Environment & Climate

Barnsley Council plans to scrap climate emergency declaration and net-zero targets

The Reform UK-led authority announced a review to redirect resources to frontline services, following similar moves by other councils.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 00:33 UTC1 reports

The short version

Barnsley Council intends to rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration and end its Zero40 and Zero45 local net-zero strategies.
Council leader William Brown stated that climate initiatives lacking statutory requirements, cost savings, or direct resident benefits will be halted or revised.
An initial report assessing existing environmental programmes is scheduled for completion by late September.

Barnsley Council announced plans to repeal its 2019 climate emergency declaration and associated local net-zero goals, known as Zero40 and Zero45.[BBC News]
The council's Zero40 target aimed for net-zero council operations by 2040, while Zero45 targeted whole-borough net-zero emissions by 2045.[BBC News]
Council leader William Brown stated that the local authority will shift funding to frontline services while maintaining practical measures such as home energy efficiency and statutory obligations.[BBC News]
Other Reform UK-led local authorities, including Wakefield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sunderland, South Tyneside, and Walsall councils, have previously moved to rescind climate declarations.[BBC News]

The specific programmes that will be altered or canceled remain unconfirmed pending the completion of an initial review by the end of September.[BBC News]