A CLIMATE Emergency has been redeclared in Powys, nearly two months after the original declaration was made.

At Powys County Council’s meeting on Thursday, September 24, councillors voted overwhelmingly to back the emergency climate emergency motion, which evolved into a joint effort spearheaded by the Liberal Democrats, added to by the Conservatives and finished off by a Labour amendment.

The initial declaration was thrown into doubt after a miscount in a preparatory vote should have meant the motion was not put before councillors at all.

But at Thursday's full meeting of Powys Council, and following discussions between Liberal Democrats Cllrs Jake Berriman and Jackie Charlton and Conservative councillors Iain McIntosh and Lucy Roberts who had their own motion on carbon emissions, a compromise joint motion has now been passed by members.

Cllr Berriman said: “If anyone thought a day was along time in politics, I can assure you that the hiatus caused by the technical issues in July, has meant that the last two months have felt like a lifetime.

“I’ve worked tirelessly to keep this issue at the forefront of people’s minds and I’m very grateful for the joint work we have been able to take forward.

“Mistakes happen, apologies have been made and I fully accepted those and we need to move on.”

Cllr Berriman added that the two months between votes had given a “pause” allowing politicians from different parties to join forces.

“We are all responsible for our future and that of generations to come,” said Cllr Berriman.

Cllr McIntosh, who outlined the joint motion, said: “I’m delighted to have been able to work and develop a cross party proposal to address the issue of global warming and help protect the environment in Powys."

An amendment to the motion was put forward by Labour Cllr Mathew Dorrance which would allow Powys to look for financial contributions from both Welsh and UK Governments.

Cllr Dorrance said that he wanted to see in the first sentence the addition of “recognising there is a climate emergency.”

The motion sees Powys join with other councils across Wales in declaring a climate emergency.

The council will endeavour to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero, in line with the Welsh Government target of 2030.

The portfolio holder for economic development, housing and regulatory services will be asked to lead on climate change mitigation, working with the established cross-party working group and setting up a Powys-wide multi-stakeholder group, to bring forward a sustainability strategy for the county.

The council will also review its policies to support these goals, encourage residents and businesses to reduce their own carbon emissions, and support the county's MPs in ensuring the Local Electricity Bill succeeds in to help with the local supply of power.