Essex County Council cuts deny people access to cheaper, cleaner energy

The decision of the Reform-run Essex County Council to close its Community Energy Programme will deny thousands of people across Essex the opportunity to enjoy cheaper, cleaner energy, says the Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Liberal Democrat Davd Worsfold.

“Community energy schemes have been proven successful across the country. They provide clean solar powered energy at a much lower cost than commercial provider. They address the cost of living crisis, as well as the climate emergency by reducing fossil fuel emissions.

“We have been working with Ingatestone & Fryerning Parish Council to establish a community energy company with the support of Essex County Council. Now, we will have to do it without them but are determined to see this project to fruition.

“The cuts are driven by Reform’s wilful ignorance of the causes and impacts of climate change.

“There are many other ways the Community Energy Programme has helped people cut their bills which will now be consigned to the dustbin of political ignorance by Reform.

“For example, Essex CC received a £6 million warmer homes grant last year but will no longer have the staff to apply for any such projects in future. These grants have helped people identify ways of reducing their energy bills, guided by the Community Energy Programme team.

The lost £6m dwarfs Reform’s forecast saving of just £1.64m in the next two years, before Essex CC is abolished. Much of the saving will be swallowed up by redundancy costs”, said Cllr Worsfold who Chairs the Clean & Green Committee at Brentwood.

The Liberal Democrat and Independent group at Essex County Council called the decision "desperately short-sighted."

"The Reform UK leaders at Essex CC are cutting capacity and projects designed to protect the environment and this may have a real impact on more vulnerable members of society,” said Liberal Democrat Group Leader David King (Colchester North).

"Reform have ignored the advice of the Director of Public Health who says their decisions risk active travel planning, which promotes safe walking cycling and wheeling with benefits for traffic reduction cleaner air, obesity reduction and the health of our children."

King also attacked the "poorly thought through decision that tries to save money but which will also cost money, from making staff redundant."