Council approves Climate Change Citizens’ Panel recommendations

The Council has approved 18 recommendations from the Climate Change Citizens’ Panel, a group of 22 residents selected to reflect Elmbridge’s demographic profile. The panel met between June and October 2025 to explore practical ways to cut emissions, improve air quality and support a greener borough.

The recommendations cover actions the council can take now, longer‑term measures to be considered through the new Local Plan, and areas requiring action from Surrey County Council, national government or the future East Surrey Unitary Authority.

What residents will see first
The council will begin delivering a range of measures, including:

• energy‑efficiency support such as roadshows, information packs and food‑waste reduction campaigns
• more sustainable parks and open‑space management
• improved active travel initiatives, including cycle hire promotion and exploring new storage locations
• support for social housing providers through shared best practice
• climate training for councillors and staff

Long‑term and partnership actions
Some recommendations will feed into the Local Plan, while larger projects such as public transport improvements will require joint work with Surrey County Council and central government. Findings will also be shared with the new East Surrey Unitary Authority once established.

Next steps
 Elmbridge Borough Council will now:

• begin delivering agreed actions valued at around £20,000
• brief MPs on recommendations needing national policy change
• work with Surrey County Council ahead of reorganisation
• support further research, including a University of Surrey academic paper
• present the Panel’s work at a Surrey Climate Commission event

 Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said:
 “I’m grateful to the 22 residents who helped shape Elmbridge’s climate priorities. Their recommendations give us a clear, practical route to cut emissions and improve air quality. Cabinet will now consider a delivery programme for 2026/27 so we can progress the measures within our remit and work with Surrey County Council and government on wider system changes.”

Further information, including the full recommendations, is available in the Cabinet report.