Earlier this year Powys County Council appointed Mr Martin Kemp as their new Climate Change Officer. Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, which declared a Climate Emergency in May 2019 and since elected two lead councillors for climate change work, welcomed Mr Kemp to their last full council meeting held virtually on Monday 24th May 2021.
During the meeting Mr Kemp introduced the role work of the Powys County Council climate change officer and highlighted areas of mutual interest and potential co-operation and/or collaboration in the future and gave a presentation to the councillors including the below topics:
- The Local Climate Context: floods of Feb & August 2020
- Powys CC’s Aims: Reducing carbon emissions / net-zero by 2030
- Powys CC’s actions on climate change: LED streetlights, rainwater collection, EV charging points, solar panels, active travel schemes, energy efficient homes and schools
- Collaborative success: including Skillshop & Open Energy in Newtown, Just Transition, Affordable Warmth scheme, Digital Inclusion
- Collaboration opportunities: Share Climate Change visions & actions, submit solutions and pledge to act on “Grow In Powys”.
After the presentation Mr Martin Kemp invited and answered questions. Within this discussion it was noted that Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Place Plan sets out future actions on the theme of Biodiversity and Climate Change. The Town Council following its declaration of Climate Emergency, is also working with Climate Action Newtown and Circular Economy Mid Wales.
Cllr Richard Williams, Mayor of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn, commented “Thank you to Martin from Powys County Council for coming to talk to the Town Council about the priorities and ambitions of Powys County Council in addressing Climate Change and we look forward to working with the County Council in helping deliver a zero carbon Powys”.
