New 'green' plan required in the face of funding pressures

Council chiefs in South Tyneside are planning a new set of net-zero measures in the face of increasing funding pressures.

- by Tom Patterson

South Tyneside Council's five-year Sustainable South Tyneside Strategy comes to an end this year and - despite exceeding its first interim target with a 30% cut in carbon emissions - it is reviewing its 2030 target and strategy.

Senior councillors will be told the authority is entering a "transition phase in its journey towards carbon neutrality" when they meet next week-and a new five-year strategy is being developed in the face of tighter finances.

Carbon reductions have been achieved by implementing changes, including switching to LED lighting in buildings and on the streets, and installing solar panels at key council sites.

It says, however, that recent progress has been slower due to a range of factors, including funding constraints and the rollout and uptake of new technology such as heat pumps.