1. The climate emergency should be an explicit and integral consideration in all local authority decision making.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
It is the biggest issue facing humanity
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Simples – there is no planet B!
2. I support the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
As per the answer to 1
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Too much priority given to motorised traffic at present
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Disagree
Would like to see a higher reduction in through traffic – vehicles without a destination within the city should have an alternative route
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Agree
The first pandemic lock down showed most local shops could support residents in urban areas. More thought would need to be given for rural areas
5. All new homes built in Oxfordshire should be built to zero carbon standards.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Zero carbon standards or better, with bee bricks
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
This would benefit the environment and residents
7. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council should introduce policies that support the installation of renewable energy sources.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
There is no planet B
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
A review of planning policies should take place and changes made to achieve this aim
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Regenerating soil has huge benefits – to the ecosystem, to the biodiverstiy, to the water table and not least to the nutritional value of our food. Changes are needed in farming practice – it can make a huge difference.
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.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Neither agree or disagree
Trees are important, but so are other habitats
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
The climate emergency requires more than just trees to be planted. An alarming number of old trees are being cut down, or will be cut down by developers – eg end of Delbush Avenue, Sandhills for a development support by the Labour City Council.
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).
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Agree
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Crop rotation will mean that different crops use different nutrients, and are also less subject to disease.
12. Finally, in 100 words or less, please describe what you plan to contribute to ensuring a green and just recovery in Oxford/ Oxfordshire.
Hitchins, Ray – Green
Smith, Roz – Liberal Democrat
I joined the Liberal Democrats because their environmental stance was a priority. Some may remember the Agenda 21, think globaly, act locally was a great slogan. Well we are now in 2021 and in the climate emergency predicted back then. I will continue to champion policies that work to combat the emergency and bring environmental protection for our beautiful County and historic City and the residents who live and work here.
