Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Strongly agree

The climate crisis is indeed an emergency and we must ensure we are working quickly and collectively to tackle it. I will work as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor to ensure we meet our targets by factoring the climate into all choices we make.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

It is essential to our very survival that we act urgently in response to the climate emergency. Since Green Councillors successfully proposed a motion on this in 2019 there has been very little progress.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

It’s vital to include consideration of the climate emergency in decision making, alongside other vital considerations – not just those required by law, but vital social issues such as equality, the right to a decent home, and so on.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

While it’s great to have international and national commitments, none of those will matter if local authorities don’t prioritise the climate emergency.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Tackling the global climate crisis requires worldwide action and cooperation, but wide-scale change can be affected at the local level. Councils should invest in publicly-owned and controlled renewable energy, launching mass campaigns for appropriate funding to be provided by central government when required.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

GP Councillors in Oxford proposed that Oxford declare a CEE in January 2019 and I was present in the Town Hall when it was passed. Since then there has been talk about a 2040 zero carbon target but no measurable progress, no funding and an incomplete action plan.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

The national conservative government is not treating the climate emergency with the urgency it deserves. The CEE Bill rightfully aims to pressure the Government into taking action to tackle the climate crisis, and I will support its aims by supporting and fighting for Labour’s Green Economic Recovery.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

This is an incredibly important Bill and I’m campaigning to get more support for it. The Green Councillors successfully proposed a motion to the City Council in support of this Bill, which is co-sponsored by Green MP Caroline Lucas.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Agree

I am very supportive of the broad aims and objectives of the bill – whether or not the bill as worded is the right way of achieving those objectives I leave up to others more expert to judge.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

I absolutely support climate action through the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Agree

The UK is the sixth richest country globally and has a duty to lead international efforts against climate change. The CEE Bill correctly identifies the need for ‘fundamental societal change’. This should entail a socialist transition away from fossil fuel production, starting with the nationalisation of the energy supply sector.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

Green Party Councillors successfully proposed a motion to the City Council in support of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill (co-sponsored by Green MP Caroline Lucas. To date the city’s Labour MP has refused to support this Bill.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

We must reduce the volume of traffic through a comprehensive plan — Connecting Oxford, while supporting low and zero-emissions alternatives for those who cannot get around by bike or on foot. This includes Electric Vehicle initiatives to transition cars, taxis and buses for those who need them to greener alternatives.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

In addition to reducing air pollution and making space for people cycling and walking, we also need to bear down hard on the amount of energy consumed transporting people and goods. It will be a major challenge meeting our energy needs in future, using only clean renewable energy.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Agree

I believe strong that car traffic should be reduced, not just to limit air pollution but also to make streets safer and more social. As worded this question might imply support for a reduction in public transport, which I would strongly oppose. Whether the figure of 50% has any basis in fact is also unclear. But the principle is the right one.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Agree

Having lived in larger cities prior to moving here, I agree that our traffic should be reduced; however, the county has thus far proven ineffective at redesigning efficient and equitable alternative routes. We need to do better.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Air quality in central Oxford is horrendous. To reduce motorised traffic, the council should take all public transport in the city into democratic public ownership, introducing free and low-fare travel that is affordable for all. The better the public transport, the fewer cars on the road.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

A 50% target is broadly in line with the independent research commissioned for the Oxford Citizen’s Assembly which the Greens have supported. By 2030, this indicates a minimum 25% reduction in travel by car combined with an 8% shift towards more sustainable travel modes and diminishing use of fossil-fuelled vehicles.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Strongly agree

Oxford’s Local Plan 2036 already has the principles of focusing development in and around existing neighbourhood centres.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

Cutting car dependency and creating a more localised economy with more local services will bring many benefits. 15 minute neighbourhoods are included in our Oxford City Council manifesto, with policies to deliver the relevant transport and planning changes.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

This is the basis of the current Oxford Local Plan 2036, with its strong emphasis on district and neighbourhood centres, increased densities and reductions in car parking. We need to do more of the same, go further, and apply these principles more broadly.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Walking through one’s neighbourhood can and should be an enjoyable part of daily life. Long distances between homes and shops etc. encourages automobile usage while making difficult the pleasure of being outdoors, especially for those unable to travel long distances on foot.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

The Greens submitted amendments to this effect to the Local Plan enquiry – although not all recommendations were accepted. 15 minute neighbourhoods form a key part of our 2021 Oxford Council manifesto alongside policies to deliver the necessary transport and planning changes.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

Oxford desperately needs more genuinely affordable housing — Oxford’s new Local Plan 2036 already sets some of the highest standards for low carbon development, with a series of steps leading to only permitting Zero Carbon for new homes by 2030, and we need to keep pushing it to go further.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

Greens pushed for this to be in the Oxford City Local Plan but it is not in there. Green Councillors have also pressed for a clearer definition to be used locally for ‘zero carbon’ buildings. The City Council typically uses a definition which excludes some key emissions.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

The definition of Zero Carbon is important, and should include non-regulated carbon. Moving to this definition should happen as quickly as possible, but should not be used as a means to prevent housing being built.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

In addition, we must continue schemes like the Green Homes Grant to better equip existing housing to zero carbon standards.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

There is no reason why new builds should not be built to zero carbon standards. This demand should be incorporated within a campaign for wide-scale, green council house building throughout Oxfordshire.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

this is not in the current Local Plan – despite submissions from the Greens pointing out that it was technically and legally possible. Also, the City Council typically uses a ‘non-standard’ definition of zero carbon buildings which excludes unregulated loads (‘plug-in’ appliances). These can make up more than 25% of emissions.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Strongly agree

I will work alongside the Labour Group to ensure Oxford’s homes that can meet this target, do meet this target (there are a very small number of historical buildings which cannot).

