The Essex Climate Action Commission is pausing most of its work after Essex County Council, now run by Reform UK, withdrew staff and administrative support. The commission was launched in 2020 with cross-party backing and had a 100-point plan to make the county carbon neutral. 64 of those actions were in progress or completed, including new building rules for more energy efficient homes. The council says it will still work on water quality, nature recovery, and flood resilience, but the commission's chairman says the loss of support means projects will have to be cut back substantially. The council leader has previously promised to end what he called 'net stupid zero' policies and claims to have found 3 million pounds in savings by doing so. Commissioners and local politicians from other parties warn the move will cost Essex in lost investment and jobs, and could undermine clean energy plans for the East of England. The story highlights how local government shifts can directly affect climate action delivery, even when a commission has already completed 64 of its 100 planned actions.
