Havering Council Votes to Scrap Climate Emergency Declaration

23rd July 202623rd July 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Climate Change, Havering Council, Reform min read

Havering Council has voted to rescind its Climate Emergency declaration, saying it will continue to protect the environment while taking what it describes as a more practical and cost-effective approach to environmental policy.

The motion, put forward by the new administration, was approved by councillors at Full Council on Wednesday 22 July.

Despite removing the declaration, the administration says improving Havering’s environment remains a key priority and that environmental projects across the borough will continue.

The motion states that future environmental policies and investment will be guided by practical outcomes, local priorities, affordability, value for money and the council’s responsibility to deliver high-quality public services.

The administration says its focus will be on initiatives that provide the greatest benefit to local residents, including cleaner streets, well-maintained parks and green spaces, improved biodiversity, better waste services, stronger flood resilience and sustainability projects that offer clear value for money.

Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Keith Prince AM, said:

“We don’t need a Climate Emergency in place that will force the Council to try and meet arbitrary targets that cost the taxpayer money.

“We therefore put forward a motion to rescind the Climate Emergency declaration after the last Administration brought it in.

“We believe that effective environmental action does not depend on a symbolic declaration, but on delivering practical action that improves residents’ quality of life and protects the borough’s natural environment for future generations.

“It is clear we need to make sure we have a great place to live, with clean and safe parks and streets. However, we don’t want to pursue net zero-related policies when they place unnecessary cost or restriction on residents, motorists, businesses or essential Council services.

“Ending the Climate Emergency declaration does not mean we will stop sensible and costed environmental improvements that need to take place, but we will consider local needs first rather than trying to meet costly targets.”

The administration says the decision represents a change in approach rather than a change in commitment, arguing that environmental improvements should be driven by local priorities and measurable benefits rather than by what it describes as symbolic declarations.

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