Labour-run Redcar & Cleveland Council only managed to reduce carbon emissions by 0.4% last year, despite signing a pledge to aim for 10%.

Under pressure from the Lib Dems, the Council agreed to sign up to the 10:10 Campaign in 2009. This commits the Council to aiming to reduce its carbon use by 10% in 2010.

However, a report to the Council’s Cabinet gives the disappointing news that the Council managed only 0.4%.

This contrasts with Central Government, which managed an amazing 13.8% cut in emissions.

Cllr Mary Ovens, Lib Dem Group Deputy Leader, said:

“This is a very disappointing result. When Labour supported our motion to sign the Council up for the 10:10 Campaign, I thought they meant it.”

“But now it looks like all talk and no action.”

“Labour will no doubt say that it is because of the harsh winter in 2010. But Central Government managed to cut emissions by nearly 14%. They had a cold winter too! As did Corby Council, which managed a 20% cut.”

“Labour needs to take climate change far more seriously.”