HEREFORDSHIRE Council leaders say they will publish plans to tackle climate change in the county in April, this year.

The council was one of the many across the country to declare a climate emergency last year and their carbon management plan will set out how they aim to reduce their own emissions over the next five years.

It will also set an interim target on the local authority’s journey to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030/31.

Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing the emissions with carbon removal or simply eliminating carbon emissions altogether.

Penyard ward councillor William Wilding asked council leaders what preparations were being made to address the issue.

“Of the 285 councils to declare a climate emergency, only 35 seem to have published ‘action plans’, he said.

“Could you tell me when Herefordshire intend to publish a plan, and if the general scrutiny task and finish group the climate emergency can see whatever plan has so far been prepared?”

A council spokesperson confirmed they intended to publish the carbon management plan this year.

“This document will set out the council’s plan to reduce its own carbon emissions over the next five years and will set out an interim target on our journey to carbon neutrality by 2030/31,” they said.

“The council is also leading the development of a new countywide strategy and action plan which is being developed in partnership by a new carbon reduction steering group.

“We are currently planning a stakeholder engagement event in March to invite partners to further support the development of this strategy which it is anticipated would be published later this year.

“I would also welcome the support of the new climate emergency task and finish group which I understand is currently supporting the development of these plans.”