A plan to make Basildon Council's operations carbon net-zero by 2030, and across the borough by 2050 is moving forward.

Councillors on the Leisure and Environment Committee have reviewed the authority's plans and have agreed to set up a cross-party working group to help the council respond to the impacts of climate change.

In June the council launched its Small Changes, Big Impact, climate change campaign which is aimed at encouraging residents and business to make the small but necessary changes required to tackle this global issue.

The council is leading in reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonising its buildings and taking steps such as replacing gas boilers with electric boilers and making use of government grant funding as it becomes available.

Chair of the Leisure and Environment Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "Each of us can make a difference with small changes to our everyday lifestyles like using the car less or lowering the thermostat. As an authority we have an opportunity to make slightly bigger changes to the way we operate.

"We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and we must consider climate related issues as part of our decision-making process going forward. It's crucial that we take a lead in making the changes needed across the council and help our residents become more energy efficient."

Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott added: "The evidence is indisputable climate change is happening and we are taking up the challenge to do all we can as an organisation to reduce the greenhouse gases we produce.

"We can all make a big impact by introducing small changes to our lives like walking to work or taking a bus once a week it can make a big difference to our air quality."