1. The climate emergency should be an explicit and integral consideration in all local authority decision making.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Climate and environmental problems can’t be tackled without us all making changes to the way we live and work. Local authorities have a crucial role to play in leading these changes.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
The climate emergency is real and we have a responsibility to do all we can locally to minimise its impact.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
It is the greatest threat to our existence, that humanity has ever created, and all life on this planet is at risk! 🙁
2. I support the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
We need changes to our laws if we want change to happen. Whatever the final details of the Bill, we need a framework and process that is as practical and uncomplicated as possible or it won’t happen.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
We need legally binding agreements, otherwise the necessary changes to lifestyle won’t occur in time!
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Agree
I agree with reducing the traffic that causes air pollution in Oxford. Covid lockdowns have demonstrated the environmental benefit of reduced motorised traffic. To do this we need more subsidization of clean buses and bus routes together with enough safe spaces for cyclists and pedestrians to make it a no-brainer for private car owners to leave their car at home. Congestion charging and parking restrictions will be part of the mix.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Agree
Use of the private car should be limited but low emission buses should be encouraged for those for whom cycling and walking isn’t an option. 30% of Oxford’s population have no access to a car.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Car free city centres should be the norm for future living… 🙂
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Agree
Local shops have proved their worth during the pandemic. Shop local! However, rural areas and remoter suburbs will need bigger, more detailed, joined up thinking if we are to provide them with a serious alternative to car dependency.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Low car developments can encourage healthy lifestyles, more sense of community and make walking and cycling. to school safer and therefore more popular.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Building a better, healthy, happier, wellness future
5. All new homes built in Oxfordshire should be built to zero carbon standards.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Zero carbon standards need to be a legal requirement.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Homes are one fo the biggest contributors to climate change and so should be a priority in our commitment to addressing the climate emergency.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Non brainer….obvs! 🙂
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Agree
As a benchmark, it’s good for people and the environment. However, it may not be completely achievable with some older houses and there is a lot of work to be done to make it an easy, practical and affordable option for home owners.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Agree
we should support this but recognise that for some homes, such as those which are Listed this may be a challenge.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
We need to stop waste and increase efficiency!
7. Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council should introduce policies that support the installation of renewable energy sources.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Agree
We should learn from previous government initiatives of this type and make sure that the process is a well-planned and coordinated, high-quality local service, using carefully assessed local energy companies.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Of course they should…..
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
This will require a thorough review. The biggest challenge will be monitoring that standards have actually been met.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Move to a carbon free future, without climate damaging consequences…
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Yes, working with everyone whose activities impact on biodiversity and green spaces – landowners, environmentalists, developers, farmers etc.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
As new housing developments have less amenity space than previously, green spaces have become more important. They contribute to our sense of community, well being and pride of place.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
WE are all inter connected, a world wide web of a global harmonious eco system, that needs protecting and cherishing for the planet’s well being
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.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
We need more trees! Not only to replace the large number that have been cut down but to increase Oxfordshire’s overall tree count.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Agree
I support, but it is key that appropriate species are chosen and that they are well maintained.
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
l support and feel this is essential to try and redress the imbalance between human activities and nature.
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).
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
Strongly agree
Absolutely. This will include Council procurement; local planning in relation to, for example, wholesale and farmers’ markets; support for smaller local farmers to get their produce to market; as well as new innovative ideas about how the City and Council Councils can change local practice in the longer term.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Strongly agree
Morris, Alistair – Green
Strongly agree
Makes sense…reduce our impact on the world’s finite resources, Keep LOCAL…!
12. Finally, in 100 words or less, please describe what you plan to contribute to ensuring a green and just recovery in Oxford/ Oxfordshire.
Archer, Maire – Liberal Democrat
The environment is one of the key concerns of Liberal Democrats. As a Marston Councillor I would support policies that aim to combat climate change and protect the environment while supporting low carbon sustainable travel and reduced motorized traffic, air pollution and noise.
Clarkson, Mary – Labour
Encourage local shopping through promoting Oxford’s Covered Market, Gloucester Green Market local shops and farmers’ markets; supporting cycling and walking through better lighting, signage and improved off road tracks and cycle racks.
Morris, Alistair – Green
All of the above! Am already initiatively promoting and encouraging a lot of these proposals, locally, here in Marston! 🙂
