Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

It is vital to all life on Earth that we take the climate crisis seriously. This means that we must act with great pace and every decision should be made with the climate crisis as the number one factor to consider.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

New development and local investment must be with a view to decarbonising the local economy and continuing to improve our air quality. For the sake of our own environment and further afield we must be a local authority that shows a great example to others. Local councils will play a vital role in combatting the climate emergency.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

To my mind, there is no other option. We need to take the initiative and set the standard for councils across the country because time has run out. Our green vision should be at the forefront of everything we do and we must pave the way for others to follow.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

We are vastly over-consuming resources and must take steps now to prevent a climate emergency becoming a climate catastrophe. We need to encourage and empower people to take ownership of this issue, and in local government we can build the infrastructure to allow people to do so.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

This bill was a stepping stone to much more ambitious goals, that should have been passed decades earlier.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

This recognition of the climate crisis and our part to play in resolving it is very important. Again, we have to show political leadership on the issue nationally and internationally. The Citizens Assembly is also an opportunity to show that parliament is accountable to the country.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

I proudly support the CEE Bill, an example of campaign groups, charities, scientists, activists, lawyers and individuals coming together to hold government to account for the wholly inadequate sums announced in the climate budget. The Bill could be a huge step forwards for investment in green infrastructure and jobs.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

All the reasons given in answer 1 – we are moving quickly past climate emergency into ‘climate catastrophe’.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

At the moment, there are many routes in and out of Oxford that are not very cycle safe. Increasing space for cycling and making the roads are safer place for cyclists, enables far more people to commute by bike who would not without such measures. This will be part of the solution to reducing motorised traffic.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Agree

This should be an aim, and should certainly be the lowest reduction expected from private petrol/ diesel traffic. The prioritising of the needs of pedestrians and cyclists should remain. We will also need to agree on the place that electric vehicles have in urban transport. Combining an enlarged zero emission zone with reduced parking contingency.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

I’m excited to see the world’s first Zero Emissions Zone rolled out in the city centre this summer. Hopefully this pilot will pave the way for further ZEZs, improving the air quality and supporting active travel. LTNs are also a great step away from reliance on cars.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Agree

We should go further… certainly private vehicle use. But must recognise that many Oxonians have family across the city – not all residents are newly arrived or temporary. Public transport should be improved, electrified and decarbonised to become the easiest and most cost effective way to travel around the city.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

It is important to bring people along when fighting for climate action. This policy not only reduces the need for travel by car, but also is highly beneficial to communities and everyone’s daily lives.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

Holywell is a city centre ward and therefore is mostly older housing stock. All residents are within a 15 walk of St Aldates and/or Cornmarket. Other Oxford neighbourhoods are too far from local stores, sometimes also with irregular buses. To house key workers and fight the homelessness crisis while decarbonising, 15 minute neighbourhoods need to be the norm for new developments.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

This is vital, not just to support the local economy and improve access to services, but to remove the barrier of transport poverty. This will also help tackle the loneliness epidemic; during COVID, the devastating effects of isolation, especially amongst older members of our community, have been clearer than ever.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Agree

I agree but it’s far easier in Oxford than out in rural areas – must give more thought to this in those areas but my suggestion is that when granting planning for larger developments in rural areas they should include local shops and services and EV charging points – not simply charging a CIL.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

With current technology, this is not too difficult to do, so ought to be legislated. Homes account for a huge proportion of carbon emmissions, so this should be an immediate step. It is also important to include all home emmissions in the definition of zero carbon buildings. Currently, the City Council ignores ‘plug in’ appliances, as they are unregulated loads.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Agree

All new homes should be to the highest environmental standard possible, with a view to making this commitment to zero carbon new homes as soon as we can.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Agree

We need to set the standard for councils across the country as we decarbonise, while also tackling the housing crisis and protecting living standards. To that end, Oxford City Council has committed to all their new residential developments built in the city being zero carbon by 2030.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

I am already working with developers that build carbon negative homes, let alone carbon neutral. The technology exists and we should be demanding it.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

All council-owned homes should be retrofitted to be highly energy efficient. Tougher energy criteria must be introduced for landlords, with financial schemes to support homeowners where necessary

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

Residential CO2 emissions are among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. They are also decreasing more slowly than for example emissions from business. For this reason this support to improve EPC ratings is important.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Agree

We’ve seen positive steps in this direction, with City Council taking over enforcement powers for Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (previously County’s remit). I support targets to get as many homes as possible to EPC C by 2035, a bold vision: over half of Oxford’s houses are rated D or below.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Agree

Clear environmental benefits but we need to recognise that it must also be affordable for normal people to take measures. Personal affordability can’t be the barrier to tackling climate emergencies and this is where government has to step up.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

Neither Council has done enough to invest into renewable energy. It is vital to aid community energy projects, and invest in solar and wind with cheap Council borrowing. It would be a huge step to allow biodiversity to thrive alongside these energy sources.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Agree

We must also get value for money for the local authority investment in renewable energy schemes. There may be proposals at times that return too little generated energy for the cost. We should be ambitious in supporting effective schemes.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

This is vital. City Council’s budget is a huge step forward when it comes to moving towards renewable energy. County Council desperately needs to up its game. We need to see Labour take control of County Council after years of Tory majority.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

