County council abandons Essex Climate Action Commission

The move follows the new Reform-led administration's decision to abandon previous net-zero policies, labelling them “net stupid zero” and a “ridiculous endeavour”.

It comes as part of a 100-day plan, where the county council has implemented plans to withdraw secretarial and staffing support from the commission, significantly impacting its operations.

The commission was set up by the council in 2020 to advise on everything from nature and green infrastructure to energy transitions, waste, buildings, planning, water, transport, community engagement and the shift to a circular economy.

It has been widely recognised as one of the most successful place-based climate bodies in the UK.

Despite the funding blow, the ECAC has said it will not be closing and will continue working with communities, businesses and councils across Essex.

Commission chairman Prof Jules Pretty, speaking on behalf of 34 commissioners, warned the decision risks squandering six years of hard‑won progress.

Chair - Professor Jules Pretty, Chair of the ECAC, said the commission will continue its work across Essex (Image: Professor Jules Pretty)

Prof Pretty said: “More than 80 per cent of the UK population realise that climate breakdown is real and striking hard, and is caused by human choices and actions.

“This is the time to demonstrate national and international leadership for economic and environmental outcomes. Climate action is about improving all people’s lives.

“It is sad to see political gestures slow regional action that would be leading to local business growth and social and economic equality, as well as benefitting nature and our access to places that make us healthy.”

Essex has made substantial progress over the past six years on climate and nature action, in line with the priorities of the UK government and the UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The commission’s initial comprehensive report on making the county carbon neutral was published in 2021, containing 100 recommendations across various sectors.

These recommendations were unanimously approved and supported by all political parties in the council in 2021, leading to the first comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

Frustration - Commissioners say abandoning ECAC leaves Essex less prepared for the floods, heatwaves and economic challenges of climate change (Image: Jonathan Francis)

Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, said: “This is not just bad news for the environment, it is bad news for Essex.

“This action risks signalling that Essex is stepping back from the strategic climate leadership, green growth and investment agenda that many new businesses now expect from places to which they might choose to locate.

“It will shatter confidence that the county is serious about attracting low-carbon innovation, securing green jobs and building the resilient, sustainable economy set out in Essex’s own climate commitments. This will cost the people of Essex millions of pounds in new investment and jobs.”

The ECAC has documented 64 significant impacts from its work, including improvements to people’s lives, nature and infrastructure.

One example is the acceleration of rooftop solar and local energy schemes, including guidance for councils and developers on integrating renewables into new housing and commercial projects.

New regional transport strategies include embedding active travel, bus improvements and EV-charging rollout as core climate actions, giving councils shared frameworks for bids and schemes.

Impact - The decision comes amid a spell of extreme heat in Essex (Image: Karen Dickson)

Ivan Henderson, deputy leader of Tendring Council, said: “I am lost for words regarding the direction of travel this new administration is taking on the issue of climate change.

“Last week, we held a summer reception for Freeport East, and most of those attending were businesses and organisations related to the clean, green energy sector. As a director on Freeport East, I know how important these businesses are for the future economic growth across Essex and the Eastern Region.

“This decision couldn't have come at a worse time as we are going flat out to promote the Harwich Bathside Bay development as a future Green Energy Hub, which would deliver hundreds if not thousands of jobs to an area that is in desperate need of economic growth and investment.”

The decision comes amid a spell of extreme heat in Essex, with amber heat health alerts in force and recent heatwaves disrupting schools, rail services and roads, while putting extra pressure on hospitals and vulnerable residents struggling in overheated homes and care settings.

Reality - Councillor Paul Thorogood said the county council cannot withdraw Essex from the reality of climate change (Image: Claudia Bradley, Newsquest)

Braintree district councillor Paul Thorogood said: “The new ECC administration may be able to withdraw its support from the Essex Climate Action Commission, but it cannot withdraw Essex from the reality of climate change.

“Abandoning one of the country’s leading climate commissions is a reckless political choice that will leave Essex less prepared for the floods, heatwaves and economic challenges that are already affecting our communities.”

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "The council is committed to continuing work across Essex on environmental issues such as water and air quality, local nature recovery and flood resilience.

"As the council continues to review its priorities, we plan to step back from the Essex Climate Action Commission from the end of July. The commission was set up by the previous administration and its thinking informed significant activity. 

"The council is grateful for the support and engagement over many years from members of the commission, including the chair, Professor Jules Pretty, and two co-chairs from the Essex Youth Assembly.”