Reform UK-led Barnsley Council has announced plans to withdraw its climate emergency declaration made in September 2019, as part of a comprehensive review of all climate and net-zero activity across the authority.
The council stated that programmes lacking a clear resident benefit, financial saving or statutory requirement should be modified or discontinued. The review will examine climate-related targets, programmes, budgets, contracts, partnerships, strategies and performance measures, according to the council's official announcement.
The authority intends to withdraw its Climate Emergency declaration, along with Zero40 and Zero45 net-zero targets, redirecting resources toward frontline services instead.
What is the council's rationale?
Council leader William Brown stated the administration's position clearly:
Our focus is on practical priorities that matter to residents, rather than ideological targets and costly political posturing.
Brown indicated the council would continue supporting practical initiatives that deliver measurable benefits. These include activity that helps households reduce energy bills, improves energy efficiency in homes and council buildings, lowers long-term operating costs, supports local businesses, secures external funding for the borough or fulfils statutory obligations.
The leader also remarked:
The war on woke is only just beginning. We have taken the first steps, but there is much more to do. We have stood up for our countryside, got the bins back on track and we are standing firm on our intention to withdraw the climate emergency declaration.
What do the existing targets require?
Zero40 is Barnsley Council's environmental strategy aiming for the authority's own operations and carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2040. Zero45 is the complementary strategy intended to make the entire borough net zero by 2045.
However, a council report published in May 2024 concluded the authority was not on track to reduce its carbon emissions in line with these targets.
The UK remains legally obliged under the Climate Change Act to reach net zero nationally by 2050. Net zero means balancing the amount of planet-warming greenhouse gases produced by human activities with the amount being actively removed from the atmosphere. According to the United Nations' climate body, reaching net zero CO2 emissions is essential to limit global warming.
What is the timeline for this review?
An initial report will be completed by the end of September 2026, according to the council. Following completion of this initial assessment, recommendations will proceed through the council's standard decision-making processes.
Is this part of a wider trend?
Barnsley is not alone in this approach. Earlier this year, Reform-led Wakefield Council voted to rescind its climate and biodiversity emergency declaration from May 2019. Other Reform-led councils including Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Sunderland Council, South Tyneside Council and Walsall Council have also backed motions to rescind similar pledges.
This movement reflects broader policy shifts among Reform-led administrations. Lincolnshire County Council previously scrapped its 2050 carbon neutral target due to financial concerns, a decision that sparked criticism from environmental groups and debate over the feasibility of net zero goals.
Meanwhile, other councils are pursuing different environmental strategies. Bradford Council aims to increase tree canopy cover to 17%, create more nature reserves, and expand green spaces to enhance biodiversity and habitat restoration.
Key Facts
- Barnsley Council's climate emergency declaration was approved in September 2019
- The review covers all climate-related targets, programmes, budgets, contracts, partnerships, strategies and performance measures
- An initial report is due by the end of September 2026, with recommendations then subject to standard council decision-making processes
- A May 2024 council report found the authority was not on course to meet its carbon emissions reduction targets
- Multiple other Reform-led councils have similarly voted to rescind climate and biodiversity emergency declarations
