The Administration’s motion to rescind the Climate Emergency declaration, has been agreed by Members at Full Council on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
The approved motion makes clear that environmental improvement remains a key priority for the Council and that action to improve Havering’s environment will continue.
In the motion, the Administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and enhancing the local environment while adopting a balanced, practical approach that focuses on delivering tangible benefits for residents, communities and businesses.
It also set out that the Administration believes that environmental policies and investment should be guided by practical outcomes, local priorities, affordability, value for money and the Council’s responsibility to deliver high-quality services for residents.
Priorities will be based on what delivers the greatest local benefit, whether that is maintaining clean streets, protecting parks and green spaces, enhancing biodiversity, improving waste services, strengthening flood resilience or investing in sustainability projects that provide clear value for money.
Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Keith Prince AM, said:
“We don’t need a climate emergency in place that will force the Council to try and meet arbitrary targets that cost the taxpayer money.
“We therefore put forward a motion to rescind the Climate Emergency declaration after the last Administration brought it in.
“We believe that effective environmental action does not depend on a symbolic declaration, but on delivering practical action that improves residents’ quality of life and protects the borough’s natural environment for future generations.
“It is clear we need to make sure we have a great place to live, with clean and safe parks and streets, however we don’t want to pursue net zero-related policies when they place unnecessary cost or restriction on residents, motorists, businesses, or essential Council services.
“Therefore, ending the Climate Emergency declaration does not mean that we will stop sensible and costed environmental improvements which need to take place, but we will look to consider local needs first, not trying to meet any costly targets.”