Westmorland and Furness Council is continuing to build momentum on its journey towards a greener, more sustainable future, marking another year of progress made through its Climate Action Plan.
Since adopting Part Two of its Climate Action Plan in January 2024, the Council has continued to embed climate actions across all areas of its work - from the way services are delivered, to how decisions are made - to help the area reach net zero by 2037, and the Council itself as soon as possible.
The Plan sets out a five-year programme of actions across six key themes: the way we live, the way we work, the way we produce energy, the way we protect and enhance nature, the way we use things, and the way we travel.
The Climate Action Plan was designed to be a living document, reviewed regularly and updated annually to ensure actions remain relevant and responsive. Over the past year, the Council has undertaken its second annual review and update, assessing progress, refining actions and strengthening its focus on delivery.
Across 2025/26, significant steps have been taken under each of the Plan’s six themes including:
- The funding and expansion of the Green Doctor programme across Westmorland and Furness, helping to give advice to residents on how to make their homes more energy efficient.
- The hosting of events and activities in libraries such as climate cafes to encourage engagement with climate and environmental issues.
- The completion of building surveys to explore opportunities to decarbonise schools across Westmorland and Furness.
- The holding of community ‘take back’ events for unwanted daily aids to living such as shower chairs and commodes to help reduce waste and allow the items to be reused.
- Working in partnership to deliver a pilot project supporting local food as part of the Innovate UK Place to Plate project.
- The introduction of an EV salary sacrifice scheme to council staff.
- The delivery of national energy efficiency and retrofit schemes including Local Authority Delivery (LAD), Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG) and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) to support homeowners in accessing accredited advice on house retrofitting and energy.
- The development of the active travel digital platform to encourage and engage residents with cycling, walking and wheeling.
These steps have been supported by the agreement of several key strategies and delivery plans, including:
- The Council’s Annual Plan – setting out the key priorities for the coming year including tackling climate change and protecting the environment, with continued action to support sustainability and planning for a greener future.
- Inclusive and Green Economic Growth Strategy – setting out a long-term vision for a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable economy over the next decade.
- Sustainable Buildings Strategy – shaping the way council buildings and schools are refurbished and constructed in the years ahead.
Councillor John Murray, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services, said:
“The past year has seen real progress in delivering our Climate Action Plan and embedding sustainability across all aspects of our work. We are building on last year’s momentum and continuing to deliver - putting in place the strategies, partnerships and practical steps needed to cut emissions and protect our natural environment.
“This year’s annual review of the Climate Action Plan shows that we are on the right track - but we know there is more work to be done. Being ecologically aware is one of our core values and it underpins everything we do as a council.”
Partnership working has remained central to progress, with the Council continuing to collaborate with a wide range of partners. This includes:
- Working with partners to support the delivery of our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.
- Working with a range of partners to implement Cumbria’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy to generate investment in nature recovery.
- Supporting partners such as the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership to engage with the public, local schools and youth organisations on the importance of climate action and biodiversity.
- Working in partnership with Futureproof Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism and local businesses to deliver the Innovate UK funded Rural Net-Zero project, exploring the principles of circular economy, green finance and local food systems.
- Delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (including Rural England Prosperity Fund) through working with partners to support rural and green business grants, business start-up, and create a social enterprise zone for Westmorland and Furness.
Alongside this, the Council is working to ensure that communities and organisations across the area remain part of a shared effort to tackle climate change.
Councillor Murray, added:
“Climate change remains the defining challenge of our time, but it is also an opportunity to create a healthier, greener and more resilient Westmorland and Furness. Working with our partners and communities, we are committed to maintaining momentum and leading the way towards our shared ambition of net zero by 2037.”
As the Council looks to the year ahead, the focus will remain on delivery, translating plans into tangible results, monitoring progress and continuing to support residents, businesses and communities to take action on climate change.
The latest Climate Action Plan can be viewed on our website.
