Mayor Dave Hodgson and the Lib Dems to Sign the Council up to 10:10 Climate Change Campaign

Bedford Borough Council is set to take radical action to tackle climate change by signing up to the national 10:10 Climate Change Campaign, thanks to Mayor Dave Hodgson and the Liberal Democrats. The campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010, and the Council will commit to reaching this target as part of Dave Hodgson's drive for real action to protect the local and wider environment.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "We're all concerned about our local and wider environment, but it's only by being bold that we will really make a difference. That's why Bedford Borough Council will sign up to the 10:10 campaign and set itself the very tough target of cutting its carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. I have a passionate commitment to this issue, and will ensure the council does all it can to help the environment. A big part of this effort will involve cutting our energy use, which will help the environment and save local taxpayers' money.'

"I have signed up personally to the 10:10 campaign to cut my own carbon footprint by 10% next year. I hope that local residents, community groups and businesses will also join in. By working together we can make a big impact, and be proud that Bedford Borough is taking a lead to protect the environment for current and future generations."

Mayor Dave Hodgson has already outlined bold plans to improve the Council's own environmental performance and to support individuals, community groups and businesses to take action. These include plans to establish a climate change fund, which will grant funds for projects which help to reduce carbon emissions, while the council will also be accelerating its efforts in cutting its own energy use.

The commitment to signing up to the 10:10 Campaign was made thanks to a Liberal Democrat proposal at last week's meeting of the Sustainability Committee, which received unanimous support. It comes shortly after a Liberal Democrat motion in the House of Commons to commit the Government to joining the campaign was voted down by Labour MPs.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner Henry Vann backed the move, saying: "Just a few days ago, Labour MPs voted against a Liberal Democrat motion calling on the government and all public sector bodies now to make it their policy to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2010.'

"This decision was a deeply disappointing return to partisan politics from Labour, and I welcome the council's decision to go ahead with the 10:10 pledge."