Article from National Association of Local Councils (NALC)
NALC’s Star Council Awards are the pinnacle of nationwide recognition for parish and town councils. These prestigious awards celebrate the innovation, dedication, and outstanding achievements of parish and town councils, councillors, young councillors, county associations, and clerks. Parish and town councils are the heartbeat of communities, driving initiatives that enrich the lives of residents and enhance the vitality of local areas. These awards highlight the exceptional efforts of these councils, showcasing the remarkable projects and services that make a difference every day.
The awards span various categories, ensuring every aspect of parish and town council work is celebrated. The Star Council Awards will culminate in a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords on 25 February 2025, where winners will be announced and celebrated. This event is more than an awards night, it celebrates the power of local governance and community spirit. It’s an opportunity to network, share success stories, and inspire others.
Climate Response of the Year – Highlighting innovative projects that show an understanding of climate change and how its impact is being mitigated locally.
Sponsored by Facilitating the Future
- Chippenham Town Council, Wiltshire
Cate Watson, the climate and biodiversity officer for Chippenham Town Council, has been pivotal in advancing the town’s climate initiatives and biodiversity efforts. Under her leadership, the Neighbourhood Plan mandates net-zero carbon emissions for new developments, promoting energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, and sustainable design. Cate has established a comprehensive reporting framework for assessing climate impacts and implemented a procurement policy focused on minimising waste and holding suppliers accountable for reducing carbon emissions.
Cate has engaged the community through various initiatives, including the planting of a Tiny Forest and two Residential Tree schemes, enabling residents and businesses to obtain free trees. She organised the Eco Future Fest, a community event that provided resources and knowledge on sustainability, featuring workshops on mending clothes and promoting circular economy practices. These projects foster local collaboration and demonstrate a commitment to enhancing community resilience against climate change.
Furthermore, Cate’s efforts have led to the planting of 4,500 trees, the implementation of sustainable drainage systems in new developments, and a Climate and Ecological Donation scheme supporting local charities focused on climate resilience. Through partnerships with organisations like Wessex Water and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, she has created a network of support for biodiversity and sustainability initiatives. Cate Watson’s dedication and collaborative approach make her a deserving recipient of the Climate Response of the Year award.
- Exmouth Town Council, Devon
Zoey Cooper, the climate officer for Exmouth Town Council (ETC), has been instrumental in embedding climate and nature emergency considerations into the town’s decision-making processes for over a decade. Following the declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, the council established a dedicated Climate and Ecological Emergency Working Party, allocated a budget of £2,500, and appointed an external auditor to assess the council’s carbon footprint. The recent endorsement of the Climate Action Plan in March 2023 reflects a commitment to extending the original action points and aligning with broader regional climate strategies.
Under Zoey’s leadership, ETC has initiated numerous projects aimed at promoting sustainability and enhancing biodiversity. These initiatives include planting a Tiny Forest, replacing bus shelter roofs with sedum, and protecting local verges that host rare species. Additionally, the council has endorsed the Plant Based Treaty and implemented the Exmouth Reusable Cup Scheme to reduce single-use plastics. By encouraging active travel and public transport through community programmes like e-cargo bike sharing and bicycle refurbishment, Zoey promotes a holistic approach to reducing the town’s carbon footprint.
Zoey also engages the community through climate workshops, film nights, and a quarterly newsletter, fostering a culture of sustainability and collaboration. The establishment of a monthly roundtable in the Community Eco Hub brings together various local groups and stakeholders to collectively address climate issues and promote resilience. Through these efforts, Zoey Cooper exemplifies exceptional leadership in climate response, making her a deserving candidate for the Climate Response of the Year award.
- Falmouth Town Council, Cornwall
Karen Hall, the strategic environment project officer for Falmouth Town Council, has played a pivotal role in the town’s commitment to addressing climate change since the declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019. Under her guidance, the council adopted the Motion for the Ocean in 2020 and established a Neighbourhood Plan that emphasises sustainable development and environmental protection. The recent publication of the second carbon audit underscores Falmouth’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030, with all committee decisions now required to consider environmental impacts.
Collaboration is key to Falmouth’s environmental initiatives, with the council actively engaging local organisations such as Community Energy Plus, Plastic Free Falmouth, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This cooperative spirit is evident in efforts to enhance biodiversity, including tree planting projects and community-led climate reduction symposiums. The council also supports environmental grants and has implemented a Community Emergency Plan to address flooding risks, showcasing a proactive approach to local environmental challenges.
Falmouth Town Council leverages its partnerships with two world-class universities to implement energy-saving projects and promote community resilience. In 2024, a series of events brought together various stakeholders to share sustainability initiatives, including the Great Big Green Week at the library, which engaged 150 residents. Karen’s leadership and the council’s comprehensive strategies exemplify a strong commitment to climate action, making her a deserving candidate for the Climate Response of the Year award.
- Godalming Town Council, Surrey
Godalming Town Council (GTC) has integrated its response to climate change and biodiversity into its decision-making framework following significant local flooding events. The climate emergency is a central element of the council’s Corporate Plan, which emphasises environmental impact. Key actions include the publication of an annual carbon audit, efforts towards carbon neutrality for council-managed properties, and initiatives to enhance biodiversity through altered land management practices. As of August 2024, GTC has transitioned its maintenance vehicles from diesel to electric, and four out of seven properties are on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025/26.
The council provides grant funding to local organisations for projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints and energy usage. Examples include funding for the replacement of sodium floodlights with LED technology, the establishment of a community “nappy library” to promote reusable products, and support for a repair café to extend the life of household items. Additionally, GTC has collaborated with local schools and community groups to create community orchards and gardens, contributing to local food production and biodiversity.
In terms of flood management, GTC has taken a proactive role as the riparian owner of local watercourses. The council facilitated the installation of Telemetric Loggers to enhance early flood warning systems and partnered with Thames Water to mitigate sewer flooding risks. GTC contributed significantly to a £4.5 million flood defense project, despite being the smallest partner, by providing land and funding, thereby ensuring the protection of over 130 properties. The council also organises community events, such as the Godalming Green Gala, to promote environmental awareness and encourage local action on climate issues.
- West Monkton Parish Council, Somerset
West Monkton Parish Council (WMPC) has integrated climate change considerations into its planning and strategies since declaring a climate emergency in 2019. The neighbourhood plan, revised in 2021, emphasises climate action in all its objectives, including measures for active travel, high energy efficiency in buildings, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In 2024, WMPC introduced a strategic plan that prioritises the local environment, focusing on various initiatives to enhance and protect the community’s surroundings.
To engage residents, WMPC actively promotes climate initiatives through a communications schedule on social media, localising national campaigns such as water-saving weeks and recycling days. Community-driven projects include a Community Fridge that has saved 70,000 kg of food from waste, tree planting efforts, and educational farm walks. WMPC also organizes events like bicycle festivals and clothing swap meets, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental awareness.
Additionally, WMPC is taking proactive steps to mitigate climate-related risks, particularly flooding. They have developed a multi-agency approach to identify and implement natural flood prevention measures and offer climate resilience grants to residents for property improvements like solar panel installation. The council maintains essential emergency equipment and has registered its community hall as a safety hub during extreme weather events, showcasing its commitment to building a resilient community in the face of climate challenges.