Leaders say scrapping net-zero plans has saved over £10.5 million

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has saved over £10.5 million by cancelling its commitment to achieve carbon net zero by 2030.

Following a detailed review of planned expenditure, the new Reform UK administration reversed a 2019 decision to declare a 'climate emergency' and identified significant financial savings on planned 'net zero' projects.

The breakdown of savings includes:

£2.191 million from cancelling plans for electric refuse vehicles.

£4.2 million from avoiding the need for charging infrastructure for these vehicles.

£4.178 million from scrapping various other planned Net Zero and sustainability projects.

Further rejected proposals included installing air source heat pumps at Jubilee2 leisure centre, and environmentally-driven upgrades at Keele Cemetery, Bradwell Crematorium, and Knutton depot.

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis stated that the administration prioritises taxpayer interests over the previous administration's "Net Zero spending spree."

"We have pulled the plug on the previous administration’s Net Zero spending spree and put taxpayers first," Gullis said.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance Graham Shaw emphasised that the council aims to invest in community-centred initiatives, featuring projects like the new all-weather pump track at Lyme Valley Park, rather than "ideological Net Zero projects."

Simon Tagg, leader of the Conservative Group at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, criticised the cancellation, describing the savings as "fantasy-driven."

"Much of this relates to future spending that, in many cases, wouldn’t have been required until the mid-2030s, depending on future government policy’s relating to phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles (which all councils have to plan for in the medium term)." Tagg said.

"As for Jubilee2 Leisure Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council officers said the boiler was coming up for replacement because, after 14 years, it was due for renewal to prevent costly breakdowns, pool closures and service disruption. External funding was secured to pay towards the replacement."

Tagg questioned if external funding for the boiler replacement at Jubilee2 Leisure Centre would have to be returned, stating, "If so, that’s money the council would no longer have. Claiming it as a saving is simply misleading."

The council's decision to avoid borrowing is projected to save £603,000 in revenue costs between 2027/28 and 2031/32, aiding its Medium Term Financial Strategy and enabling investments in local priorities.

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