Council defends its green spend

REFORM UK CALL FOR SCRAPPING OF ALL NET ZERO AIMS

- By JAMES ROBINSON

THE leader of Northumberland County Council has defended the local authority's spending to tackle climate change after questions from the Reform opposition.

Coun Glen Sanderson insisted that green energy was "the future" and said carbon emissions had to be reduced for the sake of the county's children.

His comments came after Reform leader Mark Peart questioned the cash the council had put into green initiatives.

Coun Peart, who represents Blyth's Croft ward, branded the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 as "unrealistic".

The county council declared a climate emergency in 2019, setting the carbon neutral goal at the same time.

Nationally, Reform has said it will scrap net zero plans and cut all renewable energy subsidies.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of the county council, Coun Peart said: "How much has been spent to date on the net zero, climate change agenda including staffing, communications, external contractors and consultancy fees?