Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Croydon’s finance cabinet member, Councillor Maria Gatland, faces backlash for downplaying climate change as a pressing issue, sparking debate.
Following inquiries about why the council had barely used 22% of its £5 million carbon offset fund over the previous nine years, the unplanned disclosure was made on Wednesday, October 22.
Croydon Community Energy CEO Connie Duxbury blamed the council for prioritizing” internal processes and plans rather than real world delivery” in a question directed at Cllr Jason Cummings. She reminded members that Croydon Croydonhad declared a climate emergency in 2019.
“Shocking” was how Ms. Duxbury described the council’s failure to spend this “essentially free money” in the previous nine years.
Contributions to the Mayor of London’s carbon offset fund, which local governments can utilize for carbon-cutting projects, have been mandatory for developers in London since 2016. The funding comes from new construction developers who can’t reduce carbon emissions on-site by 100%.
Croydon’s spending is “noticeably above average” when compared to other boroughs, according to Cllr. Cummings, who defended the council’s performance. Croydon was “making progress” and spending more than the average for London, he said, but there had been “difficulties across London” because of the intricacy of the funds.
Cllr. Cummings cited expenditures for initiatives such as chalk flower beds, energy-saving measures, the planting of more than 1,000 trees, and energy grants for over 2,300 households. He went on to say that future investments would be “more targeted and effective,” with a number of initiatives already planned.
However, Croydon’s total spend from this fund amounts to £1.1million, leaving £3.9million unspent.
“Residents don’t need more plans and forums,”
Ms Duxbury said.
“They need the remaining £3.9million invested in real projects that cut emissions and save money.”
Cllr. Cummings said that he was unable to provide complete information at this time because they were “not yet in place but forthcoming” when she demanded a delivery plan outlining precisely how and when the monies will be used.
He then added:
“These plans will be coming forward; the council will be spending this money, but it is not top of our priority list right now.”
This unscripted response was met with shouts of “shame”.
It also led to an outburst from a spectator who reminded the council:
“You declared a climate emergency, there is an emergency,”
before being removed from the chamber.
According to Cllr Cummings, the council’s top priorities were matters pertaining to Croydon’s present financial difficulties. The council’s “arrangements to achieve financial sustainability have deteriorated” during the past year, according to a recent auditor’s report that was considered by the council later in the meeting.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) was informed by Ms. Duxbury that she was “disappointed but not surprised” by Cllr. Cummings’ remarks. She warned that the unused cash might be used to assist community sites, reduce emissions, and make homes warmer, stating that it was “now on record that the climate emergency isn’t a priority for the council.”
Last year, the LDRS reported how Ms Duxbury and other climate campaigners criticised Croydon for missing “easy wins” and for failing to engage with the borough’s dedicated volunteer groups to address the crisis. They even staged a dramatic ‘die-in’ protest outside the town hall to highlight the issue.
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said:
“Croydon’s first duty is to fix the finances and get this council back on stable ground. Without that, we can’t deliver any of the improvements residents expect – whether that’s cleaner streets, safer communities, or a better environment.
The previous Labour administration published a Climate Action Plan, but it had no funding attached – it was toothless and couldn’t be implemented. My administration has turned that around, putting in place the resources and structure to make it a practical, deliverable plan that will actually make a difference.
Residents want us focused on the essentials, not chasing headlines. That’s why every penny of our climate funding will go on real projects that cut emissions and improve people’s lives – not meetings, PR exercises or bureaucracy.
We’ll be launching local climate forums in November so residents and community groups can help target that investment where it makes the biggest impact. I’m sure Ms Duxbury and Croydon Community Energy will continue to play their part in that work.”
How local election campaigns might shift after this controversy?
After Councillor Maria Gatland’s contestation over playing down climate change, original election campaigns in Croydon are likely to shift focus significantly toward environmental and climate issues. Opposition parties and activists may use the contest to spotlight the significance of critical climate action and hold the council responsible for any perceived neglect or minimization of climate pitfalls.
Campaigns could see increased emphasis on campaigners’ climate programs, pledges for green enterprise, and commitments to sustainability, situating these as vital election issues. The counterreaction against Gatland suggests voters are sensitive to environmental enterprises, which could impact crusade messaging and precedences.
Also, the contest might consolidate polarization among parties, with pro-climate groups consolidating support by framing the election as a choice between serious climate leadership for climate wisdom.