Barnsley Council, led by Reform UK, has stated its intention to rescind a climate emergency declaration made in 2019. The council indicated that it is conducting a comprehensive review of all climate and net-zero initiatives, with the goal of discontinuing or modifying programs that do not demonstrate clear benefits to residents, produce measurable financial savings, or fulfill legal obligations.
The council’s withdrawal would apply to the Climate Emergency declaration itself, along with associated targets including Zero40 and Zero45. Zero40 represents the council’s environmental strategy targeting net-zero operations and carbon emissions by 2040, while Zero45 aims for the entire borough to achieve net-zero status by 2045. Resources redirected from these initiatives would be allocated to frontline services instead. Council leadership said the authority would maintain support for practical activities that deliver tangible benefits, such as helping residents reduce energy costs, improving building energy efficiency, decreasing operational expenses, assisting local businesses, securing external funding, or meeting statutory requirements.
A 2024 report had indicated the council was not on track to achieve its carbon reduction objectives. An initial assessment of the review is scheduled for completion by the end of September. The UK government remains obligated under the Climate Change Act to achieve net-zero emissions nationally by 2050, and reaching net-zero status globally is considered essential by the UN’s climate body to limit warming.
This action aligns with similar decisions by other Reform UK-controlled councils. Earlier this year, Wakefield Council voted to rescind its climate and biodiversity emergency declaration from May 2019. Other Reform-led councils including Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Sunderland Council, South Tyneside Council, and Walsall Council have also backed motions to rescind comparable pledges.
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