Havering Council has voted to rescind its declaration of a Climate Emergency, a move brought forward by the Reform UK Havering Group. The decision was made during a council meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with the motion passing by 32 votes to 13, and one abstention.

The Reform UK group argued that the declaration had created a policy direction that was disproportionate, financially burdensome and insufficiently balanced against the Council's wider responsibilities. They specifically cited concerns that the declaration was insufficiently balanced against the Council's wider responsibilities, including affordability for residents, support for local businesses, value for money, statutory service delivery and the Council's overall financial resilience.

Following the rescission of the Climate Emergency declaration, future environmental activity is to be considered through a balanced framework focusing on affordability, value for money, statutory responsibility, deliverability, resident impact, and local environmental benefit. The motion also resolved To request that officers identify any Council strategies, plans, targets, reporting arrangements, decision-making frameworks, workstreams, or budgetary provisions that are directly dependent upon or materially shaped by the previous Climate Emergency declaration or any non-statutory net zero-related ambitions.

An amendment by the Havering Aligned Residents' Association Group, which sought to review the Climate Emergency Strategy rather than rescind the declaration, was not agreed. This group proposed that the council should pursue environmental or net zero-related policies that take into consideration unnecessary costs, restriction, or pressure on residents, motorists, businesses, or essential Council services. They also highlighted the importance of reviewing all grant opportunities available to the Council for environmental improvements.

Councillor Khuram Amin, moving the Reform UK motion, stated that while cleaner air and healthier communities are desired, supporting these should not come at the expense of transparency or accountability. He highlighted the unique transport challenges faced by Havering as an outer London borough, where many residents rely on cars due to limited public transport alternatives. These challenges include higher levels of car dependency, fewer public transport alternatives in certain areas, and greater reliance on vehicles by tradespeople, carers, small businesses, and working residents.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the financial implications of environmental policies and the need for a balanced approach. The full details of the council's decisions can be found in the Decisions 22nd-Jul-2026 19.30 Council.pdf.