Darlington council reiterates commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040, declaring a nature recovery emergency despite criticism
Darlington Town Hall’s Carbon Neutral Goal by 2040
The local authority aims to introduce energy-saving measures across the borough and become carbon neutral by 2040. This ambition has been strongly reiterated by officials at Darlington Town Hall.
Last October, the council’s net zero ambition faced criticism for being seen as virtue signaling and wasting money. Conservative councillors have also urged council leaders to focus on other priority areas.
Despite this criticism, cabinet members were informed that the local authority is on track to meet its 2040 target. This progress follows significant spending cuts and the introduction of various green initiatives in recent years.
Financial Savings and Priorities
Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, stated, “Climate change and the Nature Emergency remain important priorities, not pursued for their own sake, but because they also deliver efficiency and financial savings.”
He added, “Cumulatively, nearly £5 million has been saved over the past five years, demonstrating a clear economic benefit. This has partly allowed us to address some of the historic cuts to our funding from previous governments.”
McEwan further questioned, “To those that say: ‘why are we focusing on this?’ Why shouldn’t it be a priority to reduce costs of us doing business so we can invest in the many other council priorities?”
Recent Developments and Emissions
Despite recent progress, councillors were informed that carbon emissions increased in the past year. This rise is partly due to the opening of the new Hopetown railway museum and ongoing works at the Dolphin Centre.
In July 2025, the council passed a motion declaring a nature recovery emergency, alongside the existing climate emergency.
Support for Nature Recovery
Councillor Matthew Snedker, leader of the Green Party, stated that the council’s plan would make the borough a more attractive place to live and do business. He added, “The nature recovery will also bolster our ability to do this.”
A council plea to prioritize protecting and restoring green spaces and wildlife was approved in May 2025. This plea was criticized as “woke” by political rivals.
The council agreed to declare a Nature Restoration Emergency. This means the area’s depleted wildlife will receive extra protection through council considerations, proposals, and decisions.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Recovery Emergency Declared | July 2025 | Motion passed alongside climate emergency. |
| Plea for Green Spaces | May 2025 | Approved despite criticism. |
| Carbon Emissions Increase | Past Year | Due to new museum and ongoing works. |
| Savings Achieved | Past Five Years | Nearly £5 million saved. |
