The Council Plan
Climate change is identified as a key priority in the Council Plan for the 2023 to 2027 period, with the following ambition for the borough:
There is collective action to address and adapt to the climate and biodiversity emergency.
We will measure this by:
- increasing the correct use of recycling
- increasing the average energy efficiency rating of the housing stock in the borough
- a reduction in borough emissions
- increasing the installation of public electric vehicle charge points
- increasing new trees being supported to independent growth
This Climate Change Strategy will make sure the council achieves this ambition as well as supporting many of the other ambitions in the plan.
This strategy will also be supported by, and help to deliver on, key priorities in other council strategies and services including the following:
2024 to 2034 Economic Strategy
The 2024 to 2034 Economic Strategy has the following vision:
“By 2034, a growing and resilient economy that matches the best in Berkshire, supports, attracts, and retains high-quality businesses, promotes sustainable growth in clean and green, knowledge-based industries, and provides economic opportunity with good, secure jobs for our people who will have the skills to succeed.”
Climate action will be central to achieving these aims.
2024 to 2037 Local Transport Plan
The 2024 to 2037 Local Transport Plan reflects crucial links to decarbonisation in its vision:
“To develop a sustainable and resilient transport network that reduces carbon, provides choice and access for all in a safe and healthy environment, making Bracknell Forest a desirable place to live, work and grow.”
This is supported by a range of sub-documents for specific areas including the EV Charging Infrastructure and Walking and Cycling strategies.
2022 to 2026 Health and Wellbeing Strategy
The 2022 to 2026 Health and Wellbeing Strategy (PDF, 9.6 MB) has priorities that can be supported by climate action, or will be put at risk by climate change, such as:
- supporting emotional and physical health from birth to adulthood
- promoting mental health
- keeping residents safe from infectious diseases
- improving years lived with good health and happiness
Biodiversity Action Plan
The recently updated Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to support local biodiversity, green spaces and wildlife over the next 5 years and includes a range of objectives relevant to climate adaptation and mitigation from nature and land use perspectives.
2024 to 2037 Bracknell Forest Local Plan
The 2024 to 2037 Bracknell Forest Local Plan helps make sure future development can be directed to the most sustainable locations, reducing the need to travel by car. It also includes policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Other priorities
Other priorities include:
- financial hardship work, which aims to tackle the significant income disparities present in the borough and support the financial independence of disadvantaged residents
- the action to improve sustainable transport links in the borough and tackle air pollution, which presents a threat to the health of residents
- meeting legal duties to manage flood risk, conduct emergency planning, prevent homelessness and protect and promote the welfare of children