A sustainability network in Carlisle has expressed concern over the potential environmental impact of the new unitary councils that have been announced for Cumbria.

The county recently took a big step forward with plans for new unitary councils following approval from Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick on July 21.

Two unitary councils will be established - an east unitary council covering Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland, and a west unitary council covering Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland.

Henry Goodwin of the Carlisle Sustainable Network said he was concerned that the move would worsen - what he believed to be - Carlisle City Council's "foot-dragging" on climate action.

"The concern that some members raised was that there was more willingness to look at sustainability in other parts of Cumbria, like Eden and the South Lakes," said Mr Goodwin.

"There are concerns that Carlisle will be part of the west, which are central areas for the nuclear industry and we felt that it might have an impact on Carlisle becoming less active in pursuing policies that were related more to the climate crisis.

"We feel that at the moment we have got enough problems with foot-dragging.

"Some things are being done, but we certainly believe that there isn’t enough being done.

"We feel that it might be further slowed by this reorganisation."

Mr Goodwin added that he feels that the need to tackle climate change in the county is urgent.

He said: "We’re seeing now that climate change has arrived in Britain.

"Things that have been happening around the world are now happening here.

"We’re beginning to talk about how the climate has changed for good here, which has got implications for flooding, farming,and food.

“We’re concerned that the council isn’t on the ball here and about the impact that might have.

“There might be further foot-dragging when this [unitary council] change happens."

The Sustainable Carlisle Network have also called for a citizens jury on climate change in Carlisle, similar to the Copeland Peoples' Panel on Climate Change.

"These conversations are not happening in Carlisle and we are pushing to get more serious action," said Mr Goodwin.

"The impact may be that that continues to slow down and that the seriousness is not there.

"There are concerns that the lack of urgency that has been shown so far within Carlisle City Council may increase because of the changes."

Carlisle City Council's Portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, Nigel Christian, said the council are committed to "ensuring that services are delivered in a way that protects the quality of the environment".

He said: "We have made a commitment to tackle climate change and we will play our role in protecting the environment.

"We have put in place a programme of action and are working to encourage behavioural change.

"We, along with our partners, are committed to ensuring that services are delivered in a way that protects the quality of the environment and minimises any adverse impact on community well-being.

"We are part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership that successfully bid for £2.5 million of National Lottery funding to cut carbon emissions in the county.

"We are working to reduce our carbon footprint and are supporting the installation of electric charging points within the city and are striving to have a more efficient fleet of council vehicles. We already have in place several 100% electric vehicles and aim to extend the number of charging points within our car parks.

"We are working with Cumbria County Council on their walking and cycling strategy with the aim of promoting sustainable transport.

"Other initiatives include sustainable planning for St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.

"This exciting initiative aims to achieve zero carbon communities in as far as this is possible.

"The Energy Masterplan in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal will also deliver bespoke plans for the area and improvements to Carlisle Railway Station, providing a transport hub to encourage the use of sustainable transport.

"We will continue to take positive steps forward and are committed to our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

"The unitary councils in Cumbria will come into place in April 2023.

"Their vision and priorities will be set by the new councils however we anticipate that the new councils will drive forward the climate change agenda already in place and we will be encouraging them to do so."

The Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, has asked the existing councils and their partners to work collaboratively and constructively together to drive forward the process of establishing unitary councils while plans are laid before Parliament for approval.

This follows an announcement by the Prime Minister whereby he set out his vision to level up and unite the whole of the United Kingdom.

In a speech, he set out the Government’s role to empower strong local leaders by taking a more flexible approach to devolution, with new ‘county deals'; focus on growing the private sector by creating the conditions for long-term growth and productivity; Invest in infrastructure and connectivity; ensure that people have access to good public services, and the skills and training needed to get good jobs; Improve the quality of life in communities through cutting crime and regenerating towns and high streets.

Moving forward, the necessary secondary legislation will be put in place subject to Parliamentary approval, to implement the decisions which have been made for the area.

At the turn of the year, a draft structural changes order will be laid in Parliament.

This will include plans for the necessary transitional arrangements, including for elections in May 2022 for the future unitary councils.

For more information on the work the Sustainable Carlisle Network do, visit their website at http://www.sustainablecarlisle.org/about.

You can also find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/318769556648.