Budleigh Salterton Town Council: Working Towards a Sustainable Future
Budleigh Salterton Town Council (BSTC) is pleased to share the positive steps being taken towards achieving the Council’s net zero goals.
In 2019, the Town Council made a clear commitment to reach net zero by 2050, with an interim target of a 50% reduction by 2030. Since then, many excellent initiatives have been delivered across the town, with individuals and community groups working hard to reduce their own environmental impact.
The Council recognises, however, that it must now take decisive and coordinated action to remain on track to meet its organisational targets. In light of this, Budleigh Salterton Town Councillors have developed a revised BSTC Climate Action Plan and, as part of that process, agreed to redefine the Climate Group to ensure it continues to play a central role in supporting the community’s sustainability journey [Min 25.249]
A Practical and Achievable Plan
It was agreed that the previous Climate Action Plan, while comprehensive, would benefit from simplification to make it more practical and achievable. By focusing on a smaller number of clear, realistic actions, the Council aims to make measurable progress in reducing its carbon footprint while inspiring residents and local groups to do the same.
To support this work, Councillors identified two key workstreams:
- To progress the Town Council’s own commitment to assessing and reducing its carbon footprint and moving towards net zero.
- To support the wider community and residents in advancing local and personal initiatives.
Strengthening Collaboration and Accountability
Councillors recognised the valuable role played by the Climate Group in engaging the community and raising awareness of environmental issues. However, it was felt that establishing a dedicated Climate Change and Environment Committee (CEC), made up of Town Councillors, while allowing the Climate Group to operate independently of Council business, would improve coordination, governance, and accountability.
This new structure will ensure that climate-related initiatives are fully embedded in Council decision-making, aligned with other committees, and reported clearly and transparently.
By simplifying the Climate Action Plan and establishing the new Committee, Budleigh Salterton Town Council aims to provide a clear and practical framework for achieving its climate goals.
The Council also wishes to support and facilitate an independent, community-led Climate Group, bringing together local organisations and motivated individuals who are keen to champion initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Celebrating Community Action
Budleigh Salterton Town Council congratulates Sue Glover and the Plastic Free Budleigh Team on achieving Plastic Free Status for Budleigh — a significant accomplishment and a great example of effective community action.
The Terms of Reference for the newly created Climate and Environment Committee (CEC) and the revised Climate Action Plan are available to view below. Both are designed to guide BSTC, with the support of the CEC, towards a more sustainable future.
The work of the CEC will be facilitated by Chair Cllr Jan Billington, with Cllrs Catriona Cunningham, Phil Jones, Penny Lewis, and Lesley Miszewska completing the committee.
To support the ongoing work of the Climate Group, a meeting will be scheduled shortly to discuss its future direction and to agree on how BSTC can best facilitate and strengthen its role moving forward.
Feedback from residents and community groups is always welcome.
Date: 21 October 2025