COUNCILLORS have approved Basildon's first ever climate change policy which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the borough net-zero carbon by 2050.

The district council will take a lead in reducing its own emissions by decarbonising its buildings and taking steps such as replacing gas boilers with electric boilers, making use of government grant funding as it becomes available.

The council will also work with partners in order to ensure that the borough remains adaptable and resilient to the challenges arising from this issue.

Residents can already apply for a Green Homes Grant from the government to make energy improvements to their homes.

The primary aim of the policy is to set out the council's high level aspirations around climate change and how it proposes to manage its impacts on residents, businesses and the local environment. A detailed strategy setting out how this will be achieved is currently being compiled.

Chairman of the Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Cllr David Harrison said: "Climate change is a global issue but we can all do our bit. Even small changes can make a big difference when we're all pulling in the same direction.

"This council is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and that of our residents and businesses so next steps will be for officers to develop a climate change strategy and action plan to deliver the aims of this policy.

"We need to embed climate related considerations into the decision making process so that we can lead in making the necessary changes across the council and help our residents and businesses become more energy efficient."