No brainier.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

Current Council net zero carbon targets fail to be quick enough, but are also failing to be met. We need to rapidly increase the pace of decarbonisation. This must include a huge local investment into renewable energy, by any means possible.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

This will have to be a key part of our move to being a decarbonised city and county.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

Fighting to end Oxford’s dependency on fossil fuels is one of the main reasons I’m running for council. On the last point especially, City Council is delivering: Council will by the end of the year become net zero for direct activities, buying only renewable energy and offsetting residual emissions.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

As per answer 7.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

This must be a number one priority. The protection and restoration of nature is the most important thing to achieve in the face of climate breakdown, yet it is the last step politicians will take. Currently, there are vast areas of biodiverse land that are under threat from urbanisation. We must learn to live with and appreciate nature in and around our farms, roads, homes and buildings.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Agree

This is important, and Oxford’s many green spaces must be protected. At times this has to be considered with council house contingency. House building has to respect biodiversity and have minimal impact on green spaces. Outside of the city limits there is less pressure on green spaces and we should expect even greater commitment to protecting biodiversity.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

We are fortunate in Oxford to have some of the world’s most wonderful water meadows, and wetland biodiversity is a particular interest of mine. I know from experience testing nitrate and phosphate levels in the Isis and its subsidiaries that pollution is threatening the habitats of Oxford’s flora and fauna.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

Good for the environment, good for the soul.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

It is also vital that an increase in tree cover will also be biodiverse. Monocultures are far less valuable for sustaining wildlife and decreasing carbon emmissions. We must encorporate nature into every part of our beautiful city.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

Oxford will be making this contribution to county tree cover with support for “Tiny Forests” in park land across the city. This is a great idea for the improvement of our environment.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

I grew up playing in the woods, and know the joy and peace they bring. Besides bringing beauty to the community, trees are vital for human and animal life. It’s been great to see tiny forests being planted – one in Meadow Lane where I water saplings. Let’s see more!

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

There’s just no question – we need more trees and an alarming number of older trees are being cut down for development and no plan to replace with fast growing trees that lock up carbon quicker.

Idle, Oscar – Green

Strongly agree

Highly intensive farming practices have been highly damaging to nature and the soil. Agro-ecological methods are finally being tested worldwide and should be what to aim for. Local production should be supported too, as it is far more sustainable for obvious reasons.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

Strongly agree

This is a great ambition for the future and I look forward to seeing how this can be brought in to practice. It will support our agricultural economy, help with decarbonisation and improve the health of our waterways.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

Strongly agree

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

Strongly agree

I went vegan aged 13 and it has been brilliant to see so many getting behind eating locally and sustainably over the last few years, with flexi diets on the rise and better scrutiny of farming methods. I’d be excited to shape policies which support local, environment-conscious food production.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

Strongly agree

The carbon reduction value of growing to feed a local population is massive.

Idle, Oscar – Green

It is essential that we bring communities together while ensuring a green recovery. Creative, collaborative spaces such as the Oxford Citizens Assembly on Climate Change must take specific reccomendations with legal weight, not just ask for vague opinions about next steps. I want to fight to make all voices heard. Progress must be hollistic; we must fight for biodiversity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, demotorisation and consumption reduction. We must aid all communities and individuals through the decarbonisation process.

Mundy, Edward – Labour

We have a homelessness and affordability crisis in Oxford. I will be supporting council house building that adheres to our environmental goals at the same time as meeting demand. Meeting housing demand within the city limits also reduces the need for housing in villages around Oxford that would house Oxford’s workers. The closer people can expect to live to their work place the fewer car journeys commuting we should expect to see. I support the ZEZ in Oxford and I will be listening to residents in Holywell and helping them to understand the benefits of the initiative. We will be hoping for the success of the pilot and local support for the expanded scheme to start next year.

Regisford, Dianne – Green

I plan to contribute to a green and just recovery in Oxford/Oxfordshire by Connecting Caring Communities. Community participation and fresh approaches to community engagement by enabling equity – not just access is key! There is not justice without social justice which genuinely engages the intersectional issues and pays more than lipservice to REDRESSing the impact of colonialism which exists in Oxford/Shire today – Social Justice and Climate Justice create an ecological connected society.

Thomas, Imogen – Labour

I have a good understanding of green issues and plenty of ideas to contribute, but I am one individual. If elected to Council, I would prioritise representing dedicated grassroots groups: with their expertise and passion for improving the city for generations to come, these are the voices that must be heard. I would endeavour to do all in my power to amplify them. I’ve followed and admired groups like Cyclox, the Freshwater Habitats Trust, CoHSAT, Abundance Oxford and Oxford Pedestrians Association. These and others, including the many brilliant Low Carbon groups across our city, are jewels in Oxford’s crown.

Waller, Rowan – Liberal Democrat

I work in my day job in the property sector and am often infuriated by the planning permissions that are granted which almost seem to wilfully ignore the climate emergency. Developers are paying large CILs for an infrastructure levy but I feel we often see no infrastructure benefits. Local shops should be forced into larger developments to reduce the need to drive to supermarkets. We should be building green NOW – the technology exists and building costs are roughly equivalent. I want to bring my own experience to the table and force this into the planning agenda.