Decision to scrap West Northants net zero targets to be scrutinised
19/08/2025
Reform UK Council Leader Mark Arnull called the goals “unaffordable”
by Nadia Lincoln, Local Democracy Reporter and Banbury FM News Team
A controversial decision by West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet to scrap its net zero targets will face fresh scrutiny today after opposition councillors forced a review.
The council’s Reform UK administration revoked the authority’s pledge to reach net zero by 2030 last month, with Leader Councillor Mark Arnull calling the goal “unaffordable.” The move, which revised the council’s sustainability strategy, was agreed following a stormy five-hour Cabinet meeting disrupted by clean-air protestors.
Today the Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee will consider a “call-in” of the decision, led by Liberal Democrat Deputy Group Leader Cllr Rosie Humphreys and backed by seven councillors across the Conservative, Labour and Lib Dem groups.
Cllr Humphreys said the Cabinet had provided no costings to justify the move, adding: “The Climate Act requires councils to lead on reducing emissions. This deserves proper scrutiny.”
The scrutiny panel comprises six Reform councillors alongside members from the other parties. It can recommend Cabinet revisits the strategy and explore alternatives, but cannot directly overturn the decision.
Reform argue scrapping the 2030 target will allow the council to focus on “tangible” sustainability projects. Councillor Arnull said the previous net zero plan was “undeliverable” and risked bankrupting the authority.
The scrutiny committee meets at 7pm to debate the issue.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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