new administration is now agreeing how and when it will develop and deliver the Council's priorities and ambitions over the next four years, so it can provide the best services possible to residents in the South Hams.