Barnet’s Labour councillors have called for the Council to develop a formal local heat plan to ensure staff and communities are protected during extreme weather temperatures given the likelihood of future extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Cllr Emma Whysall (High Barnet) made the proposal at this week’s Policy & Resources Committee (19 July) following the two-day heatwave that saw temperatures in London reach 40 degrees. Cllr Whysall also asked the Committee to put on record its thanks to all staff for their work during the heatwave, especially those who had been undertaking strenuous manual work outside in the heat.

For the recent hot weather the Council used the national Heatwave Plan for England, and its arrangements to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff were in line with other London Boroughs.

At the Policy & Resources meeting officers agreed to look at developing a local plan, including identifying areas with higher heat risk, cooler areas, and places with air conditioning in the borough, and bring any proposals back to a future meeting of the relevant committee (Constitution & General Purposes Committee).

Cllr Emma Whysall said:
“It is clear that this week’s weather is not a one-off incident, and we are likely to see repeated hot weather alerts going forward. To ensure there is continuity of service for our residents, and the health and safety of both residents and staff are protected, it is important the Council has a heat plan in place for the future.”

Ends.
Notes:
A copy of the Heatwave Plan for England can be found here: https://www.local.gov.uk/heatwave-plan-england