Herefordshire Citizens’ Climate Assembly

Residents are being invited to help shape how Herefordshire Council meets the challenges of climate change by taking part in the Herefordshire Citizens’ Climate Assembly.

The Citizens’ Assembly brings together a representative group of people from across Herefordshire who have been independently selected. The people who attend will learn about issues, discuss them with one another, and then make recommendations about what should happen and how things should change. The assembly will support a range of voices from different walks of life to be heard, to contribute to decision making and in turn contribute to democracy.

A letter has been sent to 14,400 households in the county inviting them to register their interest in taking part in the Herefordshire Citizens’ Climate Assembly. From those who respond, a minimum of 48 participants will be selected by independent organisation The Sortition Foundation, to ensure that the final group represent the diversity of Herefordshire’s population.

The Citizens’ Climate Assembly will then meet in January to hear from expert speakers, discuss the issues involved and decide together what steps should be taken. Recommendations from the assembly will be used to influence council policy and spending priorities to help Herefordshire become a zero-carbon nature-rich county by 2030.

Councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet member economy and environment said:

“Climate change is a shared global challenge that requires urgent local action. That’s why we’re convening this Citizens’ Assembly to discuss ‘How should Herefordshire meet the challenges of climate change?’

“This Citizens’ Climate Assembly provides a way for the council to listen to what our residents are saying, and an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts and views on the policies and actions needed in Herefordshire. As a council, we recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and we’re determined to play our part in tackling it. The recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly will directly influence what we do.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this approach is that the Assembly is designed to represent the full range of people and opinions in the county.  I do hope that those who get an invitation to participate will take this opportunity to ensure the full range of voices in the county is heard.”

To find our more see www.herefordshire.gov.uk/citizensassembly