Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel sets out priorities to shape local climate action

On 4 February, Elmbridge Cabinet will consider a series of actions to combat climate change recommended by local residents.

The recommendations have come from the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizen’s Panel, the first group of its type in the county to bring forward suggestions following a citizen assembly process.

The Panel brought together 22 residents selected to reflect the borough’s demographic profile. Between June and October 2025, Panel members took part in five full day workshops on transport, housing, planning and green spaces. Supported by expert speakers, independent facilitators Shared Future and a multi partner Advisory Group, the Panel combined evidence with their own experiences to identify practical ways to reduce emissions, improve air quality and support a healthier environment locally.

The 18 recommendations fall into three areas:

1. actions Elmbridge can deliver now
2. long term actions as part of the new Local Plan preparation process, which will set out where new homes, jobs and facilities should go and rules to be followed by developers to protect the character, environment and infrastructure of the area.
3. measures for Surrey County Council, national government or the future East Surrey Council

Immediate actions residents will see

Cabinet Members are asked to approve the delivery, of measures including:

• energy efficiency support for residents, including roadshows, information packs and food waste reduction campaigns
• more sustainable management of parks and open spaces
• improved active travel, including cycle hire promotion, training and scoping for new cycle storage sites
• support for social housing providers, including sharing good practice and hosting an energy efficiency conference.
• climate focused training for Councillors and council employees

Approval to deliver these recommendations ensures the council can act quickly on the high impact measures backed by residents to maintain momentum on information, engagement and active travel support ahead of the wider transformation of local government in Surrey.

Long‑term and partnership actions

Some recommendations will need to be considered through the new Local Plan preparation process. Others, such as major public transport and infrastructure improvements, require action by Surrey County Council or national government. The council will continue working with partners, engaging local MPs on the national policy changes required and sharing findings with the new East Surrey Unitary Authority once formed.

Next steps

If approved, Elmbridge Borough Council will:

• start delivering the agreed recommendations valued at approximately £20,000
• brief MPs on actions requiring national policy changes
• work with Surrey County Council ahead of local government reorganisation in Surrey
• support research, including an academic paper about the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel by the University of Surrey
• present the Panel’s work at the Surrey Climate Commission event

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

I’m grateful to the 22 residents who invested their time and insight to shape Elmbridge’s climate priorities. Their recommendations give us a clear, practical route to cut emissions, improve air quality and make everyday life greener in Elmbridge. Cabinet will now consider a delivery programme for 2026/2027 so we can move quickly on the measures within our remit, and continue working with Surrey County Council and government on the bigger system changes.

For further information on the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel and read their recommendations in the Cabinet report.