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

The average EPC rating for homes is shockingly low and Greens have been pressing for urgent action to address this. We need massive expansion of services such as the Cosy Homes project, major investment in training, high level retrofits of the Council-owned properties and tougher energy criteria for landlords.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

I’m not certain that every home will be able to achieve this level, but the fact there may be exceptions for historic buildings should not be a reason not to purse the aim.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Yes! In addition, we must continue schemes like the Green Homes Grant to better equip existing housing to zero carbon standards.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

The current average EPC rating for a home in the UK is D. Greater energy efficiency in Oxford and Oxfordshire would be environmentally beneficial while reducing costs for residents. Costs could be further reduced by nationalising energy companies, to be run as a public service for people’s needs, not profit.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

59% of homes in Oxford are rated EPC ‘D’ or below with <5% households having taken advantage of energy company obligation improvement measures. The current Cosy Homes project needs to be massively expanded, with Council support, Energiesprong retrofits introduced for Council-owned properties and tougher energy criteria for landlords.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

Alongside working to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption , I will support measures that ensure the energy our city does use comes from renewable sources.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

Expanding the installation of local renewable energy will not only be important to tackle the climate emergency, but boost the local economy. Local electricity generation also results in less energy lost in transmission.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Agree

Reducing energy use is more important than creating new energy generation capacity, but both are necessary. Increasing capacity should be in the context of preserving important heritage assets and conservation areas of course.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Undoubtedly a great idea!

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Oil and gas workers need to be retrained, retooled, and redeployed in the production of renewable energy, without loss of pay or job cuts. As a first step, the energy sector should be taken into public ownership, removing the profit motive that drives the fossil fuel industry to continue polluting.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

Ambitions are modest and not backed up by robust policy. The Greens want cheap Council borrowing to be used to invest in eg solar farms delivering against climate and financial goals. When this was proposed by the Greens, the City council instead decided to speculate £20m on commercial properties.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Strongly agree

This is imperative.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

This is vital, but while the City has adopted a 2040 net zero target, under pressure from the Greens, but there are no proper plans to achieve this. Without massive local investment eg in solar, hydro and battery storage, we cannot decarbonise rapidly enough.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

No further comment required.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Financial innovation to sustain a clean energy revolution!

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Local authorities across the UK should devise a zero-carbon, no-cuts budget that suits the needs of their communities, using their reserves and borrowing powers to temporarily finance them, while launching a mass campaign locally and nationally for funding from central government.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

There is no plan to do this – despite the fact that, under pressure from the Greens, the City adopted a 2040 net zero carbon target. Without massive local investment in eg solar, hydro and battery storage, we cannot decarbonise rapidly enough. By 2030, we need 20x current amount of local renewable energy.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Strongly agree

The last year has underline quite how important this is.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

The ecological emergency is linked to but separate from the climate emergency. Action is urgently needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity. Yet sites rich in biodiversity are still under threat form urbanisation whilst brownfield sites remain under-developed. Access to nature and green spaces is crucial for everyone’s wellbeing and should be treated as essential.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Strongly agree

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

We have incredible natural reserves in and around our city that should be protected.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

Access to green space should be a right for all. Proposals to extend the Blackbird Leys estate into the green belt will reduce access to the countryside for many residents. Working class estates need green areas too.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

the City Council do not even have an up to date biodiversity action plan and rely on the weak protection offered by the Local Plan. Meanwhile many sites rich in biodiversity are under threat from urbanisation whilst brownfield sites remain under-developed. The Greens recently won tentative Council support for a new National Park to the north-east of the City.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

We must ensure that any tree-planting measures improve the biodiversity of our green spaces rather than detracting from it. We must also conserve other types of habitat and ensure the planted trees are diverse, native, and well integrated into existing habitat. Indeed, other forms of habitat (like wetlands, fens and meadows) are far more biodiverse than wooded areas.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

Greens support the target to double tree cover in the county, and I have been involved in organising tree planting in my area. One of the many reasons we need to green the city is to make it cooler in summer (expected to be hotter due to climate change). In the county there is a great opportunity to expand forestry and produce more local materials. This must be done sustainably and be part of the strategy to enhance biodiversity. Of course trees are also vital for storing carbon.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Agree

I agree with increased tree planting to an extent, but it needs to be context dependent. There are many other forms of habitat – meadows, fens, etc – which are far more biodiverse and have greater capacity for storing carbon than woods. An over emphasis on tree planting risks causing more harm than it prevents. I would prefer a holistic approach that doesn’t privilege one natural habitat over another.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Trees are crucial to managing stormwater runoff because when the runoff soaks into the soil, the roots absorb and filter out the pollutants. In fact, for every 5 percent of tree cover in a community, runoff is reduced by 2 percent. I LOVE TREES SO MUCH!!!

