Ceredigion County Council has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 but “disappointingly” stopped short of declaring a climate crisis after a mix-up with an amendment.

At a full council meeting on Thursday members were due to vote on a motion put by Cllr Mark Strong calling on the authority to “declare that there is a climate crisis in our county.”

Cllr Strong said this highlights the “considerable steps” taken to reduce carbon and waste within the authority while also placing further reductions at the “heart” of future plans.

He added an amendment on the day of the meeting that the council commit to reviewing its capital investments with a view to making carbon reductions, which was rejected by officers.

A further amendment, however, was put by Cllr Alun Williams, Cabinet member for adult services and the authority’s sustainability champion, that the council “commit to making Ceredigion a net zero carbon local authority by 2030 and developing a clear plan for a route towards this within 12 months.”

This amendment was approved, but a mix-up meant that Cllr Strong’s motion was not voted on, meaning the council did not formally declare a climate crisis.

Both Cllr Strong and council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn questioned the interpretation of the constitution, with a row between councillors and officers ensuing, and Cllr Strong calling on his motion to be voted on again.

“I was very disappointed and upset that due to the misunderstanding the climate crisis hasn’t officially been made,” he told the Cambrian News.

“This is so important and here in Ceredigion we should be self-sufficient."

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