Political view: Environmental action is not just good for the planet, it makes financial sense for Peterborough

Here in Peterborough, going green is not simply about reducing carbon emissions or protecting the environment for future generations. It is also about saving money, strengthening our local economy and helping families cope with the pressures of rising household costs.

Too often, environmental policies are portrayed as expensive or inconvenient. The reality is very different. Many of the steps that reduce energy consumption are also the same steps that cut household bills. We know Peterborough is one of the more deprived areas in the East of England, so a cost of living crisis is even more of a challenge for our city.

As Cabinet Member for Environment it was an honour to officially open and help out at the Second Chance School Uniform Pop-Up shop on 31st July. This award-winning partnership between Peterborough City Council, Roots and Rise and the Co-Op demonstrates how environmental action and support for families can go hand in hand. By enabling residents to donate, swap and collect free school uniforms, the scheme reduces waste, saves money and strengthens community ties, with hundreds of local families already benefiting – over 600 just on 31st July. The project continues to go from strength to strength, moving to new premises in St Peter’s Arcade over the summer. 

This is exactly the kind of approach I want to see as part of the cross-party administration that runs Peterborough City Council. The Liberal Democrat tradition is rooted in collaboration. Whether working with residents, businesses, charities or political opponents, the focus is on building partnerships that deliver practical solutions for local communities. In an increasingly complex world, successful local government depends not on working alone but on bringing people together around shared objectives. 

By working together, we can tackle the biggest environmental issues facing our city.

Our recycling rate is just below the national average at 39%, which is less than the peak of 2014/15 of 46.6%. I want us to aspire to match the best performing councils which achieve recycling rates above 55-60%. It is worth noting that 8 out of the 10 best performing councils are run by Liberal Democrats, and I will seek to work with colleagues from these councils to see what we can learn and apply to Peterborough. Every tonne recycled is a tonne that does not have to be processed as residual waste. That means lower disposal costs, reduced environmental impact and more money available for the local services residents rely on.

Tackling the blight of fly-tippling will require a multi-agency approach. The unanimous support of Cllr Mark Ormston’s motion on publishing data shows cross-party will for progress on this issue, and I look forward to hearing the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group on this issue.

My approach has always been that I am happy to talk to anyone who will work with me for the benefit of our residents. Together we can make Peterborough a better, and greener, place to live.