At the recent Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee meeting on 16 March, Labour secured some big wins for residents:

• Labour voted for a feasibility study to be completed on the possibility of the council collecting low-grade plastics such as Pots, Tubs and Trays

  Councillors have agreed to investigate the possibility of our recycling team collecting low-grade plastics like food pots, tubs and trays.

  At present, Cityclean collects every type of plastic bottle including drinks containers, kitchen and bathroom products and milk bottles, which are all made of high grade and valuable plastic.

  Labour Councillor Gary Wilkinson, opposition lead spokesperson for environment, transport and sustainability, said: “It is only right that we listen to our residents on this. Over half of all plastic collected in the UK ends up being disposed of rather than recycled.

  “Through looking to increase the range of plastics that we can collect for recycling we will increase our recycling rate and cut the contamination of other recycling.”

• Labour supported a recommendation for the 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme to go forward to the Policy & Resources Committee for approval, which it duly received

  Labour Councillor Gary Wilkinson said: “Let us be in no doubt, we must take action now. Climate change is an urgent issue and we are already taking a leading role, challenging ourselves and others to take steps towards becoming carbon neutral.

  “Our aims are ambitious, and we will need to work closely with all our partners on a shared vision to be successful.”
  
  

• Labour had an amendment accepted for the council to begin work on a Low Traffic Neighbourhood delivery strategy for the city and to explore options for other LTN schemes and measures across the city
  Labour’s successful amendment:

  2.3 That officers(begin work on a Low Traffic Neighbourhood delivery(LTN) strategy for the city) and  explore options for other LTN  schemes and suitable complimentary measures across the city.

  2.4 That these options be explored in conjunction with the recommendations of the Community Wealth Building Members’ Working Group as greed by Council on 22 October 2020.

  Labour Councillor Gary Wilkinson said: “In order to realise the vision and facilitate the development of low traffic neighbourhoods, a strategy is, I believe necessary.

  “A strategy that improves air quality and responds to the climate emergency, that improves public realm and quality of life – creating better places for residents, businesses and visitors.

  “A strategy that enables more local trips by active modes of travel and public transport, through providing easy, safe and comfortable routes within neighbourhoods in line with the wider public health outcomes; and reduces the impact of “rat-running” vehicles along unsuitable residential roads.

  “A strategy to support prosperity and improve community connectivity, whilst safeguarding access for residents and the needs of mobility impaired people.”