'Brilliant progress' has been made on tackling the climate emergency over the past six months, West Oxfordshire District Council said.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “Over the past 18 months we have made really good progress in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency, and especially in the past six months we have made some brilliant progress. However, we know there is still much more to do.

“We have been recognised at a national level for our work to promote net zero carbon homes and I am really proud of what we have delivered so far.”

The council has recruited a Biodiversity and Countryside Land Management Officer to create spaces where wildlife can thrive in parks and green spaces, and a Sustainable Planning Specialist to ensure all new housing developments meet the highest sustainability standards.

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Its recently released ‘Net Zero Carbon Toolkit’ which provides homeowners and builders with clear guidance on how to make a home carbon neutral has been praised by organisations across the country looking to use it themselves.

The council is also supporting the county-wide programme to install electric vehicle charging points across West Oxfordshire and running events to promote electric vehicles.

It is also working with communities and town and parish councils on their own climate plans.

Cllr Harvey said: “In April we supported a virtual meeting of our town and parish councils to see what more can be achieved at a local level. I would encourage everyone to think about what they can do in their local area and to speak to their local council if they have any ideas."

It also bought its first electric vehicle to support waste services this year and introduced new software for waste and recycling lorries to reduce the miles travelled and emissions.

Cllr Harvey said: “As a council, we have made a big culture change to put the climate emergency at the heart of all our decisions.”