Councillor Noreen New (Paddox Ward), an environmental campaigner, is calling on residents to sign a petition calling on the UK Government to ban "problem plastics" (like black plastic trays and styrofoam).
Commenting on the news that local councillors have rejected plans for a gas power station near Old Hutton, MP Tim Farron said:
We've had an amazing response to our Town Survey - thank you so much to all who replied - we really value your comments. It's...
South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats were celebrating last night as Louise Harris became the newest member of South Gloucestershire Council after victory in the Dodington by-election.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has issued a rallying cry in support of local markets, in the week that his Executive agreed a freeze in the cost of pitches in support of local market traders.
The South Central Development Officers and ALDC are pleased to be running three strands of key training for local party members to help in preparations for the May elections. Places can be booked by contacting the regional administrator at info@southcentrallibdems.org.uk. Please give your name, contact number and the session(s) you would like to attend. Connect - 10 November 10:00-16:00 @ Newbury Lib Dem Office, Suite 6, Thatcham House, Turner's Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4QD This day long session is suitable for beginners or for anyone looking for a total refresh and will cover all of the key skills needed as part of the local election campaign including creating lists, prepping for door knocking, virtual phone banks and more. To make the most of the session you will need a laptop with the ability to connect to wireless internet (provided) and an ActionID. You will need to bring your own lunch. There is no cost for the training but booking is essential as it is limited to 12 attendees. This is part of a 2-day pro
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero, called on the government to provide incentives for energy providers to develop solar power in the UK.
Mrs Hobhouse slammed the government for falling behind on meeting the UK’s renewable targets for solar energy capacity. The government plans to deploy 70 GW of solar power across the country by 2035. However, as of 2022, the UK had only installed 14.3 GW of solar pv.
Following a visit to a rooftop solar system installed by Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) at Beechen Cliff School last year, Wera Hobhouse is keen to encourage the development of similar solar projects across Bath. The solar system is predicted to significantly cut the school’s fuel costs and reduce their carbon emissions by 52 tonnes a year.
In the House of Commons on the 27th February, the Bath MP noted that the UK is lagging behind the rest of the world in renewable energy investment, she urged the government to offer incentives to energy providers to improve solar capacity.
However, Andrew Bowie, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, ignored Hobhouse’s proposals, failing to describe the ways in which the government could incentivise solar energy. Instead, Bowie said that the government’s Solar Taskforce would publish recommendations for solar power and reiterated the government’s target to deploy 70 GW by 2035.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero, commented:
“The Conservatives are falling dangerously behind on meeting our targets for renewable energy production. It is no good the government setting an ambitious 70 GW solar target if they are nowhere near reaching it.
“It is clear that they have no plan to get us back on track to reach Net Zero. Evidently, they are more than happy to dismiss perfectly good proposals like incentivising solar power. That is why I am so proud that Bath is home to many community energy projects like the solar system at Beechen Cliff School, so that we can lead the way in renewables.”
“It is not just our climate targets harmed by the Conservatives’ delay. Families in Bath and across the country are struggling to pay soaring energy bills which investment in renewables could curb. That is why we Liberal Democrats would build significantly more renewable energy, aiming to generate 80% of our electricity from renewables by 2030.”
Peter Capener, Managing Director of Bath & West Community Energy said:
“Our work with schools is really demonstrating the value of community energy in both addressing the climate crisis and reducing fuel bills. Rooftop solar installed last year has already saved local schools a combined total of £134,209 and has reduced carbon emissions by 224.3 tonnes, which is equivalent to 12,173 journeys from Bath to Edinburgh by train!”
