Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council has scrapped its commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, reversing a policy that promised major environmental changes. The Reform UK-led administration is ditching the 'Net Zero Newcastle 2030' scheme and reversing the council's 2019 'climate emergency' declaration. The decision is already generating immediate savings for Newcastle Under Lyme taxpayers, with the biggest financial gain coming from cancelling plans to buy electric waste collection lorries.
The council will now purchase standard vehicles with the latest emissions standards instead of switching to electric models. This switch will save £2.19 million, with an additional £349,000 in financing costs freed up over five years. Each electric lorry would have cost an extra £70,000 compared to standard vehicles, making the total project significantly more expensive for the local authority.
Council leader Jonathan Gullis said residents in Newcastle Under Lyme prioritise reliable bin collections and clean streets over "costly electric bin lorries bought to satisfy a political agenda." Cabinet member Ben Simpson stressed the focus must be on delivering a basic service "properly, consistently and at good value" to local communities.
If Full Council approves the reversal, officers will review all spending connected to the net zero programme. This review will identify what money has already been spent, what legal commitments remain in place, and what additional funds can be freed up from the scheme.