A strategy to help decarbonise homes in the borough is required, Wokingham Liberal Democrats have said. 

The party wants to see the creation of a local home decarbonisation (LHD) service which would provide impartial advice to residents on home decarbonising options, including assisting with assessing value for money. 

Vice-chair of the Wokingham Borough Council Climate Emergency Working Group and Liberal Democrat councillor, Sarah Kerr, said: “Decarbonising our homes is not just about tackling climate change.  

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“Insulating homes and generating renewable energy directly on homes also helps with the cost-of-living crisis, as well as tackling health inequalities.”   

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to play as full a role as possible in achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, 20 years sooner than the government’s target of 2050. 

Part of its eight step-plan to achieve this includes reducing carbon dioxide emissions from domestic and business property, reducing carbon dioxide emissions from transport, generating more renewable energy and encouraging behaviour change. 

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The Wokingham Liberal Democrats submitted a council motion requesting that officers prepare a business case assessing the feasibility and options for delivering the LHD service.  

Wokingham Council leader and Conservative councillor, John Halsall, said: “This is an issue that we have looked at and will revisit. However, the current economic climate will necessitate careful examination of any discretionary expenditure after the election for whoever is in power. 

“Inflation, the NHS and Adult Social Care Bill, loss of new homes bonus and the ever-increasing cost of schooling are real headwinds, which we will need to address. 

“The Council will need a steady hand on the tiller to navigate through the turbulent waters, which we are now in.” 

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Insulation is just one of the tools that homeowners can use in reducing their carbon emissions. Others include using heating controls, draught-proofing, low energy lighting and upgrading the heating system. 

Cllr Kerr added: “Investing hard earned income into home improvements can be daunting, especially when there’s a wide range of options and combinations to consider. 

“We know that this in itself is not the complete answer to the challenge […] if this Council is serious about its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, we hope that this motion will receive unanimous support.” 

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Labour councillors have announced that they will voting for the motion if selected in the upcoming local elections. 

Wokingham Labour group leader, Rachel Burgess, said: "The national Labour Party has already set out its plans to invest £60bn over ten years to retrofit and insulate homes, and this local scheme looks set to support the work of a future Labour government.

"Action on the Climate Emergency is beyond the stage of token gestures and protest votes. Local government needs councillors in Council who will use their vote to support the right measures - and this is one of them."