West Suffolk to strengthen climate action while helping cut energy bills

11 Aug 2026

With the UK seeing record temperatures, fires and hosepipe bans, West Suffolk Council has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing climate change whilst also saving residents and local businesses money.

Last month, Council backed a motion put forward by Cllr Janne Jarvis to reassert environmental priorities.

The motion, which was seconded by Cllr Carol Bull, agreed to:

• reaffirm the council’s commitment to practical environmental management, responding to climate change and strengthening local resilience
• support the continuation and strengthening of partnership working across Suffolk, to continue the sharing of expertise, data, practical experience and solutions
• ensure environmental work continues to be approached in a practical, evidence-led and financially responsible way, with proper regard to public benefit, deliverability, local resilience and long term-risks and costs.

Cllr Janne Jarvis, Ward Member for Newmarket North, said: “The drought and devastating fires we have seen here in Suffolk demonstrates why environmental resilience matters. My thoughts are with the communities affected and with our firefighters confronting these dangers on the front line.

“These dangers are not abstract, and this is not a drill. Our responsibility in West Suffolk is to act now in a practical, evidence-led and financially responsible way, protecting our communities and building greater resilience for the future. The motion is about continuing the practical work already underway, strengthening partnership working across Suffolk and making sure our decisions are grounded in evidence, public benefit and value for money.”

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory at West Suffolk Council, said: “The council’s focus is on delivering meaningful environmental benefits while also ensuring we support residents and businesses in reducing their energy costs. By welcoming this motion, we can drive positive outcomes alongside practical financial savings for our communities. We can all do our bit from recycling to making changes that are more environmentally friendly.”

Already this year, West Suffolk Council continued its commitment to delivering meaningful action to address the climate emergency and enhance the local environment. Building on a strong track record, this year saw further investment in renewable energy, biodiversity, waste reduction, sustainable transport, and partnerships that support greener communities.

The Solar for Business programme continued to support local businesses to reduce both carbon emissions and operating costs. During the year a further 503 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaic capacity was installed. The programme now supports 116 businesses and has delivered approximately 9 megawatts of installed solar capacity, helping participating businesses save an estimated 2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. It also saves businesses approximately £759,270 annually through the use of cheaper energy generated by the solar panels.

Work has begun on the solar canopies at Mildenhall Hub, which is expected to generate over £130,000 of electricity per year, provide protection against future grid price increases, and save over 124 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

During 2025 to 2026, 46 new 11kW chargers were installed across West Suffolk to aid residents without driveways in charging their electric vehicles (EVs). These new chargers are being delivered by Suffolk County Council, working in partnership with West Suffolk Council, as part of a successful £5.3 million bid to the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.

The council continues to support energy efficiency improvements through programmes including Warm Homes Suffolk and wider retrofit initiatives. Across Suffolk, 112 Warm Homes grants were delivered, including 15 properties in West Suffolk, helping residents reduce energy consumption and manage energy costs. The council also continued to promote financial inclusion and support vulnerable households through wider housing and community initiatives.

For more on the council’s work supporting environmental resilience, visit: Environment

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