Despite the concerns expressed by opposition parties at the Full Council meeting on 24th September 2026, Reform-led North Northants Council (NNC) reversed its Climate and Environment Emergency Declaration.
Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said:
“Since becoming Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, I have always wanted us to be a realistic council. This is about us knowing what can be achieved, reevaluating how we work going forwards and setting targets that can be delivered.”
“A lot of really positive work is being done across the council, and we fully intend to continue with this work – where it makes sense. With this in mind, we’re proposing to review the previous target of 2030 and aligning ourselves with the prevailing statutory target, which is currently of 2050.”
“We recognise this is an important decision which is why the report will be going through our Scrutiny committee, before Executive make a decision, considering all feedback from Scrutiny.”
“We could work towards the target set of 2030, but it would put a strain on our finances which would, in turn, impact many of our services used and benefitting residents across the whole of North Northamptonshire. Simply, to work towards 2030- the financial investment would need to increase significantly and does not represent good value”.
“Moving to a target of 2050 means we can set deliverable and realistic targets. It would give us more breathing space to deliver the Carbon Management Plan and achieve carbon neutrality at a pace and cost that is determined by operational need and underpinned by business cases, whilst continuing to deliver the vital services we provide”,