A motion to tackle climate change received cross-party approval at a council meeting last night.

Dartford councillors from across the political spectrum supported the motion which commits the authority to improving its own carbon emissions.

The motion was submitted to Monday’s general assembly meeting by leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) and seconded by shadow deputy leader Cllr Laura Edie (Lab).

The council will look at ways it can inspire the community to make small changes to tackle rising global temperatures.

Cllr Kite was pleased political consensus could be reached on the motion.

“I’m delighted Dartford has been able to unite across party lines to recognise climate change is not only a serious issue but that councils and communities have a crucial part to play in tackling it," he said.

"This isn’t the sort of issue that ought to divide people and nor does it help to adopt entrenched or impractical positions."

The council also welcomed the government’s commitment to meet the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Cllr Kite hastened to add any 'wrangling' over measures should not restrict the council from acting 'as fast' as it can, however.

He said: "The truth is that some of the things we can achieve with our people, businesses and contractors will be much faster and some will play out over time.

"Our aim should be to go as far, and as fast, as we can while taking everyone with us and doing things that are practical and supportable."

Supporting the motion, Cllr Edie said: "This can start to feel like a pretty hopeless situation, but I believe that if we come together as both a council and a town, we can play our part in halting global warning.

"I am determined to leave this planet in a fit state for my daughter and the generations who follow, and am proud to be part of developing progressive policies to achieve this for Dartford.”

She pointed out 'one small council' could not solve all the issues alone and there would need to be co-operation with other authorities at all levels.

"One small council can’t tackle it alone because Dartford’s main problem is not caused by local traffic but by the huge amount of vehicles on the M25 and crossing," she said

"What we need to see is joined-up-thinking to tackle congestion, boost public transport and put air quality firmly on the agenda.”

The council also announced the creation of a cross-party group to drive forward its climate change agenda.

Independent councillors currently hold only three of the 42 seats at the council but Cllr Kite was keen to stress they too would have their say.

One of those independents, Cllr Sue Butterfill, who heads the Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents' Association, gave her support to the motion.

She said small initiatives such as the ‘Edible Garden' projects, which make use of underused spaces to grow fruit and vegetables, had a part to play.

"Rolling out ideas like this that help tackle social isolation and encourage people to eat more healthily as well as helping our planet are exactly the sort of projects we can work together to deliver.

"Exciting times are ahead," she added.

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