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Agree

If implemented on a large-scale, tree planting could be one way to absorb CO2 in the atmosphere. It would also help ‘greenify’ our urban space. City councillors must launch an anti-austerity campaign, demanding money from central government for green projects organised under local community oversight.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

Greens support the Friends of the Earth campaign to double tree cover and have actively supported community tree planting campaigns, eg in Marston, and argued for more City grant funding for such groups. At the same time we are trying to ensure that more existing trees are protected with preservation orders.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

Agree

In order to maintain wider biodiversity and ensure everyone has access to healthy food, we need to balance the important principles of a local and agro-ecological food system against the benefits of high-yield agriculture, especially for food not easily grown in Britain.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

Strongly agree

Greens have always advocated food production methods that work with, not against nature, and warned of the very serious consequences of doing otherwise. This is becoming more urgent every year. Green Councillors recently won support for a new Oxford Food Strategy bringing together the health, social and environmental dimensions of our food supply chains and to reduce inequalities.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

Agree

I strongly agree with the promotion of sustainable farming methods, and with the principle of local production. It is important though to bear in mind that these two things can sometimes be in conflict – very intensive horticulture can be the least impactful in terms of the broader environment, and growing crops in habitats most suitable for yields can be less harmful that growing them locally in less suitable conditions.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Crop rotation for the win! Urban agriculture/community gardens can support existing rural farming networks.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

Strongly agree

The industrial food system is responsible for around 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions (according to Grain, a small non-profit). We need to transform the food system to promote health while looking after the environment.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Strongly agree

Greens recently won Council support for a new Oxford Food Strategy bringing together the health, social and environmental dimensions for our food supply chains. Greens support the Oxford Good Food Charter and believe we need to learn from the inequalities highlighted by the pandemic.

Diggins, Lizzy – Labour

My approach to a green recovery will be inclusive and democratic. This means listening to the views of local residents, ensuring that in tackling the climate emergency and recovering from the current crisis we leave no-one behind. I will stand for safe, affordable and zero-carbon housing; a low traffic, low pollution city with an emphasis on active and public transport; secure and green jobs; and thriving vocal local communities. A green and just recovery means tackling inequality hand-in-hand with the climate crisis, and I will fight for both as we move towards a fairer, Zero Carbon Oxford.

Edwards, Sarah – Green

The Green Party’s ‘Green New Deal’ addresses the climate emergency by delivering a decarbonised, more localised circular economy, while addressing the housing crisis and inequality, and investing in training and jobs. We are calling for the City’s Local Plan to be rewritten to reflect the climate emergency. Similarly the County’s plans need revision. The City Council recently decided to invest in risky commercial property, while we would instead invest in renewable energy projects. We must reduce pollution by creating better provision for active travel, sustainable affordable public transport and electrification of transport. Green spaces and biodiversity must be protected and enhanced, and access for residents improved.

Hollingsworth, Alex – Labour

My intention if elected is to continue to balance the needs of the environment, the economy, and people. I want to see Oxford’s citizens have access to a decent, affordable, zero-carbon home, not be priced out of their own city or forced to live in overcrowded and sub-standard conditions. I want them to have well paying and meaningful jobs that contribute to ending the climate crisis, not making it worse. I want to see neighbourhoods that are centred on people and not on cars. I want to see a society based on equality, justice and decency; I believe that these things are both possible AND essential.

Kore, Juhi – Liberal Democrat

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the Liberal Democrats was the focus on addressing the climate emergency. If elected, I will continue to champion policies that do just this so we can continue to protect our historical, beautiful city and its residents. I am keen to support better recycling and composting as well as invigorate our local economy through sustainable development grants and programmes. Finally, I will support efforts to promote active transportation and low/zero carbon public transit.

Powell-Davies, Adam – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)

For a ‘just’ recovery to be achieved, ordinary people – students, workers, the 99% – must not pay the price for the current climate disaster. Oxford council should set a no-cuts budget that meets the environmental needs of the local community while demanding that central government funding makes up the shortfall. 2020 saw the largest ever increase in public expenditure outside war time; the Conservatives have shown that the money is there. Local authorities can play a transformative role in harnessing society’s wealth to affect systemic, green change throughout the country.

Schofield, Charlotte – Green

Our Green New Deal for Oxford addresses the climate emergency by delivering a decarbonised, more localised circular economy, with a funded net zero target, reflecting recent societal shifts, while addressing the housing crisis and inequality. Councils need to invest in renewable energy projects, rewrite Local Plan policies for sustainable buildings, and meet social housing needs. We will reduce pollution by improved, sustainable buildings, and meet social housing needs. We will reduce pollution by improved, sustainable public transport, better cycling provision, and support for the electrification of transport by expanding the high voltage vehicle charging network. Green spaces and biodiversity must be enhanced, within a broader commitment to improving public health and our environment.