Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel submits recommendations

After five workshops across this summer and autumn, the Citizens’ Panel has completed its mission: bringing together a set of practical, community-driven recommendations now submitted to the Climate Change Advisory Group, laying the foundation for meaningful local action. 

Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Sustainability, Councillor Ashley Tilling, said: 

Tackling climate change requires more than policy: it requires partnership and community support. Real change happens when communities come together to support shared goals. That’s why initiatives like the Citizens’ Panel are important to trial and evaluate. 
I want to express my sincere thanks to the panel for their dedication and hard work. Their contributions have been outstanding, and the recommendations they produced are impressive in both scope and their emphasis on practical measures we can implement moving forward.

The Citizens’ Panel was designed to reflect the diversity of Elmbridge, bringing together residents from different backgrounds and neighbourhoods. Over five intensive sessions - 30 hours in total - the panel explored challenges across topics they chose, which included transport, housing, planning and green spaces. Guided by expert insights and personal experiences, they developed a set of recommendations aimed at reducing emissions, improving air quality and creating a healthier, more sustainable borough. 

These recommendations are now being reviewed by the council’s Climate Change Overview Panel and will go before Cabinet in the New Year for consideration. They will also be shared with councillors, MPs, other key stakeholders and residents to ensure broad collaboration in tackling climate change. 

Why this matters: 

Cleaner air, improved mental and physical health and lower energy bills are all within reach, if we act together as a community. Even as Local Government Reorganisation progresses, this initiative provides a model for community engagement and collective action. 

Next steps: 

The council will review which recommendations can be put into action in the coming months and ensure they help shape priorities for the new East Surrey authority as it takes form. 

Read more information and updates.

View Cllr Ashley Tilling’s video providing an overview of the Climate Change Citizens’ Panel work.