Calls for green and fair recovery

Herefordshire Council has unanimously backed calls for a ‘green and fair recovery’ from the coronavirus crisis.

Councillors say they recognise the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on local people’s lives.

And have also expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked hard to care for others and keep essential services going in recent months.

A motion put before full council last month welcomes cross-party commitments to ‘building back better’ and to the principle of a ‘green recovery’. It also calls on central government to provide resources needed to sustain local services and to invest in the county.

Green councillor Ellie Chowns, who proposed the motion, said she was delighted with the support from all parties.

“This will create jobs and boost economic growth while improving quality of life for local people,” she said.

“We urgently need Government to provide the funding needed to match its warm words.

“For example, green jobs like insulating homes create at least four times more ‘bang for buck’ in terms of jobs than roadworks do.

“But the Government is still putting far more money into building new roads than into improving energy efficiency in homes – why?

“Here in Herefordshire we’re working on ambitious plans to make existing homes warmer, and to build new affordable low-carbon homes.

“We’re investing in improving infrastructure for walking, cycling and remote working. And we’re committed to protecting nature, creating more green space, planting more trees and attracting more tourists.”