Council’s sustainable development pledge

Powys County Council has made a landmark commitment to future proofing the county’s lives and communities.

The council has signed up to the Welsh Assembly Government's Sustainable Development Charter and has set out its intentions to find long-term sustainable business solutions that protect resources for future generations.

The Charter was profiled at the council’s Sustainability Standard Day, which saw two prominent experts in Sustainable Development address county councillors and senior officers.

Peter Davies, Chair of the Climate Change Commission in Wales, and Paul Allen, Director of the Centre for Alternative Technology, were guest speakers at the day, which enabled councillors and senior officers to evaluate and discuss current perceptions regarding the council's performance on sustainable development and identify potential areas for improvement.

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of people and communities today without compromising the needs of children and grandchildren.

Welsh Assembly Government's Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: “By signing the Charter, Powys is leading the way in ensuring their decisions promote the long-term, sustainable well-being of people and communities. This means moving away from decisions that promote short-term fixes that lock us into unsustainable patterns and lifestyles.”

The council will be asked to sign an annual challenge stating how it will continue to embed sustainable development into its operation.

Cllr Ken Harris, Board Member for Sustainability, said: “We are attempting to embed sustainability into our processes and signing the Charter demonstrates this commitment. Signing the Charter also contributes to our new vision of efficient services for the green heart of Wales.”

For more information visit www.powys.gov.uk/sustainability