Government criticised for moving too slowly on the environment

11.04.48am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 13th Dec 2006

In a letter published in the Eastern Daily Press this week, Cllr Hereward Cooke, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at City Hall, wrote:

"Gordon Brown`s pre-Budget report gives the impression that the Government is beginning to take the environment more seriously. But its conversion to the cause is happening so slowly!

The Chancellor has announced small increases in fuel and air travel costs. These will have little impact on people`s travel habits. He needs to be bolder and follow the example not only of our European neighbours but also the Liberal Democrats' national policy for the Green Tax Switch, where the polluter pays.

His suggestion for a carbon zero house in 10 years time is certainly ambitious, but a much speedier solution is needed now by raising the level of Building Regulations. The Planning Committee at City Hall is powerless to demand of developers the most basic of environmental improvements. As Liberal Democrats we call on the Government to raise the building bar now.

No mention has yet been made of the environmental use to which the Government`s own buildings could be put. Each new school, library, hospital and public building should be boasting a wind turbine or two. The present school building programme in Norfolk would be making a futuristic statement if roof-based turbines produced the power. Each child at these schools would be brought up knowing that this was the best way forward.

The Government has yet to catch the urgency of the eco-friendly wind that is blowing across our land. It needs to act now before that wind becomes a storm of protest."