1. The climate emergency should be an explicit and integral consideration in all local authority decision making.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
We need to have a liveable planet for ourselves and our children, only by making the climate emergency integral in decision making can we achieve that.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Strongly agree
It already is in relation to Oxford City Council’s overall strategy and budget plan.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
Decision-making at all levels must have climate and social justice—which I consider inextricable—at its heart. This means continuing to work toward a zero-carbon local economy (with secure green jobs for all, improved air quality, quality homes for all, and food and land justice) and supporting national and global initiatives to the same ends,
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Strongly agree – the climate emergency is the biggest threat to our existence and that of the next generations.
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
Every decision we make in the Council should be aiming towards zero carbon. We should see this as an opportunity to make Oxford fit for the future and a clean and healthy place for future generations.
2. I support the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
It is the best way to ensure the UK takes a leading role.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Strongly agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
We urgently need bold, transformative action to rapidly decarbonise our economy and meet our international obligations. As the only current policy initiative that supports change at a sufficient scale and speed—with equity and justice for all—the CEE Bill must be top of the agenda this year.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
This Bill will make the UK government act quickly on working towards a zero carbon future. We must take the lead to act – not just rely on Green rhetoric. We must include all citizens and listen to how we can make a just transition to a Green economy.
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
Currently there is too much air pollution and the road are not safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Only by reducing car traffic can we improve the situation.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
The ambition is fine, but we need to work carefully with the County Council to deliver it as they are the transport authority.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
The Royal College of Physicians has attributed 40,000 deaths per year to air pollution—the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, and one that disproportionately impacts marginalised groups. Traffic reduction must remain a clear priority as we work to tackle environmental and social injustice in Oxford.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
We must incentivise active travel and decreased car journeys. We must make active travel an enjoyable and safe way to travel and make it feasible for all our communities.
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
In Oxford for new developments this is essential.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Strongly agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
As we work towards a just, sustainable and safe recovery for everyone in Oxford, we must address the climate and social justice impacts of our current housing crisis simultaneously. The 15-minute neighbourhood is thus an essential development principle for building communities around people, not profits, and securing everyone’s wellbeing moving forward.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
15 minute neighbourhoods make strong, safe and resilient communities. People feel safer, more connected and happier. They are also healthier because of reduced air pollution and more active travel.
5. All new homes built in Oxfordshire should be built to zero carbon standards.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
It is the only realistic way forward.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
All new homes should be sustainable, zero-carbon, and energy and water efficient. I am excited to support Oxford Labour’s firm commitment to reducing housing inequality whilst steadily eliminating emissions, and improving community health and wellbeing.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
At the moment, housing regulations are not to a high enough standard, and it is incredibly short sighted to allow housing that will need to be retrofitted in the future. All housing from now on should be built to zero carbon standards.
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
I agree with the sentiment but not sure how local authorities can do this for all owner occupied homes within current budgets.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
UK homes are currently some of the worst insulated in Europe, and far from meeting energy efficiency targets. Retrofitting schemes for existing housing stock are key to addressing the climate emergency, fuel poverty and health consequences of poor housing—and could also create thousands of new green jobs locally.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
Houses should be warm and energy efficient. We should be giving tax incentives to invest in retrofitting homes and insulating them, so they reduce the carbon emissions and save money for people who live in fuel poverty.
7. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council should introduce policies that support the installation of renewable energy sources.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Strongly agree
Very strongly support this.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
I am proud to be joining a Labour team committed to achieving zero carbon emissions. As we work towards this goal, I am keen to ensure that renewable energy infrastructure is equitably distributed, and that we are building community wealth as part of a just transition.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
Solar panels and wind farms are the future. We should be investing in their uses and enabling small communities to supply and own their own energy.
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
The city council is in a powerful position to reduce fossil fuel usage, it should use every means to do so.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
Local authorities must end all manner of subsidies and support for fossil fuel usage. I look forward to working closely with my local ward and all communities in Oxford towards this goal.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
Fossil fuels are incredibly harmful in terms of air pollution and climate change. We need to dramatically change our energy supplies and that means phasing out their use, as quickly as possible
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
This is vitally important for the happiness of citizens and the richness and diversity of wildlifel
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
Reversing soil & water degradation and biodiversity loss—and simultaneously developing sustainable and equitable systems of production, livelihood and consumption—should always be a cornerstone of policy. I am keen to support local organisations driving nature recovery initiatives, as we work together to protect and promote the wellbeing of people and planet.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
We all depend on flourishing wildlife and good biodiversity. We need birds, bees and insects to pollinate, we need flowers and plants to grow food. We are all interconnected and we cannot allow one species to become scarce, or struggle to survive. Green spaces and wild areas are essential – as are clean air and water.
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.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
There should be trees on every street.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Strongly agree
As a candidate who has fought for the replacement of trees damaged in construction on Headley way and funded replacement trees in other parts of my ward this has my strong support.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
Yes. Increasing tree cover, protecting our wildlife and forests, and supporting biodiversity gain positively impacts health and wellbeing in our communities.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
Trees are amazing. They are essential in reducing levels of carbon dioxide and are wonderful homes for 100s of species. The UK has been rather too good at deforestation over the last few hundred years. We need now to wake up and reverse that with mass reforestation.
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).
Brewer, Chris – Green
Strongly agree
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Agree
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
Strongly agree
Yes. It is important to promote diversified, sustainable agricultural methods that protect ecosystems and advance decarbonisation while increasing land for nature recovery and providing healthy food to meet all communities’ needs. I strongly support local, community-led initiatives working towards food justice.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Robinson, Kate – Green
Strongly agree
As a keen community gardener, I am passionate about growing organic food for my local community. Local organic food reduces air miles, tastes great, is the healthiest way to eat and gardening/food growing reconnects us with our environment and heritage. What’s not to love?
12. Finally, in 100 words or less, please describe what you plan to contribute to ensuring a green and just recovery in Oxford/ Oxfordshire.
Brewer, Chris – Green
Fully supporting the Green Party manifesto which details our policies on travel, sustainability and a green future.
Chapman, Nigel – Labour
Supporting new safe cycling and pedestrian routes. Pushing the city council and ODS to be carbon zero by 2030 on route to the same status for the whole city by 2040. That means tackling the heating systems in all council homes and offices.
Coyne, Barbara – Labour
The pandemic has broadened awareness of deep climate and social injustice in our society, and galvanised popular support for bold action to tackle these enduring issues. In my capacity as a city councillor I will do my best to contribute positively to the transformative change which is required.
Hitchcock , Pippa – Liberal Democrat
Robinson, Kate – Green
I am passionate about a Green future for Oxford. I cycle, grow organic food and am committed to renewable energy. I would like to work to encourage and enable many more people to feel connected and engaged with a green way of life – for mental and physical health and economic recovery. For many people in my community, the barriers are too much, and they can’t access this green vision of Oxford. I want to enable everyone so they can participate in a green and just recovery – not just a privileged few.
