1. The climate emergency should be an explicit and integral consideration in all local authority decision making.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Unless comprehensively addressed, the climate and ecological emergencies will exert profound damage on communities, including our own. Comprehensively addressing these emergencies means integrating our response in every aspect of decision-making.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
2. I support the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Agree
I strongly agree with this bill’s principles, but reserve judgement until the detail is properly scrutinised. The Bill’s emphasis on ecological recovery and a just transition is particularly welcome, as is the focus on supply chains and outsourced emissions.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
3. Motorised traffic in and through Oxford should be reduced 50% below present levels by 2030, to limit air pollution and increase space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Agree
It is abundantly clear that Oxford needs less traffic and much better air quality. There must be substantial reductions in traffic. However this must be achieved in a just manner, recognising the needs of those with limited mobility.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
4. Development decisions (planning and housing) should design out car-dependency and facilitate the creation of 15 minute neighbourhoods, where residents can access all daily goods and services within a 15 minute walk.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
5. All new homes built in Oxfordshire should be built to zero carbon standards.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Zero Carbon Homes are achievable today. We should not still be building homes that cost the earth to run.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
6. Local authorities should introduce policies and measures to enable all homes in Oxford and Oxfordshire to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher by 2035.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Agree
All new homes should be built to the highest possible efficiency standards. Retrofitting of existing homes is necessary – however a universal retrofitting scheme will require national government support, and could not be achieved by local authorities unilaterally.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
7. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council should introduce policies that support the installation of renewable energy sources.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
8. Local authorities should use every available mechanism (including the planning system, grants and others), and support and enable innovation, to phase out fossil fuel use across Oxford, including domestic, business and industrial use as well as use in their own buildings and operations.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
9. The creation, protection and restoration of biodiversity and green spaces for all should be a priority for local authorities including the development of a Nature Recovery Network.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
I have been personally involved in nature conservation for many years: this is a lifelong personal value for me. Moreover, research shows that access to nature profoundly improves community health, making the equitable provision of trees, nature and greenspaces an essential public service.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
10. As Oxfordshire County Council candidate, I support the doubling of tree cover in Oxfordshire by 2045; AND/OR: As Oxford City Council candidate, I support Oxford making a significant contribution to doubling tree cover in Oxfordshire by 2045.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Trees can offer enormous benefits for carbon sequestration, air quality, people and wildlife – provided that the right trees are grown in the right places. I strongly support this initiative, provided that it is implemented in an ecologically appropriate manner, consistent with the Kew/BGCI “10 Golden Rules for Restoring Forests”.
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
11. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council should introduce policies that support the development of a food system which promotes local production and use of agro-ecological methods (ie sustainable farming methods that work with nature).
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Agree
Taylor, Liz – Green
Strongly agree
12. Finally, in 100 words or less, please describe what you plan to contribute to ensuring a green and just recovery in Oxford/ Oxfordshire.
Heaver, Andrew – Liberal Democrat
Support the establishment of a cabinet post for the climate emergency, and insisting that the emergency is considered in all decision-making. Demand better protection of existing trees, greenspaces and wildlife habitats, while pressing for better provision of nature and greenspace for those communities whose access to nature is currently low. Support the decarbonisation of public transport, and support initiatives to make active travel more accessible (and safer!) for all.
Taylor, Liz – Green
As a parish councillor, and member of Wild About Risinghurst, I am involved in promoting biodiversity and increased planting and green spaces locally. I am an oak guardian, nurturing saplings for planting in the future.
