News from Westminster Labour

Labour unveils a green agenda for Westminster

Speaking at the Council’s Budget meeting on 3rd March, Harrow Road Labour Councillor Ruth Bush outlined Labour’s ‘Green Agenda’ for the forthcoming elections, saying:

“At the local level, we would dramatically increase the number of micro-recycling centres. These would all have provision for tetrapak recycling and small electrical recycling – the pilots are welcome, but residents are asking for them to be standard provision.

“We would prioritise getting recycling to rise above the current dismal less than 23%, and get Westminster out of the bottom 10% of local authorities.

“As residents have asked us, we would actively promote, within the Council and elsewhere, the use of goods made from recycled materials; and we would monitor the disposal of electrical goods to be sure that this did not contribute to the exploitation of the very poor in other countries.

“We would restore the free bulk collection service, to minimise street dumping. We would promote a community ‘Litter-Heroes’ programme throughout the City so that people began to enjoy taking responsibility for the spaces they live in.

“We would take rapid action to clean up dog fouling, with prosecutions if necessary, but we would also extend dog socialisation classes across Westminster to encourage the vast majority of responsible dog owners.

“We would, of course, continue the Council’s commitment to a zero-carbon operation by 2020 – but we would add to this our commitment to the 10:10 campaign. I cannot understand why the Council refuses to support this – it’s popular and has the major benefit of encouraging people to take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint during this year. These practical things knit together with Government initiatives on insulation and renewable energy, which we would promote and enhance locally.

“Westminster is an immensely influential local authority, and we would use this influence to engage with Westminster’s vast retail sector with a view to developing a whole new approach to the packaging and presentation of goods, not only following the lead of the best in not giving shoppers plastic bags, but simplifying and reducing packaging of all kinds – and this in turn would push back to the manufacturing sector in the longer run.

“We would also enhance the work being done to reduce lighting in stores and offices after hours, and begin to tackle the whole problem of light pollution, so that we can once again see the stars above the City, and the birds don’t sing at midnight.

“And weaving throughout the City will be our ‘20-is-Plenty’ campaign, and ‘Walking on Wheels’. Among all their other benefits, both of these will enhance the environment, not only by reducing emissions and congestion, but by making Westminster a safer and pleasanter place to move around in. And I have to say that people are really getting the concept of Walking on Wheels. They also appreciate it as a far more constructive approach to pedestrian safety than the anti-cycling vitriol which the Council is currently spilling out. If there are cycle paths wherever there can be, both cyclists and pedestrians will be safer.

“Of course these things will need investment, but it will be manageable and will not place burdens on residents, and the pay-off will be significant. Overall, our commitment is to strong leadership on this issue.”

Other news from Westminster Labour

• Twelve questions for the next Leader of Westminster Council - 10 February 2012
• Westminster Council joint bottom of London league for Adult Social Care - 6 February 2012
• Westminster Labour calls for an 'outbreak of democracy' over election of new council Leader - 2 February 2012