West Oxfordshire District Council to be carbon neutral in 2030

The policy is a keystone of the authority's environmental draft Council Plan 2020-24, which its cabinet recommended approval of last Wednesday.

Tomorrow, the full council will meet to consider the adoption of this draft plan.

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Among the plan's other objectives are meeting housing needs, improving transport and creating a 'vibrant' economy.

Leader James Mills said that the council will not ‘spend recklessly’ to achieve its aims.

He went on: "This authority continues to be highly efficient and our council tax remains the second lowest in England.

"Sound investment and prudent financial management ensure we can continue to be ambitious with our future plan and be confident that we will continue to offer residents value for money.

"Predicting what is going to happen over the coming years can be difficult but it is something that we as a council have to do to ensure the sustainable development of our district, ensuring it remains a beautiful and inspiring place while meeting the ever-evolving challenges of the 21st century."

Speaking about the environment, Mr Mills said: “The importance of climate action cannot be overstated.

“We are responsible for doing as much as we can to combat the dire effects of climate change, it must be a consideration in everything we do.

“Electric car charging points, reducing single use plastics, boosting recycling rates and promoting biodiversity are just the start of a developing policy which will escalate significantly in the medium term.”

The culmination of these policies is WODC’s aim to be a carbon neutral council by 2030.

The council aims to tackle housing need by ensuring an adequate supply for those in need of affordable housing.

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It hopes to do this by increasing the number of affordable housing units delivered annually in order to reduce the housing waiting list.

Mr Mills said: “The council has been working with a number of partners on different schemes as housing is one of the most significant costs for people.

“We must ensure there is sufficient affordable housing to allow people to live and work comfortably without having to travel long distances.

“Strong local communities must be developed and encouraged building a sense of place and belonging in the area rather than simply somewhere to exist.”

With regards to transport issues, the council will also look to address both short and long term enhancements to the A40 and the Cotswold railway line.