Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel final session | 18 October 2025 

The Citizens’ Panel held its final session on 18 October, concluding their in-person journey focused on answering the following overarching question: 

What local actions can we take to address climate change and protect the environment? 

Throughout the process, participants explored the following key topics: 

• Climate change basics
• Transport
• Green spaces
• Housing 

Each topic was supported by expert talks and discussions. In the final session, panel members took the lead in drafting and refining specific and actionable recommendations, with guidance and facilitation provided by Shared Future. 

Panel members are now working to prioritise and refine the draft recommendations, which will form the report to Elmbridge Borough Council. 

Cllr Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability commented: 

We hope participants found the experience valuable and rewarding, and we encourage them to continue working together to bring their ideas to life. 

This panel has been an innovative and effective way to drive local climate action. We hope it inspires others to join the efforts already underway by community groups championing sustainability across Elmbridge. 

Looking ahead, we’re optimistic that the new unitary authority covering Elmbridge will take these recommendations forward and develop plans for their implementation. 

Next Steps 

Panel recommendations and the report review will conclude in November and be considered by the Advisory Group. They will then go through the council’s decision-making process and are expected to be presented at Cabinet in the new year. We’ll share updates as things progress. 

Find more information about the